Midcentury marble and brass gooseneck clam shell desk lamp
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Zaandam, NL
Gorgeous adjustable clam shell and sometimes referred to as scallop lamp which originally was attributed to Tommaso Barbi but as the lamp is not marked we've changed that to in the s...
Marble, Brass
Antique Brass Clam Shell Bankers Desk Lamp
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique brass clam shell bankers desk lamp. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1920-30’s.
Brass
Early 20th Century Clam Shell Desk Lamp, circa 1910
Located in Gloucester, GB
Early 20th century clam shell desk lamp, circa 1910 - Solid brass clam shell shade - Ornate brass base with cast iron insert - Barley twist stem - Takes B22 fitting bulbs - O...
Brass
Early 20th Century Clam Shell Desk Lamp, circa 1910
Located in Gloucester, GB
Early 20th century clam shell desk lamp, circa 1910 - Solid brass clam shell shade - Ornate brass base with cast iron insert - Barley twist stem - Takes B22 fitting bulbs - O...
Brass
Whether burnished or lacquered, antique, new and vintage brass furniture can elevate a room.
From traditional spaces that use brass as an accent — by way of brass dining chairs or brass pendant lights — to contemporary rooms that embrace bold brass decor, there are many ways to incorporate the golden-hued metal.
“I find mixed metals to be a very updated approach, as opposed to the old days, when it was all shiny brass of dulled-out silver tones,” says interior designer Drew McGukin. “I especially love working with brass and blackened steel for added warmth and tonality. To me, aged brass is complementary across many design styles and can trend contemporary or traditional when pushed either way.”
He proves his point in a San Francisco entryway, where a Lindsey Adelman light fixture hangs above a limited-edition table and stools by Kelly Wearstler — also an enthusiast of juxtapositions — all providing bronze accents. The walls were hand-painted by artist Caroline Lizarraga and the ombré stair runner is by DMc.
West Coast designer Catherine Kwong chose a sleek brass and lacquered-parchment credenza by Scala Luxury to fit this San Francisco apartment. “The design of this sideboard is reminiscent of work by French modernist Jean Prouvé. The brass font imbues the space with warmth and the round ‘portholes’ provide an arresting geometric element.”
Find antique, new and vintage brass tables, case pieces and other furnishings now on 1stDibs.
Antique table lamps became a category of their own once electricity moved light off the wall and onto furniture. The form split quickly: task-driven designs like the Anglepoise on one side, decorative ceramic and glass on the other.
Styles to Know
Base material shapes the light as much as the shade does: ceramic and glass diffuse a softer glow, while brass and metal read more directional. Layer the look with a mid-century modern floor lamp for ambient light, or set a pair on a mid-century modern nightstand for a bedroom.
How to Choose the Right Vintage Table Lamp
Buying individually rather than as a pair allows more flexibility when mixing eras across a room. For those shopping by name rather than by shape, the history of the Anglepoise lamp is worth a read. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.
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