Pair of Mid-Century Italian Gilt Metal Pomegranate Chandeliers
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A fabulous pair of Mid-Century Italian gilt metal chandeliers.
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Gilt Metal Pomegranate Chandeliers
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A fabulous pair of Mid-Century Italian gilt metal chandeliers.
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Glass Chandeliers, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern pair of glass chandeliers, Italy, 1960.
Glass
$6,576Sale Price / set|34% Off
Pair Mid-Century Italian Arlecchino Murano chandeliers
By Vistosi
Located in Budapest, HU
Vintage Italian Murano chandeliers in Vistosi style. The chandelier has 87 fantastic multicolored alabaster iridescent glasses in a nickel metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimens...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$2,630Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Mid-Century Sputnik Italian "Arlecchino" chandeliers
By Mazzega
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair Sputnik space age Italian vintage crystal chandelierr made by 51 multicolored glasses in a burnished brass metal frame. Elegant lighting object. Period: late XX century Dimensio...
Murano Glass
$2,254Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Mid-Century Sputnik Italian crystal chandeliers
By Venini
Located in Budapest, HU
Sputnik space age Italian vintage crystal chandeliers made by 51 transparent crystals in a burnished brass metal frame. Elegant lighting object. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 3...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Mid-Century Murano Bubble Glass chandeliers. Italy 1960s
Located in Catania, CT
Each chandelier produced in Italy during the 60s is made up of 21 Murano glasses and it is in good vintage condition with trace of age and slight oxidation on the metal structure. Gl...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Pair of Large Italian Chrome Chandeliers from 70s
Located in Catania, CT
Great vintage condition for this set of two large chrome chandelier produced in Italy during the 70s. Diameter 80 cm. Full working with EU standard, adaptable on demand for USA stand...
Chrome
Pair of 20th Century Italian Chandeliers
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 20th century stylish Italian chandeliers dating from the Mid-20th Century.
Metal
Pair of Large Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Chandeliers Attributed to Venini
By Toni Zuccheri, Venini
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Large Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Glass Chandeliers Attributed to Venini.
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Italian Gilt Iron and Wood Beaded Chandeliers, Mid-20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A graceful pair of Italian chandeliers in gilt iron, dating to the mid-20th century, distinguished by their elegant form and unusual ornamentation.
Metal
Stupendous Pair of Murano Mid-Century Chandeliers
By Mazzega
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair Italian vintage Murano chandeliers. Each made by 75 glass petals transparent with an amber spot inside, nickel metal structure. The glasses are very high quality, the photos do ...
Metal
Pair of 20th Century Italian Bagues Style Chandeliers
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A pair of 20th Century Italian 'Bagues' style chandeliers. Consisting of gilt brass stems and cut glass leaves and candle holders. These chandeliers have been rewired to current UK s...
Metal
Murano Glass Mid-Century Italian Chandelier
Located in London, GB
A good quality mid-20th century brass and glass wall lights.
Glass
$5,636 / set
Pair of Italian Brass Chandeliers
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Italian brass chandeliers.
Brass
Pair of mid century modern chandeliers by Sciolari, 1970
By Sciolari Lighting
Located in Palermo, PA
Experience the Magnificence of these 1970s Italian Chandeliers by Sciolari. These luminous treasures are not just fixtures; they are the crowning jewels of any room fortunate enoug...
Crystal, Metal
Pair of Murano Glass Mid-Century Modern Chain Link Chandeliers
By Barovier, Seguso, Venini, Vistosi, Mazzega
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Murano glass Mid-Century Modern chain link chandeliers.
Chrome
$3,006Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Charming Mid-Century Arlecchino Italian Disc Chandeliers, Murano, 1990s
By Vistosi
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair Vintage Italian Murano chandeliers in Vistosi style. Each chandelier has 36 fantastic multicolored discs in a nickel metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 44,50 inc...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Style Chandelier Pair, Brass and Murano Glass, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Spectacular brass and glass modernist chandeliers with a 6 branch solid brass structures and textured hand blown Murano glass components. A boldly modern chandelier with a very noble...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Plexiglass Chandelier by Candle
By Candle
Located in Catania, CT
Good vintage condition with normal trace of age and use. No cracks. Italy 1970s. Full working with EU standard, adaptable on demand for USA standard.
Plexiglass
$4,227 / set
Pair Mid-20th Century Pink Murano Chandelier
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair Murano Glass chandeliers. HAND MADE IN MURANO. It made by 36 Murano pink glasses in a gold painted metal frame. The chandelier has also a Murano transparent glass base in the e...
Metal
$12,624 / set
A pair mid-century Murano chandeliers by Vistosi
By Gino Vistosi
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A beautiful pair mid-century Murano chandeliers designed by Gino Vistosi.
Metal
Pair of Vintage Italian Brass Colourful Chandeliers
By Stilnovo
Located in London, GB
A wonderfully stylish pair of vintage Italian brass colourful chandeliers, in the manner of Stilnovo. They were made in Italy and date from around the 1950-60’s. They are of superb ...
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Pair of Murano Glass Chandeliers by Flavio Poli for Seguso
By Flavio Poli
Located in Benington, Herts
A Fine Pair of Mid Century Hand Blown Glass Chandeliers Designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Murano, Italy c.1955 Of vase-form, these wonderful chandeliers consist of a metal frame...
Metal
$3,523 / set
Pair Italian Murano chandeliers
By Vistosi
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair Vintage Italian Murano chandeliers in Vistosi style. The chandelier has 36 fantastic multicolored alabaster iridescent glasses in a nickel metal frame. Period: late XX century D...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Chandelier Mazzega Italy 1960s
By Mazzega
Located in Palermo, PA
This Italian Murano glass chandelier by Mazzega dates from the 1960s and features a playful and elegant composition of transparent and amber twisted glass elements suspended from a c...
Metal, Chrome
Mid century MURANO chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
remember we have over three thousand antique sconces and over one thousand antique lights, we can not put everything on 1stdibs, if you need a specific pair of sconces or lights, ask...
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Hand-Blown Frosted Organic Murano Glass Pendant Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Mid-Century Modernist Murano glass pendant chandeliers, crafted in Italy circa 1960, embodies the exquisite craftsmanship and graceful simplicity for which Murano glass ...
Brass
$2,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
Exquisite pair of antique 20th century Italian chandeliers with glass flowers
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a stunning pair of Italian chandeliers, crafted in the early 20th century and imbued with timeless artistry. Their pear-shaped steel frames are adorned with intrica...
Iron
Pair of Italian Painted Wrought Iron Chandeliers, 1940s
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of Italian Painted Iron Chandeliers, 1940s Elegant pair of Italian chandeliers crafted in painted wrought iron during the 1940s.
Metal
Mid-20th Century Spectacular Pair of Venetian Chandeliers, Murano, 1980s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair Murano glass chandelier. Hand made in Murano. It made by 58 Murano crystal glasses in a gold metal frame. The chandelier has also a Murano glass ball in the end of the lamp. Mur...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Butterfly Chandelier, Italy, 1980
By AVMazzega
Located in Dallas, TX
Large Mid Century Modern Murano glass white and gold Butterflies sputnik chandelier, with brass stems, and painted ivory center ball frame.
Brass
$3,523 / set
Pair Italian Murano chandeliers
By Vistosi
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair Vintage Italian Murano chandeliers in Vistosi style. The chandelier has 36 fantastic multicolored alabaster iridescent glasses in a nickel metal frame. Period: late XX century D...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Venini 'Trilobo' chandeliers. Italy c1960
By Venini
Located in London, GB
Pair of Venini 'Trilobo' chandeliers. Clear and pale amber glass Stamped 'Venini' The chandeliers can be hung on chains so drop is adjustable. Height of chandelier without chain...
Metal
$2,348Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Of Chandeliers Mid-Century Modern Brass Glass White Stilnovo attributed
By Stilnovo
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian pair of chandeliers from the 1950s Stilnovo attributed. Only glass cm 40 x 20 Small internal line in the glass (as in the photo).
Brass
Pair Of Italian Turn Of The Century Wrought Iron And Giltwood Chandeliers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very decorative pair of Italian turn of the century Wrought Iron and Giltwood chandeliers.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Palm Leaves Chandelier Murano Glass and Brass
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A pair of green Murano glass palm-shaped chandeliers. A striking, sculptural chandelier inspired by the leaves of a palm tree, featuring handcrafted light green glass elements and a...
Brass
$9,394Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pair Mid-Century Murano Chandelier Ceiling Lights
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Budapest, HU
Realized in pure Murano glass consist of an incredible number of leaves. The structure is plated with gold 18 lights spread a magical light. Measures: Diameter 126 cm, height 65 cm a...
Metal
$4,697 / set
Pair Italian Murano Chandeliers
By Mazzega
Located in Budapest, HU
Fantastic pair chandeliers with green glasses, nickel-plated metal frame. It has 41 big monumental petals glass. The glasses are very high quality, the photos do not do the beauty, l...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$7,703Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Mid-Century Murano white alabaster disks chandeliers
By Vistosi
Located in Budapest, HU
Vintage Italian Murano chandeliers in Vistosi style. Each chandelier has 87 fantastic white alabaster iridescent glasses in a nickel metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Italian Mid 20th Century Wrought Iron Hanging Lanterns
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful pair of Italian hand painted wrought iron and glass hanging lanterns date back to the mid 20th century.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Murano Pendant Lights, Olive Green, Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Murano glass Mid-Century Modern pendant lights, Italy circa 2000s.
Brass
Rare Mid-Century Modern Chandelier by Luigi Brusotti, Italy, 1940
By Luigi Brusotti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare Chandelier by Luigi Brusotti, circa 1940 A rare vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern chandelier attributed to Luigi Brusotti, crafted circa 1940 in Milan, Italy.
Crystal, Metal, Brass
$6,458 / set
Pair of Huge Italian Murano Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Huge Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 52 glass petals (transparent crystal, smooth outside, with crystal powder and then rough inside.) in a chrome frame. Period: 1970s-19...
Blown Glass
Monumental Pair of Italian Modern Hammered Brass Sputnik Chandeliers
By Gaetano Sciolari, Stilnovo, Sciolari Lighting
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental Pair Of Italian Modern Hammered Brass Sputnik Chandeliers. This outstanding pair of Italian hand-hammered brass Sputnik or sea urchin chandeliers are newly wired with new...
Brass
1970s Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Chandelier in the Style of Vistosi, Italy
By Vistosi
Located in Nicolosi, IT
A striking Italian Mid-Century Modern chandelier from the 1970s, made in Murano glass and designed in the style of Vistosi.
Metal
$8,800 / set
Pair of Vintage Italian Beaded 6 Arm Chandeliers
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a pair of vintage Italian beaded 6 arm chandeliers. Featuring a curved beaded base and dangling crystal. These elegant and classic chandeliers would make a beautiful a...
Crystal, Metal
Italian Gilded Tole Leaf Chandelier, Mid 20th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
The oval fixture dates back to the mid 20th century and is suspended by four chains from a simple crown.
Tin, Gold Leaf
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Palm Leaves Chandelier Murano Glass and Brass, 1970s
By Maestri Muranesi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of mouth-blown Murano glass chandeliers, blue Murano glass leaves, brass frame, three bulbs. The chandelier reproduces the crown of a palm tree. Rewired with E14 or E12 socket f...
Brass
Pair of Murano Disc Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers, Antique Brass, New Wired
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair Apple Green Murano Disc Mid-Century Modern Tiered Chandelier, Antiqued Brass, New Wired; Multiple Colors Avaiable After purchasing a small factory of circa 1950/60s Murano D...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Square Chandeliers in Glass and Nickel
Located in New York City, NY
A pair of square Modernist pendant lights comprising small glass elements formed together with original nickeled bronze brackets into a single square unit and supported by a round ca...
Nickel
Italian Mid-Century Gilded Brass Chandelier with Bohemian Crystal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite Italian chandelier from the 1950s showcases refined mid-century craftsmanship in gilded brass paired with sparkling Bohemian crystal.
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Italian Pair Of Smoked Crystal And Brass Italian Chandeliers
By Angelo Brotto, Esperia
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Elegant pair of ceiling chandeliers, model Pagoda, attributed to Esperia (Poggibonsi, Tuscany), crafted between 1970 and 1975 under the stylistic influence of Angelo Brotto.
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Brass and Metal Pendant Lamps, Italy, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking pair of mid-century pendant lamps from Italy, dating back to the 1960s, showcases the era's refined blend of form and function. Each lamp features an elongated, oval-sh...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Elegant Italian Chandeliers with Turquoise Stone
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two six-arm chandeliers with blue stone drops. Measures: Diameter 45 cm. Height fixture 45 cm. Total height 65 cm. Six E14 bulbs.
Stone, Brass
Italian Alabaster and Bronze Five-Light Chandelier, Mid-20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Italian Midcentury chandelier pairing smooth alabaster with finely cast gilt bronze. The composition centers on a turned alabaster stem in a warm ivory tone, accented at th...
Alabaster, Bronze
Pair 20th century gilded Italian chandeliers with glass drops
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Elegant pair of Italian chandeliers, each with 5 lights. Gilt metal frame decorated with leaves and glass drops. Place of origin- Italy
Metal
Pair of Italian Murano Glass Spiral Chandeliers Mazzega
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Spiral Murano glass chandeliers attributed to Mazzega with mottled clear rectangular pieces with a dash of amber infusion. On silver frames, chain and ceiling rose Spare p...
Murano Glass
Unavailable
H 27 in W 44 in D 44 in
Venini Spectacular Oversized Pair of Italian Chandeliers circa 1960
By Venini
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular oversized pair of Italian Mid-Century chandeliers each with, circa 1970 handblown glass pieces by Venini, circa 1960.
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Chrome Chandeliers, circa 1960
Located in New York, NY
Pair of nine-arm eighteen-light chrome chandeliers with three long and six short bulb holders, Italy, circa 1960. Recently rewired for US specifications.
Chrome
Unavailable
H 23.63 in Dm 27.56 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Italian Murano Glass Chandelier with Colored Glasses
Located in Florence, IT
Mid-Century Modern pair of italian Murano glass chandelier with colored glasses, 1960s.
Metal
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Three-Arm and Six-Light Chandeliers
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Pair Italian mid century modern three-arm and six-light chandeliers in black lacquered perforated metal shades with elegant brass details, Italy, circa 1960.
Brass, Metal
Mid Century Modern Pair Italian Murano Vetri Glass Chandeliers
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Miami, FL
This pair of Murano Vetri Glass Chandeliers are in excellent condition. They are all hand made and will be a great complement to any Interrior . Priced individually $2800 each. The h...
Brass
Pair of Italian White and Amber Glass Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A pair of white and amber glass chandeliers with infused gold flakes (Mica), with three sockets in each, E14 bulbs, Italian, 1960s.
Brass
Brass and Opaline Pair of Italian Chandeliers
Located in Milan, IT
Brass and opaline pair of Italian chandeliers.
Pair of Italian Gilt Framed Crystal Chandeliers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Italian gilt framed crystal chandeliers having beaded decoration over its frame and tear drop form prisms throughout.
Steel
Pair of Italian Six-Light Chandeliers
By Oscar Torlasco
Located in Paris, FR
Attributed to Oscar Torlasco, edited by Lumi Milano Gilt brass.
Brass
Pair of Brass and Wood Chandeliers, Italy Stilux
By Stilux
Located in Catania, IT
Pair of brass and wood chandeliers, Italian production of the 60s, attributable for style and construction quality to the Stilux company.
Brass
Unavailable
H 34.26 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
A Pair of 1950's Italian Polychrome Tole Basket Chandeliers
Located in London, GB
A pair of mid-century Italian polychrome tole 6-light basket chandeliers, dating to circa 1950.
Metal
Unavailable
H 11.5 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Mid-Century Gilt Iron and Blue Opaline Glass Four-Light Chandeliers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful pair of gilt iron and blue opaline four-light glass chandeliers having opaline bobeches and beaded decoration throughout.
Iron
Pair of Italian Modern Opalescent Glass Chandeliers, Mazzega
By Mazzega
Located in Hollywood, FL
The chrome frame suspending handblown glass opalescent Greek key shaped interlocking pieces.
Chrome
Pair of Murano Chandeliers
Located in Llandudno, Conwy
A fabulous matching pair of Murano glass chandeliers. Italy 1960s. Price is for the pair. Fully restored and rewired.
Glass
Pair of Italian Modern Polished Chrome "Sputnick" Chandeliers
Located in Hollywood, FL
Polished chrome multi-arm chandelier, rewired for use in U. S.
Pair of Italian Brass Chandeliers with Round White Glasses
Located in London, GB
A stunning brass chandelier with round clear/white Murano glasses mounted on a brass sphere. Italy 1960s.
Brass
Pair of Murano Chandeliers
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Cascade glass" pair of chandeliers, white and amber color.
Metal
A Pair of 1970's Italian Brass Plated Circle Chandeliers
Located in London, GB
A striking pair of Scolari circular pendant lights, dating from the 1970s and embodying the bold, sculptural aesthetic of Italian modernist design. Elegant and architectural in form,...
Brass
Venini Pair of Chandeliers
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful pair of chandeliers. Model "Poliedri" designed by Paolo Venini and made by Venini. Composed by pieces of solid crystal in different colors over a metal structure. Grey a...
Metal
Unavailable
H 18.51 in Dm 10.63 in
Pair of Mid-Century Murano Glass Ceiling Lamps by VeArt, Venice, Italy, 1960s
By VeArt
Located in Pambio Noranco, CH
Rare pair of Mid-Century, Murano glass hanging lamps by VeArt. White and clear glass, 1960-1965. Measures: H 47 x Ø27cm.
Art Glass, Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of 1930s style Handblown Murano Chandeliers
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pair of 1930s style 8-light or 10-light Handblown Murano Chandeliers. Can be sold as a pair or individually. 10-light pair, dimensions: diameter 39", height 46", retail price: $22,595.
Unavailable
H 44.49 in Dm 17.72 in
Pair of Italian Chrome Chandeliers by Oscar Torlasco for Stilkronen, 1960s
By Stilkronen, Oscar Torlasco
Located in Catania, IT
Set of two pendant chandeliers designed by Oscar Torlasco and produced in Italy by Stilkronen during the end of 1960s. Very good vintage conditions with some dots on the chrome. Full...
Chrome
1980s Murano Pair of Chandeliers
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Cascade glass" pair of chandeliers, white and amber color.
Metal
Unavailable
H 76.78 in Dm 39.38 in
Pair of Extra Large Chandelier with Venetian Crystal Glasses, Italy, 1960
Located in Antwerp, BE
A pair of extra-large chandelier with Venetian crystal glasses, Italy, 1960. Each chandelier has eight big crystal etched glasses made in Murano, Venice. Rewired and adjustable...
Metal
Unavailable
H 34.65 in Dm 31.5 in
Pair of Midcentury Italian S-Shaped Bent Brass and Etched Glass Chandeliers
By Stilnovo
Located in Brussels, Ixelles
Set of two midcentury chandeliers, originating from Italy, S-shaped brass structures holding etched glass diffusers and mounted on painted metal parts. One has a black metal parts p...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Italian Modern Hand Blown Glass and Brass Chandeliers, Mazzega
By AVMazzega
Located in Hollywood, FL
The brass circular plate with varying lengths of brass chain, attaching to fine hand blown glass clear and white twists.
Brass
Pair of Italian Brass Six-Light Chandeliers with Black and Ivory Cones
By Stilnovo
Located in Houston, TX
Breathtaking pair of brass Stilnovo six-light chandeliers completely restored with three arms and varying black and ivory lacquered shades.
Pair of Gaetano Sciolari Chrome Chandelier
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of Italian Chrome chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari Six arms, original smoke glass shades. US rewired and in working condition. 45 watts max per bulb.
Chrome
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Chandeliers — simple in form, inspired by candelabras and originally made of wood or iron — first made an appearance in early churches. For those wealthy enough to afford them for their homes in the medieval period, a chandelier's suspended lights likely exuded imminent danger, as lit candles served as the light source for fixtures of the era. Things have thankfully changed since then, and antique chandeliers and pendant lights are popular in many interiors today.
While gas lighting during the late 18th century represented an upgrade for chandeliers — and gas lamps would long inspire Danish architect and pioneering modernist lighting designer Poul Henningsen — it would eventually be replaced with the familiar electric lighting of today.
The key difference between a pendant light and a chandelier is that a pendant incorporates only a single bulb into its design. Don’t mistake this for simplicity, however. An Art Deco–styled homage to Sputnik from Murano glass artisans Giovanni Dalla Fina, with handcrafted decorative elements supported by a chrome frame, is just one stunning example of the elaborate engineering that can be incorporated into every component of a chandelier. (Note: there is more than one lighting fixture that shares its name with the iconic mid-century-era satellite — see Gino Sarfatti’s design too.)
Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged.
Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality. These fixtures can easily illuminate an entire space, while their elevated position prevents them from creating glare or straining one’s eyes.
Certain materials, like glass, can complement naturally lit settings without stealing the show. Brass, on the other hand, can introduce an alluring, warm glow. While LEDs have earned a bad reputation for their perceived harsh bluish lights and a loss of brightness over their life span, the right design choices can help harness their lighting potential and create the perfect mood. A careful approach to lighting can transform your room into a peaceful and cozy nook, ideal for napping, reading or working.
For midsize spaces, a wall light or sconce can pull the room together and get the lighting job done. Perforated steel rings underneath five bands of handspun aluminum support a rich diffusion of light within Alvar Aalto's Beehive pendant light, but if you’re looking to brighten a more modest room, perhaps a minimalist solution is what you’re after. The mid-century modern furniture designer Charlotte Perriand devised her CP-1 wall lamps in the 1960s, in which a repositioning of sheet-metal plates can redirect light as needed.
The versatility and variability of these lighting staples mean that, when it comes to finding something like the perfect chandelier, you’ll never be left hanging. From the natural world-inspired designs of the Art Nouveau era to the classic beauty of Paul Ferrante's fixtures, there is a style for every room.
With designs for pendant lights and chandeliers across eras, colors and materials, you’ll never run out of options to explore on 1stDibs — shop a collection today that includes antique Art Deco chandeliers, Stilnovo chandeliers, Baccarat chandeliers and more.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
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.
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.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.