Hans Bergström wall lamps

These rare wall lamps, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden, exemplify the fusion of utilitarian function and refined modernist form that defined mid-century Scandinavian lighting. Likely created in the 1950s or early 1960s, these lamps reflect Bergström’s characteristic attention to proportion, material contrast, and atmospheric light.

Each lamp features a cylindrical metal shade finished in a matte black coating, subtly punctuated by fine vertical perforations. These perforations are not only decorative—they serve a practical function by allowing slivers of light to escape the shade, casting a soft, ambient glow and lending the fixture a dynamic surface texture when illuminated. Behind these openings, faint traces of green patinated copper are visible, adding a quiet depth and visual richness to the otherwise monochromatic exterior. This detail reveals Bergström’s skill in incorporating restrained ornamentation without sacrificing structural clarity.

The shades are mounted on simple yet well-considered arms that extend from circular wall plates. The mounting hardware and armature are minimal, allowing the cylindrical form of the shade to take visual precedence while ensuring the fixture remains structurally sound and discreetly elegant. The proportions—14 cm in width, 23.5 cm in depth, and 24.5 cm in height (approximately 5.5 × 9.3 × 9.6 inches)—make them ideal for use in both domestic and architectural settings, flanking doorways, mirrors, or as atmospheric wall lighting in corridors and terraces.

Originally intended for both interior and exterior applications, these lamps are constructed from robust materials and exhibit a durability suitable for outdoor conditions. The finishes show minor signs of wear, including light scratches and a gentle, even patina on the metal surfaces—details that enhance their authenticity and vintage character without compromising their visual appeal or functionality.

Hans Bergström (1910–1996), co-founder of Ateljé Lyktan, played a foundational role in shaping the identity of Swedish lighting design in the mid-20th century. His work is characterized by formal simplicity, technical refinement, and a deep understanding of how light interacts with material and space. While Bergström is often associated with fabric and fringe shades in earlier designs, his later work—such as these wall lamps—demonstrates a transition toward more modernist and industrial expressions, always with a focus on atmospheric light quality.

Ateljé Lyktan, founded in Åhus in 1934, became a benchmark for high-quality, architecturally integrated lighting under Bergström’s artistic leadership. Their collaborations with architects and commitment to craftsmanship positioned the company as a leader in Swedish lighting innovation.

These wall lamps are rare and highly collectible, offering both practical utility and a sculptural presence. Their robust construction, nuanced detailing, and association with one of Sweden’s most important lighting designers make them important examples of Scandinavian lighting design history.