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Swedish Mid Century Ceramic Desk Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century decorative ceramic / stoneware desk table "Rubus" lamp by Gunnar Nylund
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage President Desk Lamp Model 6631 by Christian Dell for Kaiser Idell 1950s
By Kaiser Idell, Christian Dell
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Dell in 1926. This lamp is made in the 1930s-1950s of chromium-plated metal and metal with green
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Serge Mouille Agrafée Metal Desk Table Lamp Steph Simon Paris, 1950s
By Serge Mouille, Steph Simon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and authentic French mid century table / desk lamp model "Agrafée" by Serge Mouille for
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Finnish Mid Century "A704" Desk Lamp in Metal Leather by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare Finnish desk / table lamp model "A704" by Alvar Aalto produced and stamped by
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Danish Modern Adjustable Table / Desk Lamp with Brass Base and Cone Shade, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table or desk lamp was produced in Denmark in the 1950s. The lamp features a continuous
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Small French cocotte desk lamp
By Jean Boris Lacroix
Located in London, GB
Small French 1950’s cocotte desk lamp. Some paint loss on base and shade but no big dents. Rewired
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Large Mid Century Desk Lamp by Helo Leuchten Germany, 1950s
By Helo Leuchten
Located in Schwerin, MV
1950s, designed by Henry and Lothar Gerhard. Stylistically, the lamp's design is inspired by the Bauhaus
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Vintage Gray Adjustable Desk/Side Table Lamp by Sis, 1950s
By SIS
Located in Verviers, BE
Classic compact design, this adjustable spotlight desk lamp was produced by SIS, Germany, 1950's
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Bertil Brisborg, Nordiska Kompaniet, Scandinavian desk lamp 32535, Sweden, 1950s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Bertil Brisborg
Located in Forserum, SE
A mid-century table lamp, model 32535, designed by Bertil Brisborg for the Swedish department store
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel

Swedish Desk Clamp Lamp by Alf Svensson for Bergboms, 1950s
By Bergboms, Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Desk clamp lamp designed by Alf Svensson, manufactured by Bergboms in Sweden during the 1950s
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Dazor 2324 Industrial Desk Drafting Architect Work Articulating Lamp, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A spectacular vintage original circa Dazor 2324 Industrial desk drafting work lamp flourescent
Category

Vintage 1950s American Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Metallic Thread

Rare Elegant Mid-Century Modern Brass Piano Lamp or Desk Light Germany 1950s
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern piano lamp or desk light. Adjustable height and shade. Designed
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Iron

Boréns Borås Table/Desk Lamp in Brass, Wood and Lacquered Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Boréns Borås
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare desk/table lamp was produced by Boréns in Borås, Sweden. The model is numbered 8257
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel

1950s Cosack Cobra Black Mid-Century Brass Desk or Table Lamp, Stilnovo Style
By Stilnovo, Cosack Leuchten, Gebrüder Cosack
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century modern Stilnovo-Style „Cobra“ table or desk lamp from the 1950s, executed
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Iron

Rare Oscar Torlasco Model "577" Table/Desk Lamp by Lumi Milan, 1950s, Labeled
By Lumi, Oscar Torlasco
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This rare and iconic Model 577 table lamp by Oscar Torlasco for Lumi Milan is a testament to the
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Metal

Elegant Table Lamp or Desk Light by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier USA 1950s
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant Mid-Century Modern table lamp or desk light. Designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Metal

Ferdinand Solère Rare Desk Lamp with Rotating Arm, France 1950s
By Ferdinand Solere
Located in Bochum, NRW
A mid-century desk lamp designed by Ferdinand Solere for SolR Paris, France, in the 1950s, it is
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Desk Lamp Model 1618 by Josef Hurka for Napako Czechoslovakia 1950s
By Napako, Josef Hurka
Located in Lucenec, SK
Vintage table lamp designed by Josef Hurka is in an original condition with only minor signs of use
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Midcentury Modern table or desk lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare, elegant brass table or desk lamp by Josef Frank, with original leather upholstery with some
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

French Mid Century Antony Desk Table Lamp by Serge Mouille by Steph Simon, 1950s
By Serge Mouille, Steph Simon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and all original French mid century "Antony" desk / table lamp by Serge Mouille produced
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Danish Mid Century Table Desk Lamp in Brass Glass by Fog Mørup Denmark 1950s
By Fog Mørup
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish mid century desk / table lamp in patinated brass with a frosted opaline glass shade
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

French Mid Century Table Desk Lamp by Serge Mouille for Steph Simon Paris, 1950s
By Serge Mouille, Steph Simon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare French mid century table / desk lamp in black lacquered metal and brass details by Serge
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

French Bronze Bouillotte Desk Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1950's French polished bronze bouillotte desk lamp with painted shade Measurements
Category

Vintage 1950s French Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Stoneware desk lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1950s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
A rare stoneware desk lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen stoneware made in the in the 1950s. It is
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Brutalist Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

French Mid Century Table Desk Lamp by Serge Mouille for Steph Simon Paris, 1950s
By Serge Mouille, Steph Simon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and authentic French mid century table / desk lamp model "Agrafée" by Serge Mouille for
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Gino Sarfatti Tripod Italian Desk Lamp! 1950s Greta Grossman Grasshopper
By Gino Sarfatti, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Peoria, AZ
GINO SARFATTI THREE FOOT "GRASSHOPPER" DESK LAMP EXQUISITE! 1953 SIMPLY GORGEOUS! Dimensions
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Gino Sarfatti Tripod Italian Desk Lamp! 1950s Green Greta Grossman Grasshopper
By Gino Sarfatti, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Peoria, AZ
GINO SARFATTI THREE FOOT "GRASSHOPPER" DESK LAMP EXQUISITE! 1953 SIMPLY GORGEOUS! Dimensions
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Oscar Torlasco, mod. 143 brass table / desk lamp, Prod. Lumi, 1950s
By Lumi, Oscar Torlasco
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century modern mod.143 rare brass and frosted glass table / desk lamp designed by Oscar
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid Century Table Desk Lamp in Brass Glass by Fog Mørup Denmark 1950s
By Fog Mørup
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish mid century desk / table lamp in patinated brass and frosted opaline glass shade
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Rare Mid Century Modern Lightolier Fiberglass Desk Lamp Gerald Thurston 1950s
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Peoria, AZ
RARE & FABULOUS! MID CENTURY MODERN GERALD THURSTON FIBERGLASS SHADE MINIMALIST DESK LAMP
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Vintage Green Adjustable Desk/Side Table Lamp Signed by Sis, 1950s
By SIS
Located in Verviers, BE
Classic compact design, this adjustable spotlight desk lamp was produced by SIS, Germany, 1950's
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Table Desk Lamp, Patinated Brass Green Adjustable Shade Black Metal, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Stilnovo, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large table or desk lmap manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1950s. The shade can be fixed in
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid Century Desk Lamp Model 1621 by Josef Hurka for Napako Czechoslovakia, 1950s
By Josef Hurka, Napako
Located in Lucenec, SK
Vintage table lamp designed by Josef Hurka for Napako Czechoslovakia in an original condition with
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Mid-Century NB100 Table Lamp or Desk Light by Louis Kalff for Philips 1950s
By Philips, Louis Kalff
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant Mid-Century Modern NB100 table lamp or desk light. Designed by Louis Kalff for Philips
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Timor Table Lamp or Desk Light by Louis Kalff for Philips 1950s
By Louis Kalff, Philips
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant Mid-Century Modern "Timor" table lamp or desk light. Designed by Louis Kalff for Philips
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Mid-Century Romeo Table Lamp or Desk Light by Louis Kalff for Philips 1950s
By Philips, Louis Kalff
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant Mid-Century Modern "Romeo" table lamp or desk light. Designed by Louis Kalff for Philips
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

1950s American Art Deco Style Brass Table/Desk Lamp with Satin White Glass Shade
Located in New York, NY
A vintage brass table or desk lamp with an enticing design, the stepped square base (6.75" x 6.75
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Stilnovo Desk Lamp Mod. D 4639, Stilnovo, Milan Italy, circa 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Firenze, IT
Rare executive Desk / table lamp mod. D 4639, Stilnovo, Milan Italy, circa 1950s Patinated brass
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Desk lamp by Louis Kalff for Philips, The Netherlands 1950s
By Louis Kalff, Philips
Located in Meulebeke, BE
The Netherlands / 1950 / Desk Lamp / Louis Kalff / Philips / metal / Mid-century / Vintage A early
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

A stoneware desk lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1950s, Denmark
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
in the 1950s. * A stoneware desk lamp with curry-colored glaze and a beige fabric shade * Designer
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Brutalist Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Gino Sarfatti Stilnovo Mid Century Modern Italian Desk Lamp! 1950s Yellow Rare!
By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Peoria, AZ
GINO SARFATTI SAUCER SHADE DESK LAMP EXQUISITE! 1952 SIMPLY GORGEOUS! Dimensions: 20" Tall 6
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1950s Scandinavian Swan Neck Gooseneck Task Desk Lamp Black Brass Midcentury
By Erik Wärnå, Ewå Värnamo
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A very neat Midcentury Swedish swan neck desk lamp with a black aluminium shade, brass swan neck
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Cobra Desk Lamp Greta Grossman Atomic Era 1950s
By Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Peoria, AZ
Original 1950 Greta Grossman Cobra Lamp Fiberglass Shade Rare Prototype or Pre-patent Competitor
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rare Mid Century Modern FIBERGLASS REFLECTOR DESK LAMP! BILL LAM STUDIO 1950s
By Bill Lam
Located in Peoria, AZ
A PURIST'S DREAM. MID CENTURY MODERN MOLDED FIBERGLASS ARTICULATING SHADE REFLECTOR DESK LAMP
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1950s Counterbalance Brass Desk Table Lamp by Merchant Adventurers Ltd, UK
By Robert Nicholson, The Merchant Adventurers Ltd.
Located in London, GB
Counterbalance desk lamp by designers Robert and Roger Nicholson made by Merchant Adventurers Ltd
Category

Vintage 1950s British Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Vintage Classic Industrial Metal Polish Desk Lamp with Enamel Blue Shade, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This classic desk lamp was produced in Poland during the 1950s. The lamp has a solid base made of
Category

Vintage 1950s Polish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

French Desk Lamp with Tole Shade
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1950's French desk lamp with painted tole shade. Measurements: Height: 23.5" Diameter
Category

Vintage 1950s Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Kurt Versen Gooseneck Table Desk Lamp! Mid Century Modern Red 1950s Atomic Decor
By Kurt Versen
Located in Peoria, AZ
KURT VERSEN GOOSE NECK DESK LAMP! ICONIC! MID CENTURY DESIGN AT ITS FINEST! GORGEOUS RED ENAMEL
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Desk Lamp with Red Shade Mid Century Modern by Stilux Milano, 1950s
By Stilux
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare Stilux Mid Century Modern black crow foot table lamp. Beautiful design with adjustable
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950s Stilnovo Swing Desk Table Lamp Off White Finish Mid-Century Modern Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Miami, FL
This Stilnovo architectural Steel clamp desk or table lamp with Antique white lacquered Finish is
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1950s Greta Grossman Cobra Desk Lamp Ralph O. Smith Vintage Mid-Century
By Ralph O. Smith, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
, and appears to be all original. 24 inches high when lamp head raised up straight.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1950s Stilnovo Adjustable Metal Table Lamp
By Stilnovo
Located in London, England
A charming 1950s small desk lamp by Stilnovo, Milan, with a pivoting 'shade' in brick red enamelled
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Knoll Clay Michie Swing Arm Saucer Desk Lamp, 1950s Mid Century Atomic MCM Light
By Clay Michie
Located in Peoria, AZ
" desk lamp in the fifties! It cuts a classic profile! This example still has an original 1950s bulb
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Knoll Clay Michie Swing Arm Saucer Desk Lamp, 1950s Mid Century Atomic MCM Decor
By Clay Michie
Located in Peoria, AZ
" desk lamp in the fifties! It cuts a classic profile! This example still has an original 1950s bulb
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

B-54 Desk Lamp by Hans Agne Jakobsson 1950s for Markaryd Scandinavian, F519
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Scandinavian desk lamp by the famous Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson for the municipality of
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Stilux Milano Set of 2 Brass Metal Table-Desk Lamp, 1950s, Italy
By Stilux
Located in Palermo, IT
Pair of delightful adjustable table or desk lamps in light green lacquered metal, with rod in brass
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Metal

Longchamp Stirrup Stitched Leather Lamps, France, 1950s
By Longchamp
Located in Delft, NL
Longchamp stirrup stitched leather lamps, France 1950s Longchamp Paris table or desk lamps in
Category

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

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1950s Desk Lamps For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of 1950s desk lamps available for sale. The range of distinct 1950s desk lamps — often made from metal, brass and steel — can elevate any home. 1950s desk lamps have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Industrial 1950s desk lamps are consistently popular styles. 1950s desk lamps have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Louis Kalff, Philips and Louis Christiaan Kalff are consistently popular.

How Much are 1950s Desk Lamps?

1950s desk lamps can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,437, while the lowest priced sells for $120 and the highest can go for as much as $34,000.

Finding the Right Table-lamps for You

Well-crafted antique and vintage table lamps do more than provide light; the right fixture-and-table combination can add a focal point or creative element to any interior.

Proper table lamps have long been used for lighting our most intimate spaces. Perfect for lighting your nightstand or reading nook, table lamps play an integral role in styling an inviting room. In the years before electricity, lamps used oil. Today, a rewired 19th-century vintage lamp can still provide a touch of elegance for a study.

After industrial milestones such as mass production took hold in the Victorian era, various design movements sought to bring craftsmanship and innovation back to this indispensable household item. Lighting designers affiliated with Art Deco, which originated in the glamorous roaring ’20s, sought to celebrate modern life by fusing modern metals with dark woods and dazzling colors in the fixtures of the era. The geometric shapes and gilded details of vintage Art Deco table lamps provide an air of luxury and sophistication that never goes out of style.

After launching in 1934, Anglepoise lamps soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted the fixture as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.” The popular task light owed to a collaboration between a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine and a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry Sons

Some mid-century modern table lamps, particularly those created by the likes of Joe Colombo and the legendary lighting artisans at Fontana Arte, bear all the provocative hallmarks associated with Space Age design. Sculptural and versatile, the Louis Poulsen table lamps of that period were revolutionary for their time and still seem innovative today

If you are looking for something more contemporary, industrial table lamps are demonstrative of a newly chic style that isn’t afraid to pay homage to the past. They look particularly at home in any rustic loft space amid exposed brick and steel beams.

Before you buy a desk lamp or table lamp for your living room, consider your lighting needs. The Snoopy lamp, designed in 1967, or any other “banker’s lamp” (shorthand for the Emeralite desk lamps patented by H.G. McFaddin and Company), provides light at a downward angle that is perfect for writing, while the Fontana table lamp and the beloved Grasshopper lamp by Greta Magnusson-Grossman each yield a soft and even glow. Some table lamps require lampshades to be bought separately.

Whether it’s a classic antique Tiffany table lamp, a Murano glass table lamp or even a bold avant-garde fixture custom-made by a contemporary design firm, the right table lamp can completely transform a room. Find the right one for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About 1950s Desk Lamps
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    A good desk lamp is going to make a substantial difference in any home, office or studio. The ideal desk lamp should provide apt task lighting, be easy to use, and also be aesthetically pleasing. Find a wide range of unique and elegant desk lamps on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    The best desk lamp is a matter of preference — the right fixture can help you work more efficiently while also reducing eye strain. LED desk lamps in the 2700K to 4500K color temperature range often provide a warm and pleasing light under which to work. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and modern desk lamps from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

    No one knows for sure who invented the desk lamp, as many engineers worked on designs for lamps during the 1920s. Many experts cite the Anglepoise lamp, however, as the earliest iteration of the modern desk lamp. Since its 1934 debut, this ingenious task light has become one of the most celebrated examples of industrial design. 

    How the Anglepoise came to be is the stuff of design legend: In 1932, a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine joined forces with a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry Sons, to create a mechanism by which opposed springs would, as Carwardine explained, exert a “unidirectional constant force” on a pivoted lever that could counteract the force of gravity.

    This invention was not destined for an auto but for a lamp Carwardine was developing. The innovation would allow the piece’s articulated arm to be moved with ease to almost any position and remain there. As the product of engineering acumen rather than fashion, the Anglepoise soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted it as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.”

    The Angelpoise's rivals include the 1930 Bestlite, which was one of the earliest Bauhaus-influenced designs, created by Robert Dudley Best, who had studied under Walter Gropius at the Bauhaus in Dessau. German modernist Karl Trabert’s 1930s desk lamp for Schanzenbach Co. was notable for its domed shade above a hinged arm.

    Find vintage table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.

  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    There are many types of best LED desk lamps for your home — it's really a matter of preference. On 1stDibs, there are modern, mid-century modern desk lamps and other lighting to choose from.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    British designer George Carwardine designed the Anglepoise desk lamp. Before creating the light fixture, he worked as an engineer designing automobile suspension systems. The first Anglepoise lamps debuted in 1931. You can find a variety of Anglepoise desk lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The desk lamps with the green shade are called banker’s lamps. Banker’s lamps are green because it is believed the color helps to encourage concentration and is mentally soothing. It is also said that green helps with eye strain. You can shop a selection of banker’s lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
    Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.