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Modern Lighting

MODERN STYLE

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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.

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Style: Modern
Small Lawrence Modern Globe Pendant in Satin Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by the croquis and contour drawings of our creative director, the Lawrence Pendants evoke elegant simplicity with a refined sense of play. Mad...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

20th Century Ettore Sottsass Mirror Ultrafragola for Poltronova
Located in Turin, Turin
Ettore Sottsass was a 20th-century Italian architect, noted for also designing furniture, jewellery, glass, lighting, home and office wares, as well as numerous buildings and interio...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Opal

Echo One Sconce / Flush Mount in Brass from Souda, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple, elegant, and playful, the Echo series is a line of surface-mount fixtures that can be used on a wall or ceiling. White or brass cones mount to mirrored glass to perfectly ref...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass, Steel

Textured brass pendant light – handmade cylindrical brass
Located in Marrakech, MA
Patinated brass lighting – textured brass pendant light: This pendant set includes two cylindrical brass shades worked entirely by hand. Each element features an irregular textured ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

KINA Wall Sconce or Flushmount in Blown Glass and Bronze by Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Kina - a striking display of naturalism and intricate design. With its delicate lines and curves, this fixture emulates the beauty of a sea urchin, evoking a sense of...
Category

2010s North American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel

CORSA Chandelier in Enamel, Brass & Walnut, Ginger Curtis x Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Part of the Ginger Curtis x Blueprint Lighting Collection, 2024. The Corsa skillfully breaks the rules of symmetry to forge balance from a unique persp...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel

SLAMP Clizia Large Pendant Light in Orange by Adriano Rachele
Located in Pomezia, Rome
Clizia is a series of shapes fit together to create a perfect balance of reflections and transparencies. The lamp has taken note of natural forms, resembling a cloud that captures th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Handmade BROOKLYN Flushmount in Fiber Clay, Brownstone Boys x Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Part of The Boroughs Collection, created in partnership with The Brownstone Boys. The Brooklyn Collection is a tribute to the timeless charm of historic brownstones and the vibrant ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel

Wonderful Vaughan Oakley Alabaster Nickel Semi Flush Ceiling Light Demo Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Floor Model Vaughan Oakley Alabaster Semi Flush Ceiling Light Fixture With Polished Nickel. This Was The Floor Sample, So It Does Have Minor Wear And On The Inner Lip A ...
Category

20th Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Nickel

Edie Sconce by Lightmaker Studio
Located in Kingston, Ontario
*Our products are currently duty-free to the US under USMCA* Edie explores the relationship between two similar forms. An exaggerated top column plays against the sconce’s overall s...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

1390 Metal Grape Leaves Ceiling Light
Located in Milan, IT
This charming metal ceiling lamp almost seems to be more of a decorative piece than a light fixture, as it has been hand-decorated with golden grape leaves and small bunches...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Large Brass Wave Chandilier designed by Hugo Gorge, from the 1950's, Austria
Located in Vienna, Austria
Beautiful lamp designed by Hugo Gorge in the 1930's. The Wave Chandelier, embodies the elegance of the Viennese Modern Period of the 1930's This version is from the 1950's, it has ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Calla floor lamp Venini VeArt Murrina Franco luce style.
Located in Lugo, IT
Calla floor lamp Venini VeArt Murrina style. Good condition. Thank you
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Lumina Dot Medium Pendant Light in Brass by Foster+Partners
Located in New York, NY
Suspended lamp for indirect lighting with a 40W LED source and diffused light optic system. Aluminum structure with steel matt-painted reflector. This item is also available in a sma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

LILY Wall Sconce in Enamel, Brass & Walnut, Ginger Curtis x Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Part of the Ginger Curtis x Blueprint Lighting Collection, 2024. Lily is inspired by the graceful interplay between a brass hook and a gently hanging g...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel

Organic Kawa Pendant Light 04 by Luft Tanaka, White Porcelain, Modern, Ceramic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Series Light 04 Pendant Light by Luft Tanaka Studio The translucent porcelain diffuser casts a warm colored glow, perfect for a dining room or kitche...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Porcelain

Papillona Lamp - Tobia Scarpa for Flos - Italy - 1980s
Located in Milano, IT
The Papillona produced by Flos, is an iconic floor lamp designed in 1975 by Tobia Scarpa. Its essential and elegant style perfectly embodies the minimalist and innovative taste that...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Vistosi Oval Giogali SP OV1 Chandelier with Chrome Base by Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
A decorative lighting system based on a single element, the handmade glass hook. It is available in different colors, as standard table, ceiling, pendant, wall fixture and floor. It ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

One on One Table Lamp
Located in Milan, IT
Marked by clean and soft lines, this modern table lamp will effortlessly elevate the style of any room in both modern and traditional decors. Superbly handcrafted, it features a roun...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Murano Glass Chandelier in Opaline and Gold, circa 1950s
Located in Villaverla, IT
Exquisite Murano Glass Chandelier in Opaline and Gold, circa 1950s This enchanting Murano glass chandelier, crafted in the 1950s, is a testament to the unparalleled artistry of Venet...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Gold Leaf

Bonnie 3 Contemporary LED Chandelier, Solid Brass or Nickel, Handmade/finished
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 ...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Floral Murano Glass Wall Sconces in Green, Italian Art Glass Lighting
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Pair of Wall Sconces Made of Translucent Murano Glass with Organic Shape – Handcrafted in Italy with Brass Structure and Integrated LED Light Source. These elegant and timeless sconc...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Groove Series Amber Orb Pendant Contemporary Handmade Glass Lighting
Located in New York, NY
These hanging lights feature an embedded groove that offers a precise, machine-made quality to offset these otherwise wholly handmade creations. Whether showcased individually, as an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Floor Lamp No. 1 - Fluentum Series, in solid ash wood by Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
This piece is the Floor Lamp No. 1 - Fluentum Series. The lamp is made by bending strips of ash wood, which is then sculpted to give details to the pi...
Category

2010s Modern Lighting

Materials

Bentwood, Ash

Pair of Nessen Table Lamps, NY, Stainless Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Nessen table lamps. Stainless steel legs and shaft covered in what seems to be leather. Shades will be replaced by seller as the original ones are dirty. Four in total avai...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

"Case Study" metal floor lamp
Located in Florence, IT
The design of Supaform's "Case Study" floor lamp draws inspiration from industrial and mechanical technologies. It incorporates components salvaged from idle machines and mechanisms,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Sheet Metal

Pink ‘Me’ Table Lamp
Located in London, GB
Pink Matte Finish Lamp with Mohair Silk Shade Estimated processing time is 2 weeks from order confirmation. Pictured with a Mini Globe LED E27 Bulb. Bulb not included. If you woul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain, Wool, Alpaca, Silk

Bonnie Contemporary LED Small Pendant, Solid Brass or Nickel, Handmade/Finished
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 ...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Barovier e Toso 'Fanali Veneziani' Murano Glass Lantern
Located in Montclair, NY
This lamp by famed Italian Glass house Barovier & Toso is part of their luxury 'Fanali Veneziani' collection that pays homage to the history of the city of Venice and the lantern...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Bonnie Contemporary LED Small Pendant, Solid Brass, Handmade and handfinished in
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 ...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Tube Desk/Table Lamp, Handmade in Brass by Christopher Gentner
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by the art of Sumi-e, Japanese black ink drawing, the lamp flows as if stroked in one consecutive line. The dimmable LED desk lamp is available ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Tom Dixon 'Melt' Polished Copper Polycarbonate Pendant
Located in Glendale, CA
Tom Dixon 'Melt' Polished Copper Polycarbonate Pendant. The Melt pendant is a beautifully biomorphic pendant that reflects and refracts light. Featuring an integrated LED module, it...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Sculptural, Contemporary Table Lamp 'Dora' In White, 22ct Moon Gold, Marble Base
Located in London, GB
This contemporary Margit Wittig table lamp sits on a rectangular white marble base and features multiple white handcrafted spheres with organic surface textures. A central cube is g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Lighting

Materials

Slate, Gold Leaf

2 Ralph Lauren Modern Glass Hurricane Bronze Library Buffet Table Lamps
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of Ralph Lauren Lighting Modern Table Lamps. The minimalist design features a glass cylinder accented with Bronze finished metal rims and pe...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Tom Dixon 'Press Surface' Clear Glass Round Wall Light With Interchangeable Cap
Located in Glendale, CA
Tom Dixon Glass 'Press Surface' Clear Glass Wall Light With Interchangeable Caps The 'Press' wall light is part of Dixon's series of LED lighting and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Italian Effetre Murano Egg Lamps
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant pair of mid-20th century Italian Effetre Murano egg lamps showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Murano glass artisans. Each lamp features an opaque white glass shade ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Appuntito Ceramic Light
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
APPUNTITO LIGHT, designed in 2023. This light has a hand-crafted ceramic base which is covered with individually shaped ceramic spikes. This artisanal piece is made in Project 213A'...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Modern Sculptural Fabric Pendant Light from Costantini x Studio Mirei, Supernova
Located in New York, NY
Supernova Modern Collectible Sculptural Fabric Pendant Light from Costantini x Studio Mirei Supernova is the newest work from the acclaimed ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Natural Fiber

Vistosi Peggy SP Suspension Light by Hangar Design Group
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
The white, blown handmade glass together with the glossy black metal, with a lead-effect treatment, interpret the polarity between black and white with the lightness of a rational and elegant design. With an impressive installation the lighting system lights up the Museum Café...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

AllSew 36" Pendant by RBW
By RBW
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
AllSew / Chandelier Designed by RBW Allsew, our modular, scalable pendant inspired by the luminosity of lanterns, and the lightweight, collapsible efficiency of kites. Made in Unit...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Angle Indoor/Outdoor Wet-Rated Sconce/Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Angle is a sculptural wall light in cast aluminum. A sweeping arc of light is carved into the face of the fixture bringing balance to its Brutalist form. The casting is finished to a smooth texture and is available in satin aluminum, bronze or matte black finish, and is wet rated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Silver Plate

ClassiCon Lantern Light Table Lamp in Burnished Brass by Neri&Hu
Located in New York, NY
In our everyday existence, light serves us by enhancing everything around it, while it is often neglected itself. Here, the inspiration comes from the quintessential source of light;...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Formation Linear Pendant LED Aluminum Marble Fixture, Brushed Silver
Located in Broadmeadows, Victoria
Formation Linear pendant is a sleek, luxurious aluminum and marble fixture ideally suited to hang above Kitchen islands, dining tables, works ...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

Vistosi Tread LT Table Lamp with Copper Base by Chiaramonte
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
The “technicity” of the metal element combined with the blown glass diffuser gives tread an “Industrial” style. An object reminiscent of vintage electrical equipment for its particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Vistosi Futura SPG Pendant Light in Smoke by Hangar Design Group
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
Collection of lamps in blown glass available in transparent and three exclusive colors combined with different finishes of the metal ring. The glass is blown in one piece but the par...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Brass Articulated Tube Sconce, Picture Light
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a very clean and useable wall mounted lamp. It takes a tubular bulb and works well as a reading or picture light. It is articulated and the shade will rotate around the bulb ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

“Tiffany” Wall bracket 30 gold Silk, Antiqued 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 expe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Bonnie Config 1 Contemporary LED Linear Chandelier, Solid Brass @ 40cm/16"
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylised form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each organic flower-like form is st...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Satin Khora Porcelain Sconce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Satin Khora sconce blends a stylized geometry with the timeless warmth of matte porcelain. Geometric ridges that taper into an elegant cone shape. The soft, upward glow of light...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Porcelain, Clay

Daikon Studio Custom Long LED Vintage Filament Dimmable Bulb Edison Style LED
Located in Tuscon, AZ
Designed by Daikon Studio and made specifically for Daikon light fixtures, our signature flat top bulbs complement our angular and geometric fixtures. Delicate LED strips are careful...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Vistosi Balance Flush Mount/Wall Scone in White Glossy
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
The elliptical orbit of a planet around the sun inspires this collection, which reminds of the movement created by the harmony and balance of invisible forces with glass and light. A...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Glaciale Sconce / Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian wall light or flush mount shown in frosted Murano glass with polished brass details / Designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy 2 lights / E12 or E14 type / max...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Bonnie Contemporary LED Small Pendant, Solid Brass or Chromed, Handmade/finished
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...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Marc Wood Case Linear Luxury Chandelier Medium, Opal & Smoked Glass with Brass
Located in London, GB
Case comprises of delicate brass arms encased in crystal glass tubes. All joined with solid brass sphere connectors to allow for multiple configurations and size options.
Category

2010s British Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Tahiti Table Lamp 'EU VERSION 220v', by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis, Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired 220v 'Tahiti' table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981. The light fixture is of a polychrome enameled metal "duck" with a pivoting-like head mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Reflector LED Pendant Light, Anodized Aluminum, Black, White Shade
Located in Broadmeadows, Victoria
The Reflector pendant is a sophisticated soft lighting option suited for dining tables, workspaces, hallways and other indoor environments that require a diffused and warm lighting e...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Murano Glass Lighting - NN12 Sconce
Located in Murano, VE
This Murano glass wall sconce is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using centuries-old Venetian techniques passed down through generations. The design showcases a radiant ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Kawa Series Table Lamp 03, Organic Textured White Porcelain, Green Marble Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa table lamp 03 by Luft Tanaka A plug-in portable table lamp with a leather-cast porcelain diffuser, organic and asymmetrical in form, which casts a warm and comforting glow when ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble, Stone, Brass, Steel

Scandinavian Design Ceiling Lamp, Johan Carpner Satellit 55 by Konsthantverk
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Add a touch of Scandinavian elegance to your home with this stunning ceiling lamp by Konsthantverk. Designed by Johan Carpner, the Satellit 55 model features a sleek black mat and ra...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Modernist Starburst Brass and Hand Blown Murano Frosted Glass Sconces
Located in New York, NY
This graphic and dramatic pair of modernist sconces were realized in Murano, Italy, the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Modern lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Vistosi, Artemide, Flos, and DOOQ. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.

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