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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
17,207
3,272
563
to
954
11,575
8,196
21,042
6,989
11,494
55,046
21,042
8,979
7,042
3,706
2,809
2,082
1,523
1,504
927
819
764
670
623
498
393
227
120
18
12
3,242
17,770
44
793
2,027
1
6
51
81
124
401
915
537
216
Height
to
Width
to
19,124
14,689
12,842
13,205
12,564
12,965
12,432
12,859
12,384
12,741
12,233
12,681
15,284
8,277
6,359
2,690
2,446
16,195
9,285
3,208
2,751
1,303
981
877
627
486
424
Style: Modern
Olivia Sconce - Oil Rubbed Brass - Clear Glass - Indoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS 13” W x 14” D x 22.5” H, 10" Dia Globe WEIGHT 12.25 lbs LAMPING Indoor use. Dimming Compatible. E26 lamp base. CERTIFICATIONS UL Certified.
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Olivia Sconce - Brushed Satin Brass - Clear Glass - Indoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS 13” W x 14” D x 22.5” H, 10" Dia Globe WEIGHT 12.25 lbs LAMPING Indoor use. Dimming Compatible. E26 lamp base. CERTIFICATIONS UL Certified.
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

“Tiffany” Wall bracket 30 gold Silk, Antiqued Brass, Silvered Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TIFFANY the iconic lamp! For 20 years, we have been committed to offering you unique collections in terms of design and quality. Using an ancestral manufacturing silvering method, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Arlo Chandelier - Six Arms - Oil Rubbed Brass and Bronze
Located in Philadelphia, PA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS 32" W x 32" D x 36" H Canopy Plate: 6" Diameter Each chandelier is made to order. + Minimum overall drop height: 16" H + Longer drop beyond 36" can be customiz...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Murano Glass Deep Sea Blue Pendants
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Murano glass pendants in the style of Ettore Sottsass. This pair each includes elements of deep sea blue and gold hand-blown glass on a brass structure. The striking color an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Adele Milk Glass Chandelier - 30"
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Adele Milk Glass Chandelier features milk glass orbs suspended beneath a milk glass shade for a crisp, clean glow. Antique brass details and oil rubbed brass arms provide an old-...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Adele Milk Glass Chandelier - 24"
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Adele Milk Glass Chandelier features milk glass orbs suspended beneath a milk glass shade for a crisp, clean glow. Antique brass details and oil rubbed brass arms provide an old-...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Modern Floor light Cast Bronze Polished Limited Edition StudioJob Handmade
Located in Milan, IT
This floor light captures the contrast between the beautiful bronze stand and the 'low-end' diesel can. The hand-crafted polished bronze stand presents the highly industrial utensil,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Foz Table Light (large) in walnut
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Foz in white, designed in 2024. Large artisanal floor light with an organic shape, carved from solid wood in Project 213A's own workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade na...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Modernist Murano Glass Lamps
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of hand-blown Murano glass lamps featuring unique glass components on a brass structure. In the style of iconic Italian designer Ettore Sotsass. We love the geometric forms and ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Menina Floor Light No1
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Menina Floor Light No 1 in white, designed in 2024 Large artisanal ceramic floor light with an organic shape, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Olivia Sconce - Oil Rubbed Brass - Milk Glass - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS 13” W x 14” D x 22.5” H, 10" Dia Globe WEIGHT 12.25 lbs LAMPING Outdoor use. Dimming Compatible. E26 lamp base. CERTIFICATIONS UL Certified.
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Olivia Sconce - Brushed Satin Brass - Milk Glass - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS 13” W x 14” D x 22.5” H, 10" Dia Globe WEIGHT 12.25 lbs LAMPING Outdoor use. Dimming Compatible. E26 lamp base. CERTIFICATIONS UL Certified.
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Olivia Sconce - Oil Rubbed Brass - Clear Glass - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS 13” W x 14” D x 22.5” H, 10" Dia Globe WEIGHT 12.25 lbs LAMPING Outdoor use. Dimming Compatible. E26 lamp base. CERTIFICATIONS UL Certified.
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Olivia Sconce - Brushed Satin Brass - Clear Glass - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS 13” W x 14” D x 22.5” H, 10" Dia Globe WEIGHT 12.25 lbs LAMPING Outdoor use. Dimming Compatible. E26 lamp base. CERTIFICATIONS UL Certified.
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

John Richard Modern Single Horn Ovoid Desk Table Lamp 8288 30"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage single horn Ovid lamp by John Richard. Square black and giltwood stepped base, brass column accented with a black and brown horn oval. Includes harp, brass orb finial and ori...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Horn, Giltwood

Casa Wall Light No4
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Casa Wall Light No 4 in white designed in 2024. Artisanal ceramic light with textured finish, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade n...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Menina Floor Light No2
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Menina Floor Light No 2 in navy, designed in 2024 Large artisanal ceramic floor light with an organic shape, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Melides Floor Light No2
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Melides Floor Light No2 in navy with brushed white, designed in 2024 Large artisanal ceramic floor light made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Melides Floor Light
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Melides Floor Light No1 in white, designed in 2024 Large artisanal ceramic floor light made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade nature, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Bronze Wall Lamp by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Wall lamp by Rick Owens, 2013 Dimensions: L 15 x W 15 x H 51 cm Materials: Bronze Weight: 13 kg Note: led 230v Available in black finish or nitrate (dark brown) finish. Rick Owens ...
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 'Kaio Fluo' table lamps by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide
Located in Bern, CH
Pair of Artemide 'Kaio Fluo' Desk / Table Lamps. Designed by Ernesto Gismondi. Designer: Ernesto Gismondi Produced: Artemide, Italy Measurements: Height: 44cm   Shade (diameter): 9...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Melides Floor Light No3
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Melides Floor Light No3 in white, designed in 2024 Large artisanal ceramic floor light with a textured finsih, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Gilded Palm Floor Lamp, Gold Finish
Located in Brussels, BE
Contemporary Gilded Palm Floor Lamp, Gold Finish
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Bugatti Home "Gianoberto" Table Lamp by Carlo Colombo
Located in Miami, FL
Bugatti Home "Gianoberto" Table Lamp by Carlo Colombo Offered for sale is a "Gianoberto" table lamp designed by Carlo Colombo for Bugatti Home The "Gianoberto" table lamp illuminat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Modern 4 Arm Ruffled Glass Shades Brass Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This Modern style brass plated steel four arm ruffled glass shades chandelier showcases modern elegance. The brass plated steel frame creates a sleek and stylish look, while the ruff...
Category

20th Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

Waterford “Lismore” Round Cut Crystal Table Lamp-Customized Shade, Brass Base
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
“Lismore” pattern cut crystal round shaped lamp marked Waterford on the socket. It has an off white shade with customized trim by Blanche Fields of Boston. The brass base is marke...
Category

1980s Irish Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Murano Black and Amber Glass Table Lamps
Located in Austin, TX
These sleek and modern Murano glass table lamps have alternating solid black spheres with amber gold glass cylinders. The beautiful pair have thick round glass bases and show a very ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

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. the price is item...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Philippe Starck Flos Miss K Table Lamp Transparent Grey 21st Century
Located in Antwerpen, BE
The Miss K table lamp is a design by Philippe Starck, which he created for the Italian lighting manufacturer Flos. Because of the two different light diffusers, it immediately create...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic, Plexiglass

Pair of Ceramic Zaccagnini Style Egyptian Pharaoh Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of two, 1980's, table lamps with a white glazed ceramic pharaoh bust base. The busts are modeled after the likeness of Tutankhamun, the famous boy-king of ancient Egypt. The lamp...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Maurizio Tempestini Desk Lamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
A desk lamp for Lightolier that has been rewired for use in the United States. Often attributed to Maurizio Tempestini.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Modern floor lamp One Floor White
Located in Hoegaarden, BE
The One reading floor lamp, designed by Stephan Lebrun, is a perfect blend of modern design and practical functionality. This elegant floor lamp features a sleek, minimalist silhouet...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Sculptural Acrylic Table Lamps by Rembrandt
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This rare set of 1970s table lamps by Rembrandt Lamp feature leaf-shaped shafts elegantly rendered in ivory-toned acrylic. The acrylic envelops the brass base and black painted spine...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

A Pair Of Pen Shell And Brass Table Lamps By R&Y Augousti Paris
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Pen shell and brass table lamps by R&Y Augousti Paris, with stacked movable geometric shaped pieces on brass supports and stood on oval shaped bases. Original linen covere...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Lighting

Materials

Shell

Navis Sconces (pair), by Lumifer
Located in New York, NY
Showroom floor model. Navis, a figurative extension of the Latin word for ship or vessel, influenced the sleek design of this lighting collection. Propeller design and mechanics ser...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Handmade Table Lamp DIOTIMA Layers of Marble and Brass, by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary handmade table lamp model DIOTIMA. The base consists of three layers of marble, on a brass rectangular base. Rectangular silk or grass-cloth lampshade. The light source...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble, Brass

Contemporary Handmade Table Lamp CIBELE, Layers of Marble, and Brass by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary handmade table lamp model CIBELE. The base consists of three layers of marble, on a brass rectangular base. Rectangular silk or grass-cloth lampshade. The light source...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble, Brass

Contemporary Handmade Wall Lamp JUNO with a Geometric Marble Facade by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted wall lamp, model "Juno" with a geometric marble facade set on an oxidized brass finish patina base. The type of marble can be customized upon request. LED s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Handmade Wall Lamp JUNO with a Geometric Brass Facade by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted wall lamp, model "Juno" with a geometric oxidized brass facade, on an oxidized brass finish patina base. The depth of the brass oxidation can be customized ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble, Brass

Contemporary Handmade Wall Lamp HYMNIA Geometric Marble/Brass Facade by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted wall lamp, model "Hymnia" with a geometric marble facade set on an oxidized brass finish base. The marble facade consists of two separate geometric panels w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble, Brass

Italian modern Washi paper Wall lamp Tako by Toshiyuki Kita for Bilumen, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Washi paper and metal Wall lamp Tako by Toshiyuki Kita for Bilumen, 1970s Wall lamp mod. Tako in Washi paper and metal. The diffuser in a sheet of Washi , traditional ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Helix Horizontal Pendant, by Lumifer
Located in New York, NY
Showroom floor model. The Helix collection is designed as a system of "T" shaped hand finished brass modules. Each light point gracefully transitions to a uniquely designed rosette to house the hand blown glass globe. Each cascading “T” module forms a subtle helix rotation; creating a mesmerizing cylindrical aura that touches on the origin of the natural world. The result is a delicate, simple and versatile light, with seamless and beautiful details, resembling vintage 1960s Italian lights...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Limited Edition “Tahoma” Table Lamps by Alexandre Logé
Located in New York, NY
Edition of 20 with 4 artist proofs. Sculptural cast bronze forms with hand-applied patina. Elliptical, custom fabric shades. One E26 socket per lamp. Signed and numbered. 20-24 week ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Italian Memphis Era Desk Lamp in White Perforated Metal, Orientable Arm
Located in Milano, IT
This is a cool little desk lamp, dating back to the early Eighties and crafted in white and black metal. The main arm can be tilted and oriented, and the lampshade can be rotated, th...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Hedera Horizontal Pendant, by Lumifer
Located in New York, NY
Showroom floor model. The Hedera Collection offers a continued exploration into the Helix structure that unifies organic life and juxtaposes it with materials and methods developed...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Silk Lampshade, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Silk Lampshade, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. This is an elegant table lamp and an attractive addition to a modern home. The r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian Modern Brass and Quartz Table Lamp and Custom Shade, ca. 1970’s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a custom brass mounted, metal, and lucite seamed lampshade, this all brass lamp features a right angled support for the shade extending from a rectangular base, atop the base ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Quartz, Brass

Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Silk Lampshade, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Silk Lampshade, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. This is an elegant table lamp and an attractive addition to a modern home. The c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Silk Lampshade, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Silk Lampshade, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. This is an elegant table lamp and an attractive addition to a modern home. The a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Stainless Steel

RENG, Karamu, Decorative Glass, Mouth Blown Opaque Glass with Metal Framing
Located in Dallas, TX
Mouth blown opaque glass with metal framing. Bulb 1 x medium base 60 watt incandescent. 20lbs. Handcrafted in Italy. Sold exclusively at Brendan Bass. Minimum hanging height: N/A ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Karl Springer Style 70s Lucite Stacked Column Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Style 1970s Lucite Stacked Column Table Lamp, with cubic finial. 36.5" H x 7.5" W x 7.5" D.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Lucite

Drift Bump Large Contemporary Sculptural Cast Glass Wall Light Sconce
Located in Bainbridge Island, WA
Often minimized for the sake of consistency in standard glass casting, chill marks arise when molten glass comes in contact with cool mold surfaces. These chill marks, which vary by...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

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

Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Cotton Lampshade, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Cotton Lampshade, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. This is an elegant table lamp and an attractive addition to a modern home. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Cotton Lampshade, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Modern Table Lamps, Glass Base, Cotton Lampshade, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. This is an elegant table lamp and an attractive addition to a modern home. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lamp by Pierre Folie for Jacques Charpentier
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A special table lamp can be oriented in every direction
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Clément Cauvet 'IOTA' Table Lamp in Concrete and Steel for DCW éditions Paris
Located in Tilburg, NL
Clément Cauvet 'IOTA' Table Lamp in Concrete and Steel for DCW éditions Paris. New, current production. IOTA borrows its name and shape from the Greek alphabet. A return to the esse...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Lighting

Materials

Concrete, Stainless Steel

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