Svend Aage Holm Sørensen floor lamp

This is a very rare height-adjustable floor lamp designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen and produced by Holm Sørensen & Co in Denmark during the 1950s. The lamp embodies the refined yet functional qualities of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design, characterized by the use of natural materials, adjustable construction, and sculptural detailing.

The lamp’s structure combines three key materials: the main vertical support is crafted from richly toned teak, the adjustability mechanism and internal armature are made of brass, and the base is formed in black-lacquered steel with a minimalist cruciform layout. The teak shaft features a distinctive notched profile on one side, allowing the height to be adjusted via a movable brass ring that slides and locks into the grooves. This design is both visually striking and mechanically simple, reflecting Holm Sørensen’s philosophy of functional ornamentation.

A brass rod emerging from the teak body supports a wide conical pleated lampshade in cream-colored fabric. The shade offers a soft diffusion of light and, when illuminated, produces a warm and evenly distributed ambient glow, enhanced by the gentle taper of the shade and the rich natural textures of the teak and brass. The lamp exudes balance and understated elegance, both when lit and at rest.

Svend Aage Holm Sørensen was a prominent Danish designer known for his expressive lighting pieces during the mid-20th century. His work often integrated functional elements with sculptural and tactile forms, using brass, wood, and wrought metal in an experimental spirit. This lamp is a rare example of his approach to vertical lighting design, executed with precision and a subtle mechanical play.

The dimensions of the lamp range from 155 to 180 cm in height (approximately 61 to 70.9 inches), with a shade diameter of 51 cm (20.1 inches). It is in good vintage condition, with a warm patina on the metal components and some wear consistent with age, particularly on the base and brass elements. This piece is both collectible and functional, ideal for interiors that celebrate authentic Scandinavian modernism.