Stiffel Table Lamps
When Ted Stiffel (1899–1971) founded Stiffel in 1932 in Chicago, he wanted to make functional, thoughtfully designed table lamps, floor lamps and other fixtures that were available at an accessible price. Born in Memphis, Stiffel first pursued a career in music before serving in World War I. After his discharge, he worked with the Western Electric Company in Chicago and then the Nellie J. Kaplan Company, a lighting firm also in the Windy City.
After he started his own lamp business, Stiffel began supplying area department stores and by the 1940s had opened a large factory that was producing lamps for nationwide sale, eventually competing with the likes of the Frederick Cooper Lamp Company, also based in Chicago.
In 1948, designer Edwin J. Cole joined the company and created some of the firm’s most striking table lamps. Today, Cole’s vintage mid-century modern lighting fixtures for Stiffel, frequently with distinctively tall and shapely ceramic bodies and finished with decorative brass chinoiserie details, are highly prized by collectors.
One of Stiffel’s innovations was his patented switch, which simplified turning lights on and off: All someone had to do was grasp a lamp’s pole and gently pull down. He also designed a pole lamp with a vertical tube that held a series of fixtures on the outside. The upright pole lamp was so innovative that Sears, Roebuck and Company copied it. Stiffel sued, and the case ended up in the Supreme Court in 1964. The ruling against Stiffel was influential in whether states can give a patent to objects that do not have the invention required of federal patents.
After declaring bankruptcy in 2000, the brand was revived in 2013 in Linden, New Jersey, where newly produced high-quality lamps carry the Stiffel name.
Find a collection of vintage Stiffel lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Stiffel
Tall Mid-Century Modern White Crackle Glaze Ceramic and Brass Lamp by Stiffel
By Stiffel
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall ceramic and brass torchère style table lamp by Stiffel. A rare find, this circular lamp with white crackle glaze, has long been a difficult find for Stiffel lovers.
The ro...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
$1,500 Sale Price
25% Off
Stiffel Brass Candlestick Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Midcentury classically styled brushed brass candlestick lamps with enameled centers. Rewired for use in USA, 100W max bulbs.
Category
20th Century American American Classical Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
$2,100 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Stiffel Midcentury American Ceramic White Lava Glaze Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American ceramic table lamp in globular form, the tapered hourglass neck topped by a brass saucer cap and functioning brass light switch socket, the body fired in a matte white lava glaze with a molten pebble-like texture, resting on a ringed cylindrical foot...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Stiffel Lamps in Glazed Ceramic Bottle Form
By Stiffel
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern glazed ceramic bottle vase form lamps on brass bases, in bone with charcoal brown striations and subtle craqueleur to glazing.
Each measures 42in to top of finial 24in to top of base. Brass bases are 6 inches square and have rich patination.
See original ad from a 1960 Chicago Tribune.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Pair of Stiffel Fluted and Studded Brass Urn Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Large studded and fluted brass table lamps from the best years of Stiffel, the fine lamp maker. Black lacquered bases feature subtle chamfered feet. Surmounting the brass urns are br...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
$2,437 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Stiffel Mahogany
Brass Open Base Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptionally designed mahogany and brass open base table lamp by Stiffel. Tapered mahogany body topped with a brass stem and brass bobeche. Brass base is an open circle with four br...
Category
1950s American Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Candelabra Lamp by Stiffel
By Stiffel
Located in Hanover, MA
Large scale candelabra lamp by Stiffel Lighting, sometimes attributed to Tommi Parzinger.
Category
1960s American Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Stifle Brass Table Lamp
By Tommi Parzinger, Stiffel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice brass stiffel table lamp.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Table Lamps
$2,200
Mid-Century Brass Lotus Motif Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice Mid-Century Modern table lamp by Stiffel.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Table Lamps
Pair of Hollywood Regency Stiffel Co. Brass and Ebonized Column Form Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Manhasset, NY
A pair of Stiffel Co. brass and ebonized column form table lamps each signed. Each done in the Hollywood Regency Fashion of metal brass and ebony design with milk glass globes.
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Stiffel Table Lamps
Pair of Nickel Plated Open Spiral Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Danville, CA
Pair of solid Nickel plated steel Spiral cage form lamps on black enamel mounted base. The lamps, including new Nickel plated brass sockets and mountings have been replated and rest...
Category
1950s American Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Steel
$2,500 / set
Stiffel Midcentury White Porcelain and Brass Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Buchanan, NY
This single vintage brass and porcelain Stiffel table lamp features a charming pineapple brass detail atop a white porcelain base. In very good vintage condition, it adds a touch of ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Original Stiffel Pair of Oversized Midcentury Ceramic Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of Mid-Century Modern glazed ceramic bottle vase form lamps on bronze bases, in bone with grey striations and subtle craqueleur to glazing. Double cluster sockets and silk rewir...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Vintage Stiffel White Glass Column French Hollywood Regency Table Lamps - a Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel White Glass Column French Hollywood Regency Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 23" H (to light socket) x 5" W x 5" D. {3...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Brass Lamp by Stiffel
By Stiffel
Located in New York, NY
Brass and cut-glass lamp by Stiffel. Brass is heavy. Boudoir style.
Measures: 23.5" height (top of finial), base 7.5" squared.
Shade not included.
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
$2,600
A bespoken Stiffel brass lamp with a lotus design base
By Stiffel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A quite dramatic tall table lamp made by Stiffel lamps USA circa 1960s. Brass construction with a single socket on candlestick-style enamel tubular stand set in a petaled lotus flowe...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Enamel
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Stiffel table lamps for sale on 1stDibs.
Stiffel table lamps are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Stiffel table lamps, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original table lamps by Stiffel were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider table lamps by The Marbro Lamp Company, Chapman Manufacturing Company, and Frederick Cooper. Prices for Stiffel table lamps can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $160 and can go as high as $7,750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,000.
Creators Similar to Stiffel
Questions About Stiffel Table Lamps
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There 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.
- Are Stiffel lamps valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No, Stiffel lamps are not extremely valuable. These lamps typically sell for anywhere between $100 and $500. These lamps are high quality, however, and will last a lifetime.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify a Stiffel lamp, first try to locate the brand's foil tag. Usually, the tag will read "SLC," “Stiffel Lamp Company" or “Stiffel.” You may find it on the shade, the base or the light socket. Because these tags tended to come loose over time, a vintage Stiffel lamp may no longer have one. If you can't find a label, examine your lamp closely. Stiffel has produced lamps out of high-quality bronze, brass, pewter and silver, so their pieces tend to be weighty. A light lamp that seems hollow is unlikely to be a Stiffel. Looking at images of Stiffel lamps shared on trusted online resources can also be helpful during the identification process. In addition, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can identify your lamp for you if you run into any difficulty. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Stiffel lamps.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Stiffel lamps are still in production. With a variety of lamp styles available, the Stiffel Lamp Company has a rich history rooted in unique, art-driven design made with high-quality materials. On 1stDibs, find a unique collection of authentic Stiffel lamps.
- Are Stiffel lamps made in China?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Stiffel lamps are not made in China. The Stiffel Lamp Company was founded in 1932 in Chicago and throughout its many years in business, they proudly still produce all their products in America. Browse a selection of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify a Stiffel brass lamp, look for the maker's markings, which may include “Stiffel Lamp Company," "SLC" or “Stiffel." Locations of markings varied over time, and they appeared in the form of both etched signatures and foiled labels. Check your lamp’s switch, shade, bulb interior, neck and base for these markings. If you can't find a Stiffel mark, it may have once had a paper label that has since become detached. In this case, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Find a selection of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To 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.