The Marbro Lamp Company was one of the finest lamp producers during the mid-1900s. Its pieces were mainly sold in a handful of exclusive furniture shops. Marbro was the go-to supplier of Hollywood Regency and mid-century modern style lighting for interior designers. Its table lamps, chandeliers, floor lamps and wall sconces have graced the homes of many celebrities.
Brothers Morris and Elliott Markoff founded the Marbro Lamp Company in 1934. Its name is a combination of “Markoff” and “brothers.” The brothers relocated from Chicago to southern California after the end of World War II and set up an assembly plant in the garment district of Los Angeles.
Vases and objets d’art, sourced from all over the world, were used as lamp bases. The brass bases came from India, alabaster from Italy, porcelain from Japan and China and crystal from Germany and France. Murano glass and whimsical bronze figurines were two of the more popular base materials.
Marbro lamps were one-of-a-kind and took between 75 and 90 days to complete. Occasionally, they were made from sculptures that customers brought into the factory. Highly skilled woodturners and shade-makers crafted lampshades and wooden bases in Marbro’s shop. Some metal and glass pieces went through paint or staining treatments. The company’s best-known products were these table lamps, but it also produced a wide variety of decorative objects.
The Masco Corporation acquired the Marbro Lamp Company in 1987. Its Los Angeles assembly plant shuttered its doors in 1990. Its equipment and remaining inventory were moved to LaBarge Mirrors — a Masco subsidiary — in Michigan. Shortly after, the production of Marbro lamps ended.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Marbro Lamp Company lighting, decorative objects and more.
Stunningly Large Murano Barovier & Toso Gold Aventurine Lamp for Marbro Lamp Co.
By Barovier&Toso
Located in San Francisco, CA
A stunningly large Murano Barovier & Toso mid-century gold aventurine lamp for Marbro Lamp Co; the well-crafted lamp of quilted glass with gold inclusi...
Glass
Italian Mid-Century Art Glass Lamp Made for Marbro Lighting, Los Angeles
Located in San Francisco, CA
A tall and striking Italian mid-century periwinkle art glass lamp with Carerra Marble mounts; made for Marbro Lighting, Los Angeles; the ovoid ribbed gl...
Art Glass
Striking Pair Hollywood Regency Marbro Polished Brass 'Hydria' Lamps
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
the ancient Greek hydria was primarily made of terracotta and used as a water jar for fetching, carrying, and pouring water; this pair pair of vintage urn-form table lamps combine cl...
Brass
Classically-Inspired Italian 1950's Carrara Marble Columnar Lamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
with giltwood neck above a turned columnar body of nicely figured Carrara marble all over a giltwood base; height: 15.25" (top of marble) 28" (top of shade) 6" square base.
Carrara Marble
Good Quality Frederick Cooper 1960's Octagonal Burlwood and Brass Lamp
By Frederick Cooper
Located in San Francisco, CA
fitted with an octagonal flared brass cap above a conforming burlwood body resting on a brass base; height: 15.5" (top of lamp) 26.5" (top of shade) diameter: 9.5"
Burl
Vintage 1960's Double-Baluster Sapphire-Blue Drip Glaze Lamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
with waisted brass collar above a double-baluster ceramic body all in a richly-colored sapphire-blue drip glaze.
Brass
Mid-20th Century Cut Crystal Table Lamp, Ebony & Brass Base, Ireland
Located in Malibu, CA
Stunning cut crystal table lamp attributed to Waterford, with ebony wood & brass base. There is ONE lamp available. This lusting is not for a pair. Shown with natural linen &...
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Venetian Murano Glass Italian Table Lamp by Marbro
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage midcentury Italian Murano bubble wire amber glass table lamp by Marbro original. Handcrafted Venetian hand blown glass with metal wired cage de...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
1950s French Hand-Cut Crystal Table Lamp with Brass Base
Located in Lomita, CA
A striking table lamp attributed to that reflects the quality of French crystal ateliers. This hand-cut table lamp was handcrafted in France from 1950-1970. It has an impressive bal...
Crystal
Brass Corinthian Lucite Column Table Lamp 1970s Hollywood Regency Postmodern
Located in London, GB
An impressive in size but also design table lamp combined with brass gold plated intricate corinthian base and top with several pieces of lucite forming the body. It comes with the ...
Brass
Speer Vintage Tall American Empire Crystal and Bronze Torch Table Lamp
By Speer
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Tall, sculptural vintage Speer table lamp features elongated crystal glass body with graphic bronze top, mounted on highly detailed bronze base, creating a torch-shaped silhouette. ...
Crystal, Brass
Table Lamp in Crystal and Brass, 1950
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Table lamp in crystal and brass, 1950, dome in new lined cotton fabric.
Crystal, Brass
