Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This ceiling lamp model K2-12, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Idman Oy in Finland during the 1960s, presents a harmonious balance of form and light modulation characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian design. Its overall silhouette is defined by a gently tapering conical diffuser of opaline glass, whose matte white surface softens and spreads illumination evenly across a room. The glass cone, measuring 17 cm in diameter at its widest point, contributes a sense of vertical emphasis and sculptural purity to the fixture.

Encircling the lower portion of the glass diffuser is a cylindrical band of polished copper, punctuated by a repeating star-shaped perforation pattern. When the lamp is lit, these perforations cast delicate points of light around the shade’s perimeter and create a subtle halo effect on surrounding surfaces. The copper band retains a light, even patina from more than half a century of gentle aging, its surface bearing only the faintest traces of oxidation that lend a warm, golden glow to the fixture even when unlit.

Mechanically, the lamp is engineered with restrained precision. The transition between glass and metal is achieved through a thin brass ring concealed within the copper shade, ensuring the components align seamlessly without visible fasteners. The body height of the lamp measures 35 cm, and when suspended from its adjustable chain, the total drop can extend to approximately 75 cm. All joints and suspension hardware remain structurally sound, with the original chain links showing minimal wear.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) brought his background as a metalsmith and his deep understanding of light diffusion to every design, frequently combining glass with perforated metal to produce fixtures that feel both technical and poetic. His collaborations with Idman Oy during the 1950s and 1960s yielded some of the most refined lighting elements of the post-war Nordic interior, seamlessly integrating craftsmanship with modernist abstraction. This K2-12 lamp exemplifies Tynell’s interest in atmospheric ornamentation through perforation, as well as Idman’s reputation for precise fabrication and material quality. It remains in very good vintage condition, its original finishes intact and its construction true to Tynell’s enduring vision.