Floor lamp
This rare and low floor lamp, produced in Sweden during the 1950s, exemplifies mid-century Scandinavian lighting design with its strong graphic presence and sculptural stance. The lamp features a black lacquered tripod base with slender legs that taper outward and end in small brass feet, giving it a refined, minimalist profile. A curved vertical rod extends from the central cylinder, finished with a brass ball finial, which serves as both a visual counterbalance and a subtle decorative detail.
The cylindrical shade is composed of white lacquered perforated metal, flanked by black vertical side panels. This design creates a striking contrast in tone and material finish. The perforations are evenly distributed across the curved surface, allowing filtered light to escape laterally while also casting dynamic shadow patterns on the surrounding walls when the lamp is illuminated. The interplay of light and shadow, enhanced by the black-and-white contrast, contributes significantly to the lamp’s visual effect, particularly in dimly lit spaces.
Although the designer remains unknown, the lamp’s construction and formal language suggest an influence from European avant-garde lighting designers of the era. The design shares elements with the work of designers such as Mathieu Matégot, Greta Magnusson-Grossman, and early Stilnovo, particularly in the use of perforations, reduced geometry, and bold silhouette. The choice of materials and proportions reflects a focus on lightness and flexibility, which is characteristic of Scandinavian modernism during the postwar period.
The lamp measures 40 cm in width, 35 cm in depth, and 87 cm in height (approximately 15.7 x 13.8 x 34.3 inches). It is in very good vintage condition, showing some minor signs of wear consistent with age, including small scuffs to the lacquer and oxidation on the brass elements. All structural and electrical components remain intact and functional, and the lamp retains its original twisted textile cord. This piece serves as both an ambient light source and a sculptural object within any interior, adding a unique visual presence to the space.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 40 / D: 35 / H: 87 |
| Color | Black, White |
| Decade | 1950s |
| Country | Sweden |
| Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
| Material | Brass, Lacquer, Metal |
| Designed in | 1950s |
| Item Number | 130206 |