When Ted Stiffel (1899–1971) founded Stiffel in 1932 in Chicago, he wanted to make functional, thoughtfully designed table lamps, floor lamps and other fixtures that were available at an accessible price. Born in Memphis, Stiffel first pursued a career in music before serving in World War I. After his discharge, he worked with the Western Electric Company in Chicago and then the Nellie J. Kaplan Company, a lighting firm also in the Windy City.
After he started his own lamp business, Stiffel began supplying area department stores and by the 1940s had opened a large factory that was producing lamps for nationwide sale, eventually competing with the likes of the Frederick Cooper Lamp Company, also based in Chicago.
In 1948, designer Edwin J. Cole joined the company and created some of the firm’s most striking table lamps. Today, Cole’s vintage mid-century modern lighting fixtures for Stiffel, frequently with distinctively tall and shapely ceramic bodies and finished with decorative brass chinoiserie details, are highly prized by collectors.
One of Stiffel’s innovations was his patented switch, which simplified turning lights on and off: All someone had to do was grasp a lamp’s pole and gently pull down. He also designed a pole lamp with a vertical tube that held a series of fixtures on the outside. The upright pole lamp was so innovative that Sears, Roebuck and Company copied it. Stiffel sued, and the case ended up in the Supreme Court in 1964. The ruling against Stiffel was influential in whether states can give a patent to objects that do not have the invention required of federal patents.
After declaring bankruptcy in 2000, the brand was revived in 2013 in Linden, New Jersey, where newly produced high-quality lamps carry the Stiffel name.
Find a collection of vintage Stiffel lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Pair of Stiffel Heavy Brass and Porcelain Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite pair of Victorian style solid brass and porcelain table lamps by Stiffel. Very good vintage condition. Comes with Stiffel original shades in good vintage condition. Meas...
Brass
$959Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34 in W 10 in D 10 in
Pair of 1960's Stiffel Brass Art Deco Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in East Freetown, MA
Pair of art deco brass Stiffel tall table lamps. Lamps have detailed brass bases with four candlestick columns and two sockets. Lampshades are available at additional shipping cost.
Brass
$2,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 40 in Dm 8 in
Impressive Pair of Neoclassical Brass Table Lamps by Stiffel
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Very substantial pair of neoclassical baluster form antiqued brass table lamps by Stiffel. Greek key design on base. The double sockets are supported by a large candle style upright....
Metal, Brass
Pair Polished Vintage Mid Century Brass Table Lamps
Located in Madrid, ES
A pair of Swedish lamps, in Renaissance style in solid and polished brass, round base supported by brass balls, are prepared for use in the US, the lampshades is black with gold int...
Brass
$1,400 / set
H 38 in Dm 19 in
Pair of British Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Brass Baluster Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant pair of solid brass English / British Midcentury Modern Neoclassical table lamps in a baluster form. Height with shade is 38". Brass table lamp diameter is 8". Shades are ...
Brass
$1,480 / set
H 30 in Dm 9 in
Pair of Stiffel Brass Table Lamps & Shades Mid-Century Modern American 1990
By Stiffel
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Modern polished Brass Stiffel Table Lamps Model Number 6163. They come with Harp, Finial and Shades. US rewiring, UL Listed and work with a regular or LED Light Bulb. Make...
Brass
Pair of American Mid-Century English Brass Table Lamps
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome pair of American mid-century table lamps crafted in brass with a warm English brass finish. Their elegant turned baluster forms and classic proportions make them equally s...
Brass
$2,024 / set
H 26.58 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Vintage Table Lamps, Portuguese, Brass, Accent Light, Corinthian Order
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage table lamps. A Portuguese, brass accent light in Corinthian column form, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1990. Tasteful lamps, graced with classical...
Brass
Pair Brass Stiffel Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of brass stiffel lamps. Lamps have three sockets and well designed. Shades included.
Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Style Bronze Candlestick Table Lamps, France 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of 1960s French Neoclassical style bronze "Bougeoirs" candlestick table lamps. The candlesticks were wired for use as petite table lamps. Wired for USA, candelabra sockets.
Bronze
