Lightolier Lighting
Founded in 1904 in New York and family-operated through most of its history, Lightolier was one of the pioneering American electric lighting companies, best known for its embrace of stylistic and technical innovations.
Collectors focus on vintage Lightolier lighting fixtures produced from the 1950s and into the 1970s, when an in-house design team led by Gerald Thurston — and a stellar cast of international design contributors — created an array of practical yet aesthetically lively table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and chandeliers.
Amidst the post-World War II building boom, Lightolier — the name combines “light” and “chandelier” — aggressively boosted its residential lighting division. Thurston, who was strongly influenced by the sleek designs of Gino Sarfatti and his Italian lighting firm Arteluce, towards simpler lamp designs that offered flexibility of function. His best-known designs include the Cricket task light — a lamp with an adjustable enameled metal hood that toggles on a slender bent-metal base — and the three-legged Tripod floor lamp. At the same time, Thurston had a wonderful eye for talent and sought work from some of the lesser-known greats of the era, such as Paavo Tynell, the Finnish lighting designer, who designed several brass chandeliers for Lightolier with his trademark elegant flamboyance.
And more, Thurston recognized abilities in designers not known for their work in lighting.
Edward Wormley, head of furniture design for Dunbar, produced several noteworthy chandeliers employing canisters and reflective hoods. Alvin Lustig was famed as a graphic designer. His ca. 1953 Ring ceiling fixture for Lightolier had a minimalist techno look some 30 years ahead of its time. But this was par. Designed by Michael Lax in 1964, the Lytegem high-intensity lamp — included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art — features a ball-shaped shade attached with a chromed armature to a cubic base, a form that would be widely copied in the following decade. Chandeliers designed in the early 1970s by Gaetano Sciolari, with details such as acrylic diffusers and vertical, two-bulb arms, would define the look of lighting in their day.
A look through these pages reveals just how astonishingly wide a range of lighting pieces Lightolier produced. The company never flicked off its stylistic switch.
Find a collection of vintage Lightolier lamps and other lighting fixtures on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Lightolier
Lightolier Mid Century Glass Pendant Light
By Lightolier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lightolier Mid Century Glass Pendant Light
This light measures: 14 wide x 14 deep x 11 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detail as poss...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Moorcroft Art Pottery
Fuchsia
Footed Lamp with Lightolier Glass Reflector Bowl
By Lightolier, Moorcroft Pottery
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This striking English art pottery lamp was made by the renowned Moorcroft Pottery company of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Initially with James Macintyre & Co., innovative ceramist William Moorcroft founded his own firm in 1913. Underwritten by retailer Liberty London, the company went from strength to strength and was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Mary in 1928, leading them to include the phrase ‘Potter To HM The Queen’ on their paper labels as well as in their impressed marks. William's son Walter joined the firm in 1935 and took over management and design responsibilities upon the death of his father in 1945. Moorcroft remains in business today with early pieces by William and Walter being particularly sought after.
This Walter Moorcroft signed lamp has a traditional pear or bottle vase form which has been decorated in the 'Fuchsia' pattern. The body of the lamp has a variegated blue/blue-green background featuring Moorcroft's distinctive slip-trailing technique. The leaves and blossoms have been finished in bright jewel tones.
The body of the lamp has been joined to a metal base having a milgrain edge and four scrolling feet. The top of the lamp has a simple metal cap topped by a decorative foliate band. The piece retains its original Lightolier reflector bowl, patented by Jacob Samuel Hamel in March of 1950. The reflector bowl has a frosted body which attaches to the lamp by Virtue of three screws. The lamp comes complete with a silk shade manufactured by Royal Knight...
Category
1940s English Art Nouveau Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Black Iron Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous black iron sculptural chandelier by Lightolier. Total current hgt./length is about 48 with existing chain links. This can be shortened to about 28 with canopy and 1 link. Pl...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Brass with Cast Glass Shades Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant brass chandelier with thick and heavy cast glass shades. Six lights provide the illumination. Chandeliers present height is 30 inches but that can be altered by ad...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Unusual Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual Lightolier chandelier with a real mid century style, perspex shades, Measures: approx. 13" diameter, height 31" also adjustable.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Minimalist 3 tiered Brass Plated Sconces by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of minimalist 3 tiered brass plated sconces by Lightolier.
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Walnut and Chrome Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Denton, TX
Walnut and chrome table lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Pristine Vintage Lumilon Table Lamps by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of pristine vintage Lumilon table lamps by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Original one-piece shade-diffusers. UL listed.
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal
Vintage table lamp by Angelo Lelli for Lightolier, 1970s
By Lightolier, Angelo Lelii
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Space age table lamp designed by Angelo Lelli for Lightolier feautiring a white metal tube and a fine chromed base.
The lamp can be adjusted in many ways.
tested and ready for use ...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Lightolier Chrome Tube Sconces, 1970s Space Age, Atomic
By Lightolier
Located in Buffalo, NY
Great pair of chromed tube sconces, Swiss made for Lightolier. Rare eight-bulb configuration, very atomic, Space Age design.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Space Age Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Lightolier Lights With 16 Glass Blocks Each, USA Circa 1975
By Lightolier
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Each light has 16 glass blocks that attach to a polished steel frame. The glass blocks are thick and square with tiny detailed air pockets throughout. In the center of each block is ...
Category
1670s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Lightolier Lighting
Pair of Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Etched Glass and Brass Sconces
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of brass double hurricane sconces by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Each solid brass sconce has a double hurricane shade, with the inner ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
$1,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Porcelain Hourglass Table Lamps by Gerald Thurston, 1950s
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning pair of vintage table lamps that exude sophistication and style - a true collector's item for those who appreciate mid-century modern design. These lamps were designed by th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
1970s Lightolier Brass Waterfall Cage Lamp with New White Glass Diffusers
By Tommi Parzinger, Lightolier
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This ethereal floor lamp, attributed to Lightolier and rooted in the extravagant design ethos of the 1970s, stands as a mesmerizing blend of sculptural art and functional lighting. I...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass, Chrome
$6,310 Sale Price
22% Off
Vintage Lightolier Brass 36 Light Chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Lightolier Brass 36 Light Chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Lightolier Neoclassical Brass and Darkest Green Urn Form Table Lamps
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant pair of neoclassical table lamps from Lightolier with spun brass caps, risers and base. Also, dark green lacquered metal fluted urn body and c...
Category
1950s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass, Metal
$3,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Lightolier Aluminum Pendant Lights, 1950
s
By Lightolier
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Three Lightolier aluminum pendant lights, circa early 1950s. These examples have Lightolier's iconic perforated aluminum frames and are all original....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
$1,000 / item
Porcelain Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier, 1950s
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Westport, CT
Speckled porcelain and brass table lamp designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightiolier, circa 1950-1959. Completely rewired, newly white linen shade included.
Other designers of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier Heathered Taupe and Striped Pottery Table Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist urn form table lamp with a heathered glaze pottery body, footed wood base and brass spacer. Brass stem with a three socket up light mechanism that was a Lightolier hallmark...
Category
1960s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass, Metal
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Lightolier Nickel Staircase Light Fixture
By Lightolier
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nickel fixture with graduated candle forms each holding a bulb. 5 foot tall from base to the canopy.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
$1,650 Sale Price
34% Off
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Lucite Rocket Floor Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century brass and Lucite rocket floor lamp
Base is 15 x 15 and the lamp is 51 inches high overall
Brass base has some spotting so we are selling t...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier Atomic Sputnik Ball Table Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great table lamp with its original globe shades out of a nice Palm Springs Estate. This 1970’s Lightolier fixture still has a few of its labels. I only had one bulb to light it up...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal
Lightolier Pair of Porcelain and Brass Table lLamps 1940s
By Lightolier
Located in Miami, FL
Large pair of lamps. Brass and ceramic
Category
1940s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
1950s Mid Century Honeycomb Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-Century Honeycomb Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
Designed by the renowned Gerald Thurston and manufactured by Lightolier in the 1950s, this exquisite mid-century t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
16-light chandelier by Lightolier.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Steel
$3,696
Large Vintage Gaetano Sciolari / Lightolier 13 Ice Cube Chandelier Pendant Lamp
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Vintage Gaetano Sciolari / Lightolier 13 Ice Cube Chandelier Pendant Lamp
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier Black Enamel Sixteen-Light Mid-Century Light Fixture
By Lightolier
Located in St. Louis, MO
Black enameled light fixture with sixteen arm light fixture made by Lightolier, original enamel in excellent condition, measures 24" H from bottom...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal
Rare 1960
s Gaetano Sciolari Chrome and Beaded Crystal Chandelier
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare Gaetano Sciolari Chrome and Beaded Crystal Chandelier, featuring a striking tiered design with cascading crystal strands and faceted teardrop prisms. The chrome frame is adorned...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Steel, Chrome
$2,093 Sale Price
25% Off
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Accent Table Lamp in Gloss Black
Polished Brass
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Stamford, CT
Over the last century, lighting design has experienced a remarkable transformation. Today’s designers continue to explore bold new forms and materials, but the spirit of this innovat...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century Walnut and Brass Floor Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier mid century walnut and brass floor lamp
This lamp measures: 15 wide x 15 deep x 54.5 inches high
This lamp is in Fair Vintage Condition with some...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier White Wall Sconce
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Large white wall sconce by Lightolier. Signed,
USA, circa 1950.
Newly rewired and refinished in white satin powdercoat.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal
$840 Sale Price
70% Off
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Style Brass
White Triple Candlestick Table Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier attributed Brass & Candlestick Table Lamp. Featuring tri curved Brass base, triple enameled White metal candlesticks, original Brass ring finial, shown...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Marble, Brass
Lightolier Pendant Lamp Hanging Fixture
By Lightolier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An example of Lightolier combining Italian lighting and design with
American components.
Frosted glass and lacquered metal.
Category
1950s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Glass
Vintage Lightolier Articulating Floor Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Lightolier articulating floor lamp
Signed on underside
Base is 13" diameter.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Chromed Metal Woven Ribbon Chandelier by Max Sauze for Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Mid-Century chandelier designed by Max Sauze for Lightolier. Made in USA, c. 1960's. The chandelier features a captivating woven ribbon design crafted from chromed metal. The...
Category
1960s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Travertine Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Travertine Lamp
This lamp measures: 17 wide x 17 deep x 32 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lig...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Vintage Lightolier Turned Concave Wood Staff Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Lightolier turned concave wood staff floor lamp by Gerald Thurston
Signed on underside.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Wood
Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier
By Edward Wormley, Gino Sarfatti, Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Pull Lamp most likely by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Possibly a design by Gino Sarfatti or Edward Wormley for Lightolier. Unmarked.
ple...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier Vintage Patinated Copper Pendant
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Lightolier Vintage Patinated Copper Pendant light fixture complete with glass lens that sits in center. This is a light weight luminaire made with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal
Impeccable Extendable Arm Lumilux Study Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable extendable arm Lumilux study lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Brushed brass base with original one-piece molded shade-diffuser in excellen...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Marvelous Lightolier 10 Cylinder Light Chandelier Flush Light Mid-Century Modern
By Lightolier
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Marvelous Lightolier 10 cylinder light chandelier with star shaped cut crystal globes. This wonderfully simple light fixture would be perfect for a midcentury inspired tall foyer or stairwell...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal
$3,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage White Metal Shade and White Metal Base Desk Lamp by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Adjustable white metal shade and white metal base with brass arm, HI-LO dimmer switch on top of the shade, medium base socket.
Category
1970s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass, Metal, Wire
Mid-Century Brass Lightolier Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Mid-Century Modern eight-arm chandelier, made in Germany. Featuring eight arms with conical shades, emanating from a disc, Circa 1960. Price includes new UL wiring, 1 sock...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Japanese Style Grid Floor Lamp for Lightolier, 1970
s
By Lightolier
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Four sided floor lamp evoking a Japanese Shoji screen. The frame of solid walnut set on an ebonized recessed plinth base with the frame having a...
Category
1970s American American Craftsman Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Birch, Walnut
Midcentury Vintage Ceramic Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury vintage ceramic lamp base by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.
As shown, ceramic base requires specifying hardware and wiring. First photo with black shade is for reference...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Ceramic
Chandelier for Lightolier, 1969
By Lightolier
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A matte black metal ceiling fixture having straight slender arms extending outwardly from its vertical post in a spiral effect inspired by Poul Kjaerholm, circa 1960.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Metal
Hanging Pendant Lamp for Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An adjustable patinated brass pendant having as shapely perforated shade and frosted glass diffuser with a brass ring pull. Recoiled cable is concealed in the canopy.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier Ceiling Fixture
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three white globe Lightolier ceiling fixture. Two ceiling fixtures available. Three pairs of matching sconces available.
Category
1960s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Lightolier lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Lightolier lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Gordon
Jane Martz, Laurel Lamp Company, and Marshall Studios. Prices for Lightolier lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $175 and can go as high as $20,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,000.
Creators Similar to Lightolier
Questions About Lightolier Lighting
- What is a Lightolier lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Lightolier was founded in 1904 by Bernhard Blitzer and the name is a combination of the words “light” and “chandelier.” Lightolier specializes in elaborate and decorative chandeliers, but they also produce a style of lamps that combine functionality with a lively aesthetic. Browse a collection of Lightolier lamps on 1stDibs.
- Is Lightolier still in business?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Lightolier is still in business. Founded in 1904 and made popular by its electric lighting designs, Lightolier, a contraction of the words light and chandelier, can still be found in stores today. You can also shop Lightolier goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.