Reima Pietilä table lamps

These rare table lamps were designed by Finnish architect Reima Pietilä and produced in the 1960s for the Public Library Metso in Tampere, Finland. It is a sculptural piece executed in a combination of brushed brass and white acrylic, exemplifying a bold fusion of architectural rigor with organic form—a hallmark of Pietilä’s design philosophy.

The lamp features a tall, cylindrical brass stem that rises from an elliptical brass base. At the top, a semicircular housing supports a softly curved acrylic diffuser, which encloses the light source in a dome-like shape. The shade is characterized by its warm translucency and rounded geometry, distributing light evenly while also creating a glowing visual presence. A small red switch embedded within the brass fitting at the transition between the stem and the diffuser adds a subtle but distinct accent to the otherwise minimal design.

The form is a reflection of Pietilä’s architectural vocabulary, which often explored topography, contour, and non-linear geometries. Designed specifically for the Metso Library—one of Pietilä’s most celebrated public works—this lamp embodies a site-specific sensibility that extends the architectural language of the building into its furnishings. It reflects the ideals of Nordic modernism in its integration of utility, material quality, and a sensitive treatment of light and surface.

The lamp is in good vintage condition, showing minor signs of use and age-related patina on the brass surfaces, consistent with its original installation and decades of gentle use. The acrylic diffuser remains intact, with no discoloration, preserving the lamp’s diffused luminous quality.