Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

26
17,150
3,272
562
to
1,338
11,504
8,157
20,984
7,001
11,476
54,696
20,984
8,877
6,880
3,701
2,815
2,057
1,525
1,465
936
814
762
671
613
488
381
228
122
19
11
3,242
17,712
47
796
2,016
1
7
53
79
124
399
919
530
215
Height
to
Width
to
19,100
14,654
12,835
13,178
12,558
12,947
12,425
12,831
12,377
12,728
12,227
12,662
15,217
8,231
6,266
2,696
2,453
16,094
9,238
3,187
2,726
1,296
981
874
626
486
424
Style: Modern
“Pagoda” Contemporary Wall Lamp, Red Satin Silk, Silvered Crystal
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
PAGODA The calm of resonating with your inner peace For 20 years, we have been committed to offering you unique collections in terms of design and quality. Today we honor the handma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Established & Sons Opaline Blue Audrey Pendant Light by Venini & Michael Eden
Located in London, GB
Michael Eden’s interpretation of ""Continuous Profile - Head of Mussolini, 1933"" using the profile of classic beauty, Audrey Hepburn is used for the Audr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Pair of Y Flush Mounts by Research.Lighting, Black, In Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Y Flush Mounts in Black designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel & Glass Finish: Powder-coated steel Electronics: 2x G9 Sockets, 2x 2...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Murano Glass Black Sputnik Chandelier
Located in Austin, TX
Wonderful sputnik Murano chandelier with multiple smoked "Triedi" stems shooting out from a brushed nickel sphere. This piece is iconic and will be a show stopper in your home. This ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Nickel

Pair of Plaster Lamps with Raffia Shades
By (after) Jean Michel Frank, Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Pair of plaster lamps and custom-made raffia shades This production is inspired by the plaster lamp created by Giacometti for Jean-Michel Frank in the 30's. French decorator Jacques Grange also designed a plaster lamp inspired by the Giacometti original...
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Raffia, Plaster

Amazing Pink Amethyst Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure pink amethyst color Murano glass consists of 45 delicious hand-blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Five E27 lights spread a magical light. Available also a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Double Sphere Oak Mount Ceiling Light
Located in London, GB
Double Sphere Ceiling Light Oak Flush Disc 2000K - 2800K 95CRI 1200 Dim to Warm Lumens Flush mount Hard Wired Sphere III Bulbs Included Handmade in Hackney Wick London.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Bronze Sconces by Kelly Kiefer
Located in New York, NY
Each with internal LED lighting. Measures: Back plate 16" H, 6.75" W x 4.5" D.   
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Teal Murano Wall Sconce with Brass Accents
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Teal curved Murano glass wall sconces with hammered brass washers. Two sources of light per sconce
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

LUCIE Calacatta Marble Flushmount/Sconce Emily Del Bello x Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
LUCIE FLUSHMOUNT Introducing the Lucie Flushmount in Calacatta marble and glass; a daring tribute to timeless design inspired by the graceful proportions of Dior's iconic pearl earrings. Lucie's circular stone backplate serves as an exquisite canvas for the soft, inviting glow it radiates, seamlessly encapsulating the spirit of both Parisian elegance and New York modernity. Part of the Emily Del Bello...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble, Travertine

Modernist Pair of Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Pair of brass and rock crystal plates sconces, numerous lightings, edition 8 pieces only, creation by Gallery Glustin Exhibited to the Salon Revelations at the Grand Palais, Paris, ...
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Rock Crystal, Brass

Black Toucan Table Lamp by H.T. Huang for Huangslite, 1990s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A beautiful table lamp designed by H.T. Huang for Huangslite in the 1990s. It is fascinating with its beautiful toucan design. The lamp is in a very good vintage condition and works ...
Category

1990s Taiwanese Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Artemide Lineaflat Dimmable Mini Dual Light in White by NA Design
Located in Hicksville, NY
Wall or ceiling mounted luminaire for direct, indirect or direct/indirect lighting. Extruded aluminium body in textured white or textured anthracite finish with aluminium end caps m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Scenic High quality Murano chandelier space age - 57 MULTICOLORED glasses
Located in Budapest, HU
High quality Murano chandelier space age - 57 MULTICOLORED glasses Italian Murano chandelier. The chandelier has 57 Murano multicolored glass disks. Nickel metal frame. Period:1980'S...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Ceramic Carousel Table Lamp by Episode Studio
By Episode Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Crafted through a combination of hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques, these lamps are inspired by the balance of contrasting worlds of art and design, functional and nonfunct...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Painting the Light nos One to Four by Ango, Handcrafted Lighting
By Ango
Located in Bangkok, TH
Imagined painted forms, incarnated in light and rendered as freeform sculptures in four colours. Each piece is created in three dimensions to be hung in a sequence of unplanned ench...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Lighting

Materials

Other

Tetra III Flush Mount Light by Studio DUNN
Located in Rumford, RI
The Tetra III embodies contemporary elegance as a flush mount lighting fixture with striking geometry and a hint of playfulness. Inspired by 90s puzzle video games, the Tetra III inv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Brass

Tetra V Flush Mount Light by Studio DUNN
Located in Rumford, RI
Inspired by 90s puzzle video games, the Tetra V combines playfulness with contemporary elegance as a flush mount lighting fixture with striking geometry. Drawing from its Greek origi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Tetra I Flush Mount Light by Studio DUNN
Located in Rumford, RI
The Tetra I embodies contemporary elegance as a flush mount lighting fixture with bold, striking geometry and a hint of playfulness. Inspired by 90s puzzle video games, the Tetra I i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Tetra XVI Flush Mount Chandelier by Studio DUNN
Located in Rumford, RI
Inspired by 90s puzzle video games, the Tetra XVI combines playfulness with contemporary elegance as a flush mount lighting fixture with striking geometry. Drawing from its Greek ori...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Florian Schulz Model Onos 40 Double Counterbalance Pendant Lamp
Located in Madrid, ES
Pendant lamp designed by Florian Schulz and produced in Germany. Height-adjustable structure with double counter-balance in the middle, which can be shifted at sides. Made of brushed...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Nickel

Light Object 017
Located in Berlin, DE
Pendant light object. Long and slim, this light object contains light in a pure form. Lead time: 8 weeks Dimensions: 90 cm (height to order) Materials: brass, acrylic tube, LED lig...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Small Mushroom Shaped Pink Murano Glass Table Lamps with Brass
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of lovely table lamps, made of a single piece of Murano glass tinted in light pink, sat on a brass base.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Light object 015 _ ARC
Located in Berlin, DE
Horizontal pendant light object. A refreshing take on LO015 combined with the arc shape of the successful PT01, LO015 ARC is dynamic and makes a delicate impact in any room or space...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Light object 014
Located in Berlin, DE
Wall light object. Formed by basic geometric shapes: circle and a line. Elegant and simple, this light object is a true design masterpiece. Lead time: 8 weeks Dimensions: 80/60/40 ...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Two Scorza Model Murano Glass Appliques by Toni Zuccheri for Venini, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Two wall lights in blown glass, hand-shaped with irregular reliefs, milky white and transparent. Zest model. Design Toni Zuccheri for Venini, produced in the 70s. Biography Italian ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Linear light object 015
Located in Berlin, DE
Horizontal pendant light object. Inspiring simplicity is the essence of this horizontal pendant light object. Designed to make a strong impact by using just two lines. Dimensions: 1...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

ModernistB rass Sputnik Chandelier w/ Hand Blown Translucent Murano Glass Discs
Located in New York, NY
This dramatic and graphic sputnik was realized in Murano, Italy- the islands off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for their superlative glass production. It features a weal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Caeli-W4 Brass and Rattan Sconce, Jas
Located in Paris, FR
The Caeli-w4 is a wall light handcrafted with a modern brass structure and hand-weaved rattan. The bottom of the stem is adorned with a sheathed leather detail hand-sewn by artisan s...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Customizable Hand-Painted Ceramic "Random Openings" Lamp by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
The"Random Openings" table lamp features a sleek rectangular base, slip-cast in stoneware, with six linear rectangular openings strategically placed to allow dimmable LED light to il...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of, Handmade Table Lamp, Natural Rattan Brass, Mediterranean Objects - Auct
Located in Barcelona, ES
This publication corresponds to a pair of lamps. If you want a single unit, or three or more units, there is another publication for it. AMA - Table lamp Ama , comes from the Catal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Glossy Cream Ceramic Chandelier in Antique Brass 5-Arm 42.5" DIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Five antique brass patina arms curve up from a ceramic cluster dish to five tall stoneware ceramic shades in a glossy glaze with a subtle off-white hue. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Customizable Glazed Ceramic "Dancing Circles" Lamp by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with precision and sophistication, this one-of-a-kind piece features a rectangular clay prism adorned with a random array of circular openings. This version shown is glazed r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Large Solferino Ceiling Light by Radar
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Solferino ceiling light by Radar Design: Bastien Taillard. Materials: Metal, plaster of Paris, fiberglass. Dimensions: W 72.5 x D 72.5 x H 15 cm. Also Available with a doub...
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Large Bronze & Leather Floor Lamp by Arlus, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Large Bronze and leather floor lamp, a massive tripod bronze base supports the center stem, leather wrapped pole and an adjustable system that allows to raise or lower the shade from...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Murano Glass Light Green Lamps
Located in Austin, TX
Italian hand-blown Murano glass table lamps in a polished light green glass fading to clear just below 23-carat gold flecked rings. At once formal and nonchalant; these sleek lights ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano Glass Purple Battuto Table Lamps
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Murano glass lamps made of hand-blown glass in a purple tone. They are crafted in the battuto technique, which creates a hammered appearance to the glass. They have been newl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Metalarte Brass Reading Floor Lamps, Spain 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Brass reading floor lamps by Metalarte in brass, fully adjustable in height from 50” to 70”. Shades included
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Italian Murano Glass Gold Leaves Modern Flush Mount or Ceiling Light
Located in Rome, IT
Exclusive production with precious Murano glass leaves with gold intrusion, creating a fabulous light effect. Available also with ice color glasses. Frame; gold-plated or nickel. Six...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

White Enameled Metal Spiral Floor Lamp, France 1970's
Located in New York, NY
A rolled metal spiral floor lamp, enameled in off white. Rewired
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Lighting

Materials

Cut Steel

Hand-painted Ceramic Vietnamese Leaves Origami Table Lamp by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
A hand-painted ceramic table lamp meticulously crafted in Vietnam to the specifications of James Hicks. This lamp harmoniously blends modern 3D form with the Vietnamese tradition of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Pink Murano Glass Curved Wall Sconces with Brass Accents
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall sconces made of a metal back plate, curved Murano glass diffuser with an embossed honeycomb pattern tinted in pink. Finished by brass hardware. One source of light per sconce
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Rectangular Modernist Pendant Light, Nickel Plated Brass, Opal Glass, Bespoke
Located in Berlin, DE
Rectangular modernist pendant light, nickel plated brass, etched opal glass. The light is customizable, delivery time circa 6-8 weeks.
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Pair of Plaster Curved Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of Curved wall sconces made of a piece of textured plaster, attached to the structure with two nickeled screws. Two sources of light per sconce.
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Plaster

Italian Table Lamp "Palio" by Perry King for Arteluce '80s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
"Palio" table lamp by Perry King and Santiago Miranda designed for Arteluce, Italy 1980s. The lamp has two opal glass diffusers, a floating copper metal lampshade and a solid metal b...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Monumental Blue Murano Glass Flowers Flush Mount, 1980s Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
The chandelier is made of blue Murano glass flowers, over a round metal gridded frame. The Fixture requires four European E14 / 110 Volt Candelabra bulbs, each bulb up to 60 watts. I...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Floor Lamp
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Lamp structure in mdf finished with wood veneer and resin Andrea Vargas Dieppa emerges as a figure of complexity and daring delicacy, possessing an unrivaled intuitive energy to cra...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Lighting

Materials

Resin, Wood

Monumental Blue Murano Glass Flowers Flush Mount, 1980s Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
The chandelier is made of blue Murano glass flowers, over a round metal gridded frame. The Fixture requires two European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulbs, each bulb up to 60 watts. It is ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Murano Glass Brown and Smoked Suspensions with Brass Accents
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of decorative suspensions made of a brass stem and a stack of different sized Murano glass globes and decors in various colours.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Ring 120 Contemporary Pendant Lamp, Smoky Grey Art Glass Silvered
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
RING Infinity, symbol of eternity, bright as a diamond Welcome to the brilliant new Gem at home! More than just a pendant lamp, Sabrina Landini’s Ring embodies a symbol of eternity while retaining all its modernity. Expertly crafted in silvered glass slabs, like hand-set colored diamonds, our Ring pendant echoes the solitary wedding ring. Suspended from an invisible link cord, this design uses negative space to make the ultimate statement. Echoing the antique charm of estate jewels, the micropavé pendant lamp shines with a breathtaking round diamond light center set in a geometric multi facet canopy. Ring is a fiery expression of love. A striking center light source surrounded by silvered glass tiles, like set...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Soho Chandelier, Contemporary, Brass with Sculpted Spheres by Margit Wittig
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 in her L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Beige Comodín Cuadrado Wall Lamp by Santa & Cole
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Comodín Cuadrado wall lamp by Santa & Cole Dimensions: D 31 x W 13 x H 30 cm Materials: Metal, stitched parchment. This minimalist wall lamp humanises neutral spaces with ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Contemporary, Handmade, Wall Lamp, Rattan Cylinder, by Mediterranean Objects -A
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Costa collection of simple lamps and in small sizes, was conceived to provide a natural and simple touch to the spaces. All have been designed by Mediterranean Objects, and are h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Contemporary, Handmade, Wall Lamp Sconce, Rattan Cone, by Mediterranean Objects
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Costa collection of simple lamps and in small sizes, was conceived to provide a natural and simple touch to the spaces. All have been designed by Mediterranean Objects, and are h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Contemporary, Handmade Wall Lamp, Natural Rattan, White, Mediterranean Objects-A
Located in Barcelona, ES
AMÀ LAMP Amà, comes from the Catalan ''a mà'', which means ''handmade'', and it is how this contemporary lamp is made. With hand-turned beech wood, white metal details, and hand-wove...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Contemporary by Chitarrini Studio Handmade Table Lamp Natural Rattan White - Auc
Located in Barcelona, ES
Amà, comes from the Catalan ''a mà'', which means ''handmade'', and is how this lamp is made. With hand-turned beech wood, solid brass details, and a domed shade, hand-woven in natur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Contemporary, Handmade Pendant Lamp, Natural Rattan Brass, Mediterranean Objects
Located in Barcelona, ES
Amà, comes from the Catalan ''a mà'', which means ''handmade'', and is how this lamp is made. With hand-turned beech wood, solid brass details, and a domed shade, hand-woven in natur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Modern Murrine Red and White Murano Chandelier
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning and unusual modern two-toned Murano ceiling lamp is adorned with beautiful white frond elements, a scarlet red bulbous center column, and a brass finial. The prominent ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

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.

Read More

Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?

Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.

See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes

There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.

Why Drew McGukin’s Colorful Home Differs from Those of His Clients

The New York–based designer has a high-impact style that's all his own, as his loft in the Chelsea Flower District makes abundantly clear.

Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces

Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.

New Orleans’ Lee Ledbetter Makes Design Magic by Mixing Past and Present

The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.

How a Modernist Hamptons Home on the Water Became the Ideal Weekend Refuge

Damon Liss and Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects collaborated on this serene getaway for a minimalism-minded Manhattan family of four.

Desert Modern Designer Arthur Elrod Finally Gets His Day in the Sun

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.

Artelinea, Mexico City’s One-Stop Contemporary Design Shop, Paves the Way for a New Wave of Mexican Designers

Wielding her influence on the international scene, founding partner Andrea Cesarman expands the platform for Mexican artisans.

Recently Viewed

View All