What dresses were popular in the 1940s?

A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

What did Ladies Wear in the 1940s?

In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.

What is a 1940s style dress?

The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.

Which designer was called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s?

Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a floor lamp is vintage?

There are many different ways to tell if a table lamp is vintage. Your best option is to look for a manufacturer label that will give you information on the designer, the date, serial number and other information that you can then Google. It’s also a good idea to look at the condition of the lamp to see what shape it’s in and if it has all of its original pieces. Shop a large collection of vintage table lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a table lamp is vintage?

There are a few ways to identify if your table lamp is vintage, but it does vary from brand to brand. If you can spot a maker’s mark or manufacturer’s label on your piece, it could tell you where and when it was crafted. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary table lamps from top sellers around the world.

How do I identify a vintage porcelain lamp?

To identify a vintage porcelain lamp, check the base for markings. You may find a date stamp or the manufacturer's name. Check the porcelain for signs of wear like minor scratches and blemishes. If a lamp is in flawless condition, it's possible that it was simply stored well, but it's more likely that the piece is a newer reproduction. A certified appraiser can be of assistance if online research isn't enough to make an identification. Shop a selection of vintage porcelain lamps on 1stDibs.

How do I identify vintage Stiffel lamps?

To identify vintage Stiffel lamps, first check a piece for any markings. Nearly all Stiffel lamps have a marking at least on the switch, but some also feature large foil stamps on their bases or bulb sockets. By comparing the marks on your lamp to images and descriptions published on trusted online resources, you can often determine approximately when Stiffel produced your lamp. If your lamp is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage. Older Stiffel lamps are antiques, and newer ones are contemporary. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find an assortment of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a brass lamp is vintage?

To tell if a brass lamp is vintage, you'll need to determine if it is 20 to 99 years old by conducting online research or having an expert, such as a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer, evaluate it. If you prefer to do the research yourself, first look for the maker's markings. Then, consult trusted online resources to identify the maker and read further to find out when the company was active and manufacturing similar lamps. Checking the plug can also be helpful. If it has two prongs of the same size, you can conclude that your lamp was made in 1962 or before, as U.S. standards set that year required all lamps to feature polarized plugs with one large and one small prong. Keep in mind that it is possible to rewire a lamp, and some makers switched to polarized plugs before the standard was established, so the lack of a non-polarized plug doesn't necessarily mean a lamp isn't pre-1962. Find a large selection of vintage brass table lamps on 1stDibs.

Vintage 1940s Lamps

1940s French Furniture

Adjustable Brass Floor Lamp

Thread Holder

1940s French Dining Table

Wrought Iron Floor Lamps

Hollywood Regency 1940

1940s Iron

Mid Century Lamp Glass Shades

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian modern three armed floor lamp, Sweden, 1940s

$8,112

Hans Bergström. Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

By ASEA, Hans Bergström

Located in High Point, NC

, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 58.25“ H x 9.75“ W x 17“DDimensions of Shade (inches

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Hans Bergström. Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

Paavo Tynell, 1940 s brass desk lamp, model 5066 for TAITO Oy, Finland

By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi

This exquisite desk lamp model 5066, is a true classic. Designed by the renowned Finnish designer

Category

1940s Finnish Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell, 1940 s brass desk lamp, model 5066 for TAITO Oy, Finland

$18,949

Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A small brass and glass table lamp designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1940s

$1,150

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Leather, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

. 1940s. Moderate wear to leather surrounding lamp. Brand new lampshade. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Leather, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$7,600

Harald Notini, Floor Lamp, Brass, Leather, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

By Harald Notini

Located in High Point, NC

, Sweden, 1940s. Minor wear to leather surrounding lamp. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 58.5"H x

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Harald Notini, Floor Lamp, Brass, Leather, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$7,800

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Iron, Paper, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 55.125” H x 21.875” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Iron

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Iron, Paper, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

French Designer, Floor Lamp, Metal, Iron, France, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

France, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 49.5” H x 17” Diameter Bulb Specifications

Category

1940s French Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Metal, Iron

French Designer, Floor Lamp, Metal, Iron, France, 1940s

$5,400

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass, oak and white fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

French Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, France, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and white fabric table lamp designed and produced in France, c. 1940s

Category

1940s French Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

French Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, France, 1940s

$3,900

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Assorted

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and white fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

French 1940s Three Headed Brass Floor Lamp

Located in London, GB

A gilt brass, height adjustable three-headed floor lamp in the classical taste. Three bespoke off

Category

20th Century French Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

French 1940s Three Headed Brass Floor Lamp

$4,233

Pair of Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Urn Lamps, Spain 1940s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Elegant pair of alabaster urn table lamps with neoclassical design. Spain, 1940s This stunning pair

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Art Deco Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Alabaster

Pair of Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Urn Lamps, Spain 1940s

$5,151 / set

Ture Berglund, Table Lamps, Glass, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

Glasbruk, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 10” H x 5.5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Ture Berglund, Table Lamps, Glass, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

$4,900 / set

Gertrud Lönegren, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11.5” H x 7” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Gertrud Lönegren, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

$2,900

Swedish Modern Floor Lamp by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1940s

By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)

Located in Karlstad, SE

Lovely Swedish modern floor lamp from Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), Sweden, 1940s. The lamp consists of

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Modern Floor Lamp by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1940s

$5,329

1940s Hand-Carved Organic Midcentury Wooden Table Lamp

Located in Copenhagen, DK

1940s lacquered solid wooden table lamp with swirling organic hand-carved relief decorations around

Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Nouveau Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Wood

1940s Hand-Carved Organic Midcentury Wooden Table Lamp

$604 Sale Price

25% Off

Börne Augustsson, Table Lamp, Glass, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 13” H x 4.5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches

Category

1940s Swedish Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Börne Augustsson, Table Lamp, Glass, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

$1,800

Pair Cubist Sculptural 1940s Heifetz Ceramic Figure Lamps

By Heifetz

Located in Buffalo, NY

Pair Cubist Sculptural 1940s Heifetz Ceramic Figure Lamps.. Wonderful grey and charcoal glaze

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair Cubist Sculptural 1940s Heifetz Ceramic Figure Lamps

$2,860 / set

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Metal, Glass, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A metal and opaline glass table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Metal

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Metal, Glass, Sweden, 1940s

$1,150

Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamp Green Lacquered Metal, 1940s

By Jean Prouvé

Located in Odense, DK

Charming Scandinavian floor lamp in green lacquered metal with brass details made in Denmark the

Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamp Green Lacquered Metal, 1940s

$2,605

Table Lamp By Giovanni Michelucci For Lariolux Circa 1940s

By Lariolux

Located in Gloucester, GB

Table Lamp By Giovanni Michelucci For Lariolux Circa 1940s - Brass base and arm - Brass shade

Category

1940s Italian Bauhaus Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Table Lamp By Giovanni Michelucci For Lariolux Circa 1940s

$887

Ture Berglund, Table Lamp, Glass, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11” H x 5.5” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulb Number of

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Ture Berglund, Table Lamp, Glass, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

$2,500

Malmö Metallvarufabrik, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and white fabric table lamp produced by Malmö Metallvarufabrik, Sweden, 1940s. Overall

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Malmö Metallvarufabrik, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$2,400

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and fabric table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$2,200

Danish 1940s Herman Kähler Ash Glaze Table Lamp

By Kähler

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Danish modern stoneware table lamp with speckled ash grey, brown and black glaze by Kähler

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Copper

Danish 1940s Herman Kähler Ash Glaze Table Lamp

$3,316

Table Lamp By Giovanni Michelucci For Lariolux Circa 1940s

By Lariolux

Located in Gloucester, GB

Table Lamp By Giovanni Michelucci For Lariolux Circa 1940s - Brass base and arm - Black painted

Category

1940s Italian Bauhaus Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Table Lamp By Giovanni Michelucci For Lariolux Circa 1940s

$812

Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and glass table lamp designed and produced in Italy, 1940s. Overall Dimensions

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1940s

$4,300

Cole Pottery, Table Lamp, Brass, Earthenware, USA, 1940s

By Cole Pottery

Located in High Point, NC

Carolina, USA, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 14” H x 8.5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 9

Category

1940s American Organic Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Earthenware

Cole Pottery, Table Lamp, Brass, Earthenware, USA, 1940s

$1,150

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A two-armed brass and white fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A two-armed brass and white fabric table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$2,200

French Verdigris Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with Shade, 1940s

Located in Chicago, IL

A French floor lamp from the 1940s, wrought in hand-forged iron and finished in a soft verdigris

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Verdigris Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with Shade, 1940s

$3,600

Italian Designer, Table Lamps, Brass, Italy, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of brass table lamps designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s.

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Italian Designer, Table Lamps, Brass, Italy, 1940s

$3,600 / set

French Designer, Table Lamp, Glass, Fabric, France, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A freeform blown glass and off-white fabric table lamp designed and produced in France, c. 1940s

Category

1940s French Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Fabric, Glass

French Designer, Table Lamp, Glass, Fabric, France, 1940s

$1,500

Valinte Oy, Table Lamp, Brass, Metal, Finland, 1940s

By Valinte Oy

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and beige metal table lamp, Finland, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.5

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Valinte Oy, Table Lamp, Brass, Metal, Finland, 1940s

$3,400

Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand

Located in High Point, NC

, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 9.5” H x 5.75” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 5.25

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

$1,900

Finnish Designer, Adjustable Table Lamp, Brass, Finland 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass table lamp, designed and produced in Finland, 1940s. Overall Dimensions: 19" H x 7.75" W x

Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Finnish Designer, Adjustable Table Lamp, Brass, Finland 1940s

$5,800

Finnish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Finland, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and beige fabric table lamp designed and produced in Finland, 1940s. Overall Dimensions

Category

1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Finnish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Finland, 1940s

$1,900

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and rattan floor lamp, designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions

Category

1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

Upsala Ekeby, Table Lamp, Earthenware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

By Upsala Ekeby

Located in High Point, NC

, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 8.75" H x 3.75" Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 3" Top

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Upsala Ekeby, Table Lamp, Earthenware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

$1,900

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable three-armed brass and white fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$4,800

Gertrud Lönegren Attribution, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s

By Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand

Located in High Point, NC

Rörstrand, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 13.75” H x 7” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 7.5

Category

1940s Vatican Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Stoneware

Gertrud Lönegren Attribution, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s

$1,900

Upsala Ekeby, Table Lamp, Earthenware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

By Upsala Ekeby

Located in High Point, NC

A celadon-green earthenware and brass table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Upsala Ekeby, Table Lamp, Earthenware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

$2,500

ASEA, Floor Lamp, Brass, Metal, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and grey beige-lacquered metal floor lamp designed and produced by ASEA, Sweden

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

ASEA, Floor Lamp, Brass, Metal, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$3,900

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and rattan table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s

$1,150

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Burl Wood, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A burl wood table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches

Category

1940s Swedish Folk Art Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Burl

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Burl Wood, Sweden, 1940s

$950

Danish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Metal, Denmark, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and metal table lamp, designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall

Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Danish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Metal, Denmark, 1940s

$2,300

Austrian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Rattan, Austria, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and rattan table lamp designed and produced in Austria, c. 1940s. Assorted

Category

1940s Austrian Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Austrian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Rattan, Austria, 1940s

$2,700

Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and fabric floor lamp, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s

Category

1940s Swedish Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

Swedish Designer, Freeform Table Lamp, Glass, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A freeform glass table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Glass

Swedish Designer, Freeform Table Lamp, Glass, Sweden, 1940s

$1,150

Italian Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Italy, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and white fabric floor lamp, designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Overall

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Italian Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Italy, 1940s

$8,900

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A fluted beige-glazed ceramic vase, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 14.95” H x 5.6

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Brass, Sweden, 1940s

$1,900

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Oak, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A curved brass, stained oak and string fabric floor lamp, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Oak, Sweden, 1940s

$9,900

Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Italy, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and off-white fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Overall

Category

1940s Italian Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Italy, 1940s

$4,400

Italian Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Glass, Fabric, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass, Glass and fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Italy, 1940s. Overall

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Italian Designer, Floor Lamp, Brass, Glass, Fabric, 1940s

$8,900

Hans Bergström, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

By Hans Bergström, ASEA

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable brass and fabric floor lamp designed by Hans Bergström and produced by ASEA, Sweden

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 1940s Lamps

Materials

Brass

Hans Bergström, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$4,400

Lighting Under $1,000

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Vintage 1940S Lamps For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of vintage 1940s lamps is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique vintage 1940s lamps was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and glass. Vintage 1940s lamps have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of vintage 1940s lamps to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Scandinavian Modern vintage 1940s lamps are of considerable interest. Barovier&Toso, Hans Bergström and Paavo Tynell each produced beautiful vintage 1940s lamps that are worth considering.

How Much are Vintage 1940S Lamps?

Prices for vintage 1940s lamps can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, vintage 1940s lamps begin at $1 and can go as high as $108,974, while the average can fetch as much as $2,487.

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.

Questions About Vintage 1940s Lamps

What dresses were popular in the 1940s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
What did Ladies Wear in the 1940s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.
What is a 1940s style dress?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
Which designer was called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a floor lamp is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are many different ways to tell if a table lamp is vintage. Your best option is to look for a manufacturer label that will give you information on the designer, the date, serial number and other information that you can then Google. It’s also a good idea to look at the condition of the lamp to see what shape it’s in and if it has all of its original pieces. Shop a large collection of vintage table lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a table lamp is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a few ways to identify if your table lamp is vintage, but it does vary from brand to brand. If you can spot a maker’s mark or manufacturer’s label on your piece, it could tell you where and when it was crafted. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary table lamps from top sellers around the world.
How do I identify a vintage porcelain lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
To identify a vintage porcelain lamp, check the base for markings. You may find a date stamp or the manufacturer's name. Check the porcelain for signs of wear like minor scratches and blemishes. If a lamp is in flawless condition, it's possible that it was simply stored well, but it's more likely that the piece is a newer reproduction. A certified appraiser can be of assistance if online research isn't enough to make an identification. Shop a selection of vintage porcelain lamps on 1stDibs.
How do I identify vintage Stiffel lamps?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify vintage Stiffel lamps, first check a piece for any markings. Nearly all Stiffel lamps have a marking at least on the switch, but some also feature large foil stamps on their bases or bulb sockets. By comparing the marks on your lamp to images and descriptions published on trusted online resources, you can often determine approximately when Stiffel produced your lamp. If your lamp is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage. Older Stiffel lamps are antiques, and newer ones are contemporary. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find an assortment of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a brass lamp is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
To tell if a brass lamp is vintage, you'll need to determine if it is 20 to 99 years old by conducting online research or having an expert, such as a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer, evaluate it. If you prefer to do the research yourself, first look for the maker's markings. Then, consult trusted online resources to identify the maker and read further to find out when the company was active and manufacturing similar lamps. Checking the plug can also be helpful. If it has two prongs of the same size, you can conclude that your lamp was made in 1962 or before, as U.S. standards set that year required all lamps to feature polarized plugs with one large and one small prong. Keep in mind that it is possible to rewire a lamp, and some makers switched to polarized plugs before the standard was established, so the lack of a non-polarized plug doesn't necessarily mean a lamp isn't pre-1962. Find a large selection of vintage brass table lamps on 1stDibs.