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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
1960s Petite Flush Mount Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, pink, clear gold Flowers
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite Italian Hand-Blown Crystal Flower Flush Mount Chandelier Charming petite Italian flush mount chandelier featuring a delicate arrangement of hand-blown crystal flowers in pink...
Metal
Florentine Style Alabaster Murano Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Murano glass flush mount produced by Massive Leuchten, Germany, in the 1980s. This elegant light features a stunning textured glass shade with a soft, marbled appearance ...
Metal
La Murrina Vistosi Pink Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Vintage Italy 1980s
By La Murrina
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An elegant vintage Italian flush mount ceiling light, Glass shade made by La Murrina. The gold-plated metal fixture by Vistosi, circa 1980s or earlier. The fixture features a substan...
Metal
Charming Pink Amethyst Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure pink amethyst color Murano glass consists of 16 delicious hand blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Five E27 lights spread a magical light. Available 3 items....
Glass
Lucite Flower Flush Mount Ceiling Light Neuhaus Leuchten, Germany, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A large beautiful flush mount or sconces, made in Germany in the 1980s by Neuhaus Leuchten. The fixture requires three European E27 Edison bulbs, each bulb up to 40 watts. A nice add...
Metal
Swedish flush-mount ceiling light in pine 70s
Located in Boden, SE
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Pine Flush Mount Ceiling Lights / Plafonds (1970s) Elevate your space with this stunning, rare pair of mid-century modern Scandinavian...
Agate
Hive Flush Mount by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 5in Glass Globe, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Hive Flush Mount in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Globe Size: ~4...
Brass, Steel
Hive Flush Mount by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 3in Glass Globe, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Hive Flush Mount in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics: 1...
Brass, Steel
Konsthantverk Svep Small Ceiling Lamp, Iron Oxide & Opal Acrylic
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model Stoby designed by Konsthantverk and manufactured by themselves. The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s techniq...
Brass
Vintage Italian Ribbed Glass Flush Mount with Brass-Tone Rim and Glass Finial
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted and mouthblown, three-light Murano ceiling lamp. A beautifully textured Italian ceiling light with a presence that goes well beyond its modest size. The clear Murano gla...
Metal, Brass
1950s Petite Flush Mount Chandelier by Barovier&Toso, Crystal Flowers
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite Italian Hand-Blown Crystal Flower Flush Mount Chandelier Charming petite Italian flush mount chandelier featuring a delicate arrangement of hand-blown crystal flowers in mult...
Metal
Butterfly Pendant Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Yellow Silver Art Glass, Brass Italy
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
BUTTERFLY sun yellow, old glass, silvered The free dance movement For more than 22 years, Sabrina Landini pays homage to glass surfaces in her expression of silvered masterworks, t...
Crystal, Brass
Ponti Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian mid-century flush mount with frosted Murano glass shades mounted on polished brass frame / Made in Italy Inspired by Angelo Lelli and Arredoluce styles Diameter: 46 inches / ...
Murano Glass
Scandinavian Ceiling Lamp by Johan Carpner, Black Mat & Brass, 55 cm In Stock
By Johan Carpner, Konsthantverk Tyringe 1
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Add a touch of Scandinavian elegance to your home with this stunning ceiling lamp by Konsthantverk. Designed by Johan Carpner, the Satellit 55 model features a sleek black mat and ra...
Brass
Tiffany Contemporary Hanging Lamp 30, Powder Silk, Silvered Glass, Brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TIFFANY The first one, Audrey inspired the iconic Introducing Sabrina's breathtaking collection of Tiffany lamps. Year after year Sabrina Landini perpetuates its exceptional exp...
Silk, Art Glass
Vistosi Diamante Spotlight in Crystal by Barbara Maggiolo
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
The Diamante collection is handblown and handcrafted and charecterized by its innate versatility to be combined with other variations within the collection or within Vistosi's produc...
Murano Glass
Slamp Mida Wall/Ceiling Light LARGE Multicolor by Adriano Rachele
Located in Pomezia, Rome
Mida is a ceiling/wall lamp with our exclusive magnetic system, inspired by the world of haute couture jewels. A pavè of precious gems encrust an almost invisible setting, and polish...
Other
Modernist Hand-Blown Mottled Murano 24K Gold Fleck Glass Acanthus Flush Mount
Located in New York, NY
Illuminate your space with this Modernist Hand-Blown Mottled Murano Glass Acanthus Flush Mount Chandelier, adorned with 24 Karat Gold Flecks, crafted in Italy in the 21st century. Th...
Gold, Brass
Vintage Sculptural Ceiling or Wall Flush Mount Light Chandelier by Leola, 1960s
By miiss, Leola, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Berlin, DE
Large sculptural Sciolari style ceiling or wall flush mount by Leola. Germany, 1960-1970s. Shipping without bulbs.
Metal
SLAMP Veli Large Flush Light in Prisma by Adriano Rachele
By Slamp, Adriano Rachele
Located in Pomezia, Rome
Inspired by the high fashion world, where folds, pleats and soft structural shapes reign, Veli is a sophisticated, glamorous collection featuring a series of handcrafted elements car...
Other
Slamp Mida Wall/Ceiling Light White Gold by Adriano Rachele
Located in Pomezia, Rome
Mida is a ceiling/wall lamp with our exclusive magnetic system, inspired by the world of haute couture jewels. A pavè of precious gems encrust an almost invisible setting, and polish...
Other
Large Iron Oxide Ceiling Lamp by Konsthantverk, Modern Design, Sweden
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model Stoby designed by Konsthantverk and manufactured by themselves. The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s techniq...
Brass
Venetian Murano Glass Palmette Palm Chandelier Flush Mount, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Very elegant vintage estate, midcentury Venetian Murano art glass chandelier by Barovier & Toso. This refined fixture features two round tiers of overlapping, large, curved, hand-blo...
Brass
Caeli-A Silver Rattan Pendant Light, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
This pendant light fixture is a contemporary, made-to-Measure piece that is perfect for living areas or as kitchen island lights. The fixture is ...
Brass
De.Light W1 Brass Articulating Double Sconce Wall Light
Located in Paris, FR
The De.Light is a solid brass double wall light with a leather sheathed stem detail. The main structure tops an opal glass di user or a cylinder fabric shade and the Directional stem features a conic shade mounted with a moveable joint. Perfect as a bedside reading lamp or to illuminate wall art...
Brass
Sunshine Contemporary Pendant Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Japanese Style, Brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
SUNSHINE Let the light to come through Thanks to the Italian manufacturing technique used in our workplace, each item is a testament to our commitment to craftmanship, with attenti...
Crystal, Brass
Fused Bulls Eye Glass and Brass Wall Light or Flush Mount
Located in Rijssen, NL
Stunning bulls eye glass and brass wall lights or flush mount. The generous three centimeter thick pieces of glass that are used in this lamp collection are synonymous with ice. The ...
Brass
Caeli Classic Handcrafted Brass Rattan Pendant Light Fixture, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
The Caeli-S contemporary handcrafted made-to-measure pendant light fixture features an expertly handcrafted brass structure and a hand-woven rattan shade. This piece creates a warm a...
Brass
Caeli-W Monumental Steel Rattan Pendant Light, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
Contemporary handcrafted made-to-measure pendant light fixture composed of a painted steel structure and a meticulously handwoven rattan shade. ...
Brass
Square Wall Sconce or Flush Mount Light
Located in Vienna, AT
Steel painted frame fitted with two E27 bulbs for max. 100W each covered with two elements made of pressed and refined glass from the, early 1970s. It is possible to put several piec...
Steel
Italian Rectangular Murano Glass Disc Chandelier by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian chandelier with burgundy colored hand blown Murano glass discs mounted on gold finish metal frame with decorative arch details, by Fabio Ltd, made in Italy 6 lights / E26 or ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Sunshine Contemporary Hanging Lamp Sabrina Landini, Silk Brass, Hand Made Italy
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
SUNSHINE Let the light to come through Thanks to the Italian manufacturing technique used in our workplace, each item is a testament to our commitment to craftmanship, with atten...
Crystal, Brass
Charming Pink Amethyst Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure pink amethyst color Murano glass consists of 16 delicious hand blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Five E27 lights spread a magical light. Available 3 items....
Glass
Cresta Sconce / Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Murano wall light or flush mount with hand blown smoky Murano glass globes, mounted on curved polished brass finish frame / Designed by Fabio Bergomi / Made in Italy 3 lights...
Brass
"Trilly" Contemporary Pendant Lamp Jade Silvered Art Glass, Brass Body
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TRILLY The fairy fragrance of freedom The traditional know-how of our workshop dances to the rhythm of our creative days. Discover the story of the Maison Sabrina Landini, punctua...
Brass
De.Light W2 Contemporary Brass Articulating Double Wall Sconce, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
The DE.LIGHT is a solid brass double wall light with a leather sheathed stem detail. The main structure tops a cylinder fabric shade or an opal glass di user and the directional stem...
Brass
Globe Flush Mount by Research.Lighting, Brushed Nickel, 3in Glass Globe, MTO
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Globe Flush Mount in brushed nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Brushed Nickel Electronics: 1x G9 ...
Brass, Steel
Large Green Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Flush Mount
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure Emerald green color Murano glass consists of 24 large hand-blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Nine E27 lights bulbs spread a magical light. Wattage 4-6 W...
Glass
Flush Mount Light 1 - Vrksa Series - Wooden Ceiling Light
By Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
The Flush Mount Light 1 sits closely on the ceiling, it has been made using solid ashwood by bending the wood. Two cocoon-like wooden structures bear the light bulbs, dispelling ligh...
Bentwood, Ash
Y Flush Mount by Research.Lighting, Brass, 3in Glass Globes, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Y Flush Mount in Brass designed and manufactured by Research Lighting. Materials: Brass & Glass Finish: Raw Brushed Brass Electronics: 1x G9 Socket, 2x 2.5 W...
Brass
Spruce St Spot Light, Tarnished Brass, Australian by DUNLIN
By DUNLIN
Located in Paddington, NSW
Handmade in solid brass exclusively for Dunlin. Bestseller at Dunlin. A heavyweight, solid brass pivoting spotlight. A cast brass ball pivot allows the light to rotate around its s...
Brass
Iridescent Murano Glass Leaf Flush Mount
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Ceiling lamp made of slightly iridescent murano glass, with a center dome and leaves going upward toward the ceiling.
Murano Glass
Tiffany Contemporary Hanging Lamp 40, Champagne Silk Silvered Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TIFFANY The first one, Audrey inspired the iconic Introducing Sabrina's breathtaking collection of Tiffany lamps. Year after year Sabrina Landini perpetuates its exceptional exp...
Brass
Large 'Carré' Alabaster and Brass Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Denis De La Mesiere
By Pierre Chareau, Maison Paname
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Carré' Alabaster and Brass Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Denis De La Mesiere Handcrafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and antiques dealer Denis de le Mes...
Alabaster, Metal
Uno Classico Semi-Flush Mount by Gaspare Asaro-Bronze Finish
By form A, Gaspare & Vittorio Asaro
Located in New York, NY
The Uno ceiling light exemplifies simple elegance via its clean profile designed around a single Murano glass shade. Starting pricing by size-10% upcharge for specialty finishes: 1...
Brass
Italian Murano Glass Gold Leaves Modern Flush Mount or Ceiling Light
Located in Rome, IT
Exclusive production with precious Murano glass leaves with gold intrusion, creating a fabulous light effect. Available also with ice color glasses. Frame; gold-plated or nickel. ...
Art Glass
Zeta Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro-Bronze Finish
By form A, Gaspare & Vittorio Asaro
Located in New York, NY
The Zeta ceiling light features a composition of variable sized Murano glass shades methodically balanced on a “V” shaped brass frame. The first images show the fixture in our bronzo...
Brass
Geometria Sospesa Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro-Satin Brass Finish
By Gaspare & Vittorio Asaro, form A
Located in New York, NY
Translated in English to “suspended geometry”, the Geometria Sospesa ceiling light plays with the notion of lines and shapes. The concept is brought to life by its distinctive windin...
Brass
Italian Murano Glass Gold Leaves Modern Flushmount or Ceiling Light
Located in Rome, IT
Exclusive production with precious Murano glass leaves with gold intrusion, creating a fabulous light effect. Available also with ice color glasses. Frame; gold-plated or nickel. ...
Art Glass
Caeli Dark Handcrafted Brass Rattan Pendant Light Fixture, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
The Caeli-SD contemporary handcrafted made-to-measure pendant light fixture features an expertly handcrafted brass structure and a hand-woven dark-tinted rattan shade. This piece cre...
Brass
White Glass and Brass Flush Mount by B + M Leuchten, Germany
By B+M Leuchten 1
Located in Barntrup, DE
B + M Leuchten brass and white glass flush mount, Germany, circa 2015. An elegant and beautifully shaped white glass and brass flush mount, made in Germany, with one socket for the B...
Brass
Charming Pink Amethyst Flower Murano Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure pink amethyst color Murano glass consists of amazing hand blown flowers by Veneziani Arte . The structure is chrome -metal. 6 E 14 lights spread a magical light....
Glass
Konsthantverk Tyringe SVEP Iron Oxide Small Ceiling Lamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Celling Lamp designed and manufactured by Konsthantverk in Sweden. 3806-6 SVEP Diameter 450 mm Height 180 mm Max 3 x 40 W E14 3806-12 Iron oxide/opal acrylic The lamps are wiring w...
Brass
Tre Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro-Bronze Finish
By Gaspare & Vittorio Asaro, form A
Located in New York, NY
The Tre ceiling light harmoniously juxtaposes the balance of its three evenly spaced arms with the asymmetry of its variable size shades staggered at different heights. The first ima...
Brass
Pair of Hive Flush Mounts by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 5in Glass, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Hive Flush Mounts in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics: ...
Brass, Steel
Brass Ceiling Light with Hand-Blown Glass by DUNLIN
By DUNLIN
Located in Paddington, NSW
Designer's Notes A substantial ceiling and wall light crafted from solid brass, paired with hand-blown glass. Each piece is handmade exclusively for Dunlin Australia. Available in ...
Brass
Targetti Sankey Ceiling or Wall Mounts II
Located in Inglewood, CA
Iconic 1970s champagne colored ceiling or wall mount lighting fixtures by Targetti Sankey of Italy. Diameter: 15”. Depth: 4” with out bulb. Depth: 9” with chrome top bulbs.
Aluminum
Large 'Moon 4' Alabaster Wall or Ceiling Lamp in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
By Pierre Chareau, Maison Paname
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Moon 4' Alabaster Wall or Ceiling Lamp in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Handcrafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and antiques dealer Denis de le Mes...
Alabaster, Metal
Caeli Pleated Monumental Brass Pendant Light, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
The contemporary handcrafted made-to-measure pendant light fixture features an expertly handcrafted brass structure and a hand-pleated white fabric shade. This piece creates a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for living areas or kitchen island lights...
Brass
Sei Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro-Polished Nickel Finish
By Gaspare & Vittorio Asaro, form A
Located in New York, NY
The Sei ceiling light is characterized by its star shaped frame with six suspended Murano glass shades. The first images show the fixture in our polished nicke...
Brass