Floor lamp
This rare and large floor lamp, produced in Denmark during the 1950s, represents the utilitarian elegance of early Scandinavian modernist lighting design. Constructed entirely from solid brass, the lamp features a hemispherical uplighter shade with a seamless, highly curved form that directs light upward, bathing the ceiling in a soft, ambient glow. The surface of the brass shows natural patina and subtle discoloration from age, lending the piece a warm, timeworn character and highlighting the natural oxidation process typical of untreated brass.
The upper dome of the lamp is supported by a cylindrical brass collar that transitions smoothly into a straight, tubular shaft. The shaft has a generous height, ensuring that the lamp stands proportionately balanced by a wide, flat, circular base made of matching brass, which ensures stability and structural integrity. The lamp includes a small chrome toggle switch positioned directly on the lower hemisphere of the shade, serving as a functional yet unobtrusive detail, characteristic of mid-century design principles.
The form of the lamp is minimal and architectural, with no unnecessary ornamentation, focusing instead on proportions and the honesty of its materiality. The upward-facing shade creates indirect illumination, ideal for ambient lighting, and the lamp’s considerable size—standing at 191 cm (75.2 inches) in height with a shade diameter of 51 cm (20 inches)—gives it a commanding yet understated sculptural presence in any interior space.
While the designer remains unknown, the lamp’s simplicity, refined construction, and careful use of materials reflect the principles of Danish modernism that defined Scandinavian lighting during the postwar period. The design aligns closely with the aesthetics of other Danish masters of the era, prioritizing functionalism, material tactility, and a restrained decorative language.
The lamp remains in its original condition, with visible signs of wear, including light surface scratches, areas of tarnish, and small dents consistent with age and use. These marks contribute to the authenticity and aged integrity of the piece, without compromising its structural or functional qualities.
Dimensions (cm) | H: 191 / ⌀: 51 |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass |
Designed in | 1950s |
Item Number | 130248 |