The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
Exceptionally Large and Rare Custom Made Murano Stairway Chandelier, Italy 2006.
Located in Rome, IT
Modular construction made of cylindrical cullet elements. The set includes different sizes, which can be connected with a strong, load-bearing steel cable through the centre of the M...
Blown Glass
Modern Table Lamps with Blue Murano Glass and Brass, Italy, New Design
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of modern lamps made with brass structures and blue hand-blown drum shaped Murano glass components. Each piece has hand-blown circular pieces of blue glass stacked around a bras...
Brass
Ceiling Lamp with Bronze Highlight Finish, Clear and Frosted Glass
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This ceiling lamp features an octagonal frame with clear glass rods on its side panels, creating a sparkling and refined light effect. The frosted glass diffuser at the bottom concea...
Bronze
Collectible Sculptural Pendant Light by Studio Mirei with Costantini, Nebula 40
Located in New York, NY
The Nebula collection is drawn out of the interstellar clouds of dust and gas in space - regions where stars begin to form. Made of a woven natural fiber from the banana tree, which ...
Natural Fiber
“Tiffany” contemporary bowtie Wall Sconce 25, silk, Brass, Silvered Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TIFFANY The first one, Audrey inspired the iconic Introducing Sabrina's breathtaking collection of Tiffany lamps. Year after year Sabrina Landini perpetuates its exceptional exp...
Brass
6 Arm Plaster Chadelier - Couronnes Primo - By Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This version of our popular chandelier, with a square framework instead of round, goes well in all décor schemes from modern to traditional. It is a twist on the classic candleholder...
Plaster
$9,455Sale Price / item|10% Off
Large 'Triple Block Metal' Model #230 Sconce in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
By Maison Paname, Pierre Chareau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Triple Block Metal' Model #230 Sconce in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Handcrafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and anti...
Alabaster, Steel
CADEN Table Ceramic Dome Lamp, Highly Textured Light Lava Glaze by Kalin Asenov
By Kalin Asenov
Located in Savannah, GA
A highly textured white lava glaze, evoking the essence of coral and natural stone. In Kalin Asenov's studio located in Savannah, GA, each piece is meticulously handcrafted using...
Ceramic
$1,200 / item
PICTURE LIGHT MEDIUM vintage brass
By Tekna
Located in New York, NY
Wall lamp on knuckle joint 90° and fixed bracket and backplate in brass.
Metal
Murano Glass Amber Onda Chandelier, Brass Frame, Modern Design, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Chandelier from the island of Murano, Italy outside of Venice. This piece features hand-blown and molded glass in amber, smoked gray, and champagne tones. The glass curves around the...
Brass
Vintage White Art Glass Wall Light with Multicolor Accents, 1980s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Vintage white art glass wall light with multicolor stained-glass accents, dating to circa the 1980s. This decorative wall light features a softly flared, fan-shaped shade composed p...
Metal
Dennis and Leen Chateau French Crystal Chandelier
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Dennis and Leen Chateau French Crystal Chandelier.
Crystal, Metal
Tekna Marquesse Reading Lamp in Lacquered Dark Bronze Finish
Located in New York, NY
Reading lamp with a rectangular weighted base, vertical arm and a vertical placed tube on knuckle joint, 350° turnable, 90° adjustable, with GU10 lampholder, 2 meter cable, plug and ...
Gold
Archivio Storico Fontana Arte Aluminum Pear Tree Blown Glass Floor Lamp Italy
By Charles Williams, Fontana Arte, Archivio Storico Gallotti
Located in Miami, FL
A pure and elegant modernist floor lamp designed by Archivio Storico for Fontana Arte. The 2198 Model from Fontana Arte is a classic Floor Lamp. The diffuser is in satin white blown ...
Metal, Aluminum
Linear Italian Alabaster Wall Sconce "Shield", Brushed Bronze
Located in Milano, IT
Shields wall sconce is a carefully crafted piece that combines elements of history, culture, and natural materials. The brushed bronze and alabaste...
Alabaster, Brass
Pleated Crystal Pendant Lamp Large, Smoke Ribbed Glass & Brass with E26/27 Bulb
Located in London, GB
Our debut lighting collection comprising ceiling pendants, a side light and a floor standing lamp. Handmade in Bohemia and London the collection draws upon our love for Czech arti...
Brass
Vistosi Giogali Pendant Light in Crystal Bronze Glass And Matt Bronze Frame
By Vistosi, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
A pure element: the crystal hook. It is the intuition of a master of Italian design, Angelo Mangiarotti, who in 1967 created the best seller of the Vistosi catalogue, Giogali. An ico...
Glass
Formation Double Wall Sconce LED Aluminum Light Fixture, Matte Black
Located in Broadmeadows, Victoria
The formation double sconce is an elegant wall-mounted LED lighting fixture ideally suited for, hallways, powder rooms and other commercial spaces that require accent lighting...
Aluminum
Italian modern cocoon chandelier Nuvola by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern cocoon chandelier Nuvola by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s Nuvola chandelier with rounded diffuser in beige cocoon and an internal metal rod structure. It has a black-pa...
Metal
$2,475 / item
Satin Brass and Hammered Bronze Mia Sconce
By RTO Lighting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Mia Sconce is capped with a suspended hand-hammered bronze shade that reflects a warm glow. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 8.5" W x 12" D x 15" H, 6in Dia Globe WEIGHT 3.4 lbs LAMPING Indoor or Outdoor use. Dimming Compatible. E12 lamp...
Brass, Bronze
Modernist Black Enameled Geometric Wall Sconce with Blue Glass Rod by Egoluce
By Egoluce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Geometric wall sconce by Italian manufacturer Egoluce in black enameled metal. The body is formed by two flat angular panels that converge to a d...
Metal, Enamel
Murano Glass Palm Leaf Sconces, Hand-Blown Chartreuse Green, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of sconces from the island of Murano; Italy; outside of Venice. Each sconce is crafted with hand-blown glass in a striking two tone “Chartreuse " green color and shaped like a p...
Brass
Small Textured Clear Murano Glass and Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
A sophisticated modern wall sconce, featuring a sculptural assembly of textured glass panels mounted around a central brass structure. The lamp is composed of two vertically curved g...
Brass
"Il Pezzo 12 Wall Sconce" - satin brass - crystal - LEDs - Made in Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Il Pezzo 12 is a female figure suspended in the air, carrying in her womb the light. It’s nimble, refined, addictive. The solid clearest crystal, brilliantly illuminated by two LEDs, diffuses ambient light and casts mesmerizing patterns throughout the room. It’s suspended between brass stems and brass casting rings, available in different finishes. The fixture is adorned with two additional LEDs at the ends of the stem to provide a warm direct lighting...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Orchid N.5 Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro. Peltro and Bronze Finish
Located in New York, NY
The Orchid collection finds inspiration in the structure and allure of the flower by the same name. This plant is revered for its beauty and grace, with robust yet elegant petals. Ju...
Alabaster, Brass
Modern Venetian Glass Soft Green Pulegoso Lamps, Han-Blown in Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of glass table lamps made of hand-blown glass from Murano, Italy outside of Venice. Each lamp features green glass globes made with the “pulegoso” technique which creates bubble...
Murano Glass
LIGHTHOUSE Table Lamp in Marble and Amber blown glass, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
By Established & Sons, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sculptural, voluptuous and enchanting object, the Lighthouse combines traditional hand-blown glass with industrially engineered aluminium and pure marble to create an enduring cont...
Marble
$2,200 / set
Single Amber Faceted Murano Glass Table Lamp
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
The smallest in our faceted table lamp collection, these petite solid Murano glass table lamps are big on stature. Their smaller organic shape and irregular facets lend them an outs...
Brass
'Mayfair' Contemporary Modern Chandelier, with White Sculpted Spheres
Located in London, GB
This contemporary three-tier chandelier by Margit Wittig features sculptural components with organic and subtle textures, all cast and treated with multiple layers of patina and in h...
Brass
$1,983 / item
Large White Murano Glass and Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
A sophisticated modern wall sconce, featuring a sculptural assembly of glass panels mounted around a central brass structure. The lamp is composed of two vertically curved glass elem...
Brass
Italian Murano Glass Chandelier, Multicolor, 2000s — Giovanni Dalla Fina
Located in Villaverla, IT
Italian Murano glass multi-light grand chandelier crafted during the two thousands showcases exuberant, playful Venetian Baroque revival lighting design by Giovanni Dalla Fina. Handc...
Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
Modern Murano Glass Sconces, Layered Silver Leaf, Hand-Blown, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of hand-blown Murano glass sconces from the island of Murano outside of Venice; Italy. This pair has three layers of glass; each showcasing a different color and texture. The la...
Murano Glass
Modern Pink Onyx Wall Sconce by Matlight Milano, Brass Frame, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
The Tech short wall sconce is a lighting fixture designed to seamlessly integrate the luminaire and lampshade into a singular unit, using the translucent properties of ultra-thin ony...
Onyx, Brass
Murano Glass Sconces with Smoked and Frosted Finish, Brass Structure
Located in Austin, TX
Petite sconces from Murano, Italy outside of Venice. Each sconces is made with two layers. The outer layer is smoked glass stamped with texture, while the lower layer is a frosted li...
Brass
$1,595 / item
$240Sale Price / item|20% Off
Globe Sconce by Research.Lighting, Black, 3in Glass Globe, In Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Globe Sconce in black designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel & Glass Finish: Powder-coated steel Electronics: 1x G9 Socket, 1x ...
Steel
$7,900 / item
Rectangular Disco Chandelier by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian chandelier with burgundy colored hand blown Murano glass discs mounted on gold finish metal frame with decorative arch details, by Fabio Ltd, made in Italy 6 lights / E26 or ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$395 / item
KYLE pl - solid brass ceiling lamp
Located in Saonara, IT
Handcrafted ceiling lamp model "KYLE pl", made in brass; with its sober and elegant design, this piece perfectly fits into modern-contemporary context. The light source consist of o...
Brass
$470Sale Price / item|20% Off
New Wave Optic Pendant Light Pink
By Design By Us
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Light single schoolhouse pendant. Pendant in mouth blown and hand painted glass with silver edge. Gold base, black fabric electrical cord. Danish design from design by Us Light bul...
Metal
$3,680 / item
Narciso M Table Lamp by Roberto Lazzeroni
By Estro
Located in Milan, IT
A stunning accessory, with a contemporary design, the Narciso M Table Lamp features a structure covered in smoked bevelled mirror that combines perfectly with the base in wood and la...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Mirror, Wood
Modern Green Wall Light in Bronze Created by Atelier Boucquet
Located in Roeselare, BE
Wall fixture in chemical colored blue-green bronze with GU10 lamp 220v 50w or LED.
Bronze
Postmodern Chrome Tear Drop Shaped Table Lamp
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Postmodern Chromed teardrop-shaped table lamps featuring an organic shape fixed to an oval-shaped base. The lamp takes a standard us light bulb and 110V US wall socket. The lampshad...
Chrome
Bonnie Config 2, Small Contemporary LED Chandelier, Brass or Nickel, Small, Art
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each organic flower-like form is st...
Brass
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Cofrac Art Verrier France Freeform Crystal Table Lamp
By Cofrac
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Glamorous hand blown crystal lamp by Cofrac Art Verrier France. This heavy and impressive sized lamp has a fluid, freeform shaped shade and b...
Brass
De.Light W1 Brass Articulating Double Sconce Wall Light
Located in Paris, FR
The De.Light is a solid brass double wall light with a leather sheathed stem detail. The main structure tops an opal glass di user or a cylinder fabric shade and the Directional stem features a conic shade mounted with a moveable joint. Perfect as a bedside reading lamp or to illuminate wall art...
Brass
$625 / item
Brazo Floor Lamp in Black by Pablo Designs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Brazo’s precision machined aluminum construction allows for optimal task lighting control with 360° adjustability and 90° tilt. Brazo features a luminous and energy-efficient LED lig...
Aluminum
Claude Boeltz 24kt Gold Plated Exploded Bronze V-Shape Sconces w/ Rock Crystals
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and sophisticated pair of modernist sconces were realized by the celebrated French artist Claude Boeltz. They feature graphic organic forms- recalling both oceanic and ...
Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze
Tekna Spreaderlight 230V LED Wall Light with Dark Bronze Finish
By Tekna
Located in New York, NY
Wall light in sand casted brass with frosted glass. For outdoor use (IP43). LED module 230V 4,3W 2700K 145lm. Main power 230V 50Hz.
Brass
Artistic glass lightbulb chandelier Murano Bulb Marcantonio X Multiforme #02
Located in Venezia, Veneto
The art of Murano glass meets the iconicity of a bulb, together they give rise to a brilliant piece of furniture: a lightbulb, a chandelier or whatever your imagination suggests. Murano Bulb...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Artefacto Fiber LS16 Floor Lamp, Contemporary Lighting, Made in Mexico
Located in Paris, IDF
The Artefacto Fiber LS16 Floor Lamp embodies the studio's distinctive approach to collectible lighting, where contemporary design meets the enduring traditions of Mexican craftsmansh...
Natural Fiber, Wicker
Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Silk Lampshade, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Silk Lampshade, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. This is an elegant table lamp and an attractive addition to a modern home. The m...
Stainless Steel
Exceptionally Large and Rare Custom Made Murano Stairway Chandelier, Italy 2006.
Located in Rome, IT
Modular construction made of cylindrical cullet elements. The set includes different sizes, which can be connected with a strong, load-bearing steel cable through the centre of the M...
Blown Glass
Signal Flush Mount from Souda, Black and Brass, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern sconce or flush mount. Composed of a spun metal shade that reflects light filtered through a perforated metal diffuser, the subtle warmth of the signal sconce is perfectly bal...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Foscarini XXS Lumiere Table Lamp in Grey & Aluminium by Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Table lamp with direct and diffused light. Hand blown cased glass diffuser with glossy finish, white on the inside and colored on the outside. Die cast aluminum base and rod, hand fi...
Blown Glass
$371 / item
Micro KYLE pt - solid brass wall lamp
Located in Saonara, IT
*This model is highly customisable based on the client's needs* Handcrafted wall lamp model "micro KYLE pt", made in brass; with its sober and elegant design, this piece perfectly f...
Brass
RIGA 14.02 - solid brass pendant lamp
Located in Saonara, IT
Handcrafted pendant lamp model "RIGA 14.02", made in brass; with its sober and elegant design, this piece perfectly fits into modern-contemporary context. The light source consist o...
Brass
Vistosi Puppet Multipendant Light in Crystal Transparent And Glossy Chrome Frame
By Romani Saccani Architetti, Vistosi
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
Collection of lamps with a blown and irregular striped glass diffuser. The three sizes of the spheres and the different cable heights are designed to create elegant compositions. The...
Glass
Floor Lamp, Vintage Brass Finish and Black Granite Base, Designer Floor Lamp.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Floor lamp, vintage brass finish and black granite base, designer floor lamp. Radiate sophistication with this floor lamp, the epitome of luxury with its vintage brass finish. Be se...
Granite, Brass
Ancora-W2 Contemporary Brass and Rattan Wall Light Sconce, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
Our bestseller, the Ancora-W2, is a handcrafted articulating wall light fixture composed of a solid brass structure adorned with a sheathed leather detail hand-sewn by artisan saddle workers. The handwoven rattan shade...
Brass
Jacques Adnet Tripod bamboo leather Floor Lamp, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Rare Jacques Adnet leather floor lamp with faux bamboo leather decoration. Base only 58x16
Brass, Steel
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
Damon Liss and Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects collaborated on this serene getaway for a minimalism-minded Manhattan family of four.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
Wielding her influence on the international scene, founding partner Andrea Cesarman expands the platform for Mexican artisans.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.