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Midcentury J.T. Kalmar Crystal Glass Pendant Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame fitted with one E27 and one E14 socket three crystal-ice glass elements. Designed by
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

JT Kalmar Crystal Concentric Chandelier Austria ca. 1970's
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Geneva, CH
Beautiful concentric on 4 level of textured crystal made by J.T. Kalmar in Austria ca. 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Steel

Midcentury J.T. Kalmar Crystal Structured Glass Pendant Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame fitted with one E27 and one E14 socket 3 crystal-ice structured glass elements
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Pair of Large Kalmar Crystal Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of gilt brass wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Large Kalmar Crystal Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of gilt brass wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Pair of Large Kalmar Crystal Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of gilt brass wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Pair of Large Kalmar Crystal Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of gilt brass wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Pair of Large Kalmar Crystal Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of gilt brass wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Pair of oversized Kalmar Crystal Glass Wall Lights, Germany, 1960
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of wall lights by Kalmar from the 1960s white enameled back plates, top and bottom plates are
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

3-Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Crystal Glass, 1 Chandelier and 2 Wall Lights
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
We offer a amazing set of Kalmar light fixtures. The set is executed to a very high standard. By
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Crystal Pendant By Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Steel construction with six lights and with 40x40cm (15.74x15.74in) art-glass plate and cut crystal
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Steel

Crystal Pendant By Kalmar
Crystal Pendant By Kalmar
H 23.63 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconce, Vienna Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
A single Kalmar palazzo crystal sconce 1970s Vienna Austria, six thick clear heavy pieces of
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

Kalmar Clear Crystal and Brass Pendant Fixture
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Troy, MI
Clear crystal and brass pendant style light fixture by Kalmar, circa 1970s. New wiring for US
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconces, Vienna Austria, 1975
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar palazzo crystal sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, five thick clear heavy pieces of highest
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

1960s Austrian J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Lighting Crystal Glass & Chrome Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in London, GB
1960s Austrian two-tiered chandelier designed by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Lighting. A striking and
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Chrome

Palazzo Kalmar Gold, Crystal Chandelier, 1970s, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Palazzo Kalmar gold crystal glass chandelier from the 1970s, Austria. gold gilded frame holding 22
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Pair of Austrian Kalmar "Palazzo" Ice Crystal Sconces
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Kalmar "Palazzo" ice crystal glass wall sconces. From the Franken series 4542. Featuring
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Kalmar Chandelier Gold-Plated with Crystals, 1970, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Super swanky Kalmar gold crystal glass chandelier, 1970, Austria. Patinated gold gilded frame
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Metal

1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Pendant
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Amsterdam, NH
This is a stunning Kalmar ice glass crystal pendant from the 1970s. The glass looks like pure ice
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Pendant
1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Pendant
H 21.66 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Amsterdam, NH
This is a stunning Kalmar ice glass crystal sconce from the 1970s. The glass looks like pure ice
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Sconce
1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Sconce
H 7.49 in W 5.91 in D 3.55 in
Pair of Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconces, Vienna Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair Kalmar palazzo crystal sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, four thick clear elongated heavy pieces
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

Stunning Brass, Crystal Glass Chandelier Florida, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass chandelier made by Kalmar (Serie: Florida), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Impressive Austrian Kalmar ARENA Crystal Ice Glass Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Large and heavy steel construction with 15 lights and crystal ice glass elements. Made in Austia in
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Steel

J.T. Kalmar Cut Crystal Glass Chandelier, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Stunning cut crystal cylinder glass chandelier with brass canopy and suspension by J.T. Kalmar
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

J. T. Kalmar Citrus Swirl Crystal Glass Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Citrus chandelier designed by J.T. Kalmar and manufactured by Kalmar in Austria. Brass frame withe
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Floria, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Floria, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Kalmar Two Tier Crystal Chandelier, Vienna, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar chandelier, Vienna, Austria, 1970. Citrus was a design line Kalmar produced in the 1970s
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Unique Cut Crystal Rondino Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction with cut crystal elements fitted with nine E14 sockets up to 60 watts each
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Kalmar 1960s Floral Austrian Crystal Wall Light
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
A two light chrome wall light with two thick crystal glass decorative flowers. Rewired.
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Chrome

Kalmar Huge Large Ice Crystal Glass Austrian Flushmount, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made huge and rare large model with black painted metal hardware and ice crystal glass
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Crystal Triedri Murano Chandelier Sputnik, 1982
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Murano, Venezia
Designed in 1982 by Kalmar, this chandelier has 41 crystal glass elements called “Torciglioni
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

1 of 4 Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Wonderful gilt brass light fixture comprises 15 crystal Murano glass pieces on a gilded brass
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

1 of 2 Stunning Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Floria, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring eight hanging glass elements resembling ice crystals suspended
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

J.T. Kalmar Pair of Sconces in Cut Glass Crystal 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of cut crystal cylinder glass sconces with chrome body by J.T. Kalmar, Austrian 1960
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

Kalmar Ice Chandelier Chrome & Crystal Glass Panels Mid-Century Modern Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Miami, FL
Kalmar ice 1 light pendant lamp or chandelier in chrome and panels of crystal glass. The Socket is
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

1 of 2 Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Chandelier Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

1 of 2 Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Chandelier Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Set of eight crystals ice glass Kalmar Franken 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Eight large crystals from the prestigious Austrian house JT Kalmar Franken who, in 1960, created
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Faceted Crystal Pendant Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Esbjerg, DK
crystal setting with an abundance of raised geometric patterns etched/cut into its surface, refracting
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Metal

J.T. Kalmar Huge Pagode Pendant Chandelier, Crystal Glass, 1960s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Impressive Mid-Century Modern crystal glass 'Pagode' pendant chandelier, manufactured by J.T
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Nickel

Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Crystal Glass & Gilt Brass Chandelier Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern, vintage, Austrian made 'Palazzo' ice crystal glass chandelier by Kalmar, circa
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

3 Very nice BIG and Rare Crystal Wall Lamps From J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Beautiful and elegant modern brass wall lamps or sconces, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in Austria
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Hollywood Regency Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Blue Crystal Murano Glass Tronchi Chandelier, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Murano, Venezia
The chandelier you see in the photo is a vintage chandelier, designed in 1980 by Kalmar. It is
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Amber Crystal Murano Glass Tronchi Chandelier, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Murano, Venezia
The chandelier you see in the photo is a vintage chandelier, designed in 1980 by Kalmar. It is
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Austrian Crystal and Brass Pair of Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s Glamorous pair of Austrian crystal and brass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar. In original
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Monumental 5 Foot J. T. Kalmar Lucite Ice Crystal Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Las Vegas, NV
World’s largest? J.T. Kalmar style Lucite ice sculpture chandelier. Contains 50 candle bulbs
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel

J.T. Kalmar Plaffoniere with Murano Glass Crystals, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
J.T. Kalmar Plaffoniere with Murano glass crystals, Austria 1960 A beautiful two-layer Murano
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Hollywood Regency Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

J.T. Kalmar Plaffoniere with Murano Glass Crystals, Austria 1960
J.T. Kalmar Plaffoniere with Murano Glass Crystals, Austria 1960
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H 9.85 in W 23.63 in D 9.85 in
Set of Three Midcentury Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Pendant Lights or Chandeliers
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
/ lamps or chandeliers by Kalmar, circa 1974. Featuring twelve hanging glass elements (six large & six
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

J.T. Kalmar Tiered Crystal Glass and Gold Brass Chandelier Lamp, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Tiered Crystal Glass and Gold Brass Chandelier Lamp, Austria 1960. Stunning three-tier
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass

Large J. T. Kalmar Palazzo Midcentury Gilt Brass and Crystal Icicle Glass Scone
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant and large handmade wall light, produced by Kalmar Franken KG in the 1970s. Its frame is
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Gold, Brass

Kalmar "Palazzo" Ice Crystal Glass Wall Light or Sconce 'Rare New Old Stock'
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
by Kalmar, circa 1960. Featuring three hanging glass elements resembling melting ice crystals
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

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Kalmar Crystal For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the kalmar crystal you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, crystal and stone, every kalmar crystal was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer kalmar crystal, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A kalmar crystal, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency or Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar and Bengt Edenfalk each produced at least one beautiful kalmar crystal that is worth considering.

How Much is a Kalmar Crystal?

A kalmar crystal can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,198, while the lowest priced sells for $551 and the highest can go for as much as $31,357.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

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 legendary 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.

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.

Finding the Right Lighting for You

The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.

Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.

Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat. 

Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. & L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.

As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.

There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation

With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.

The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.