Vilhelm Lauritzen table lamp

This table lamp, designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark, is a refined example of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design, uniting functional clarity with subtle sculptural elegance. Lauritzen, a leading figure in Danish modernism, brought his architectural sensibility to every detail, designing lighting that was not merely decorative, but integral to spatial experience.

The lamp features a slender, arched brass arm rising from a white lacquered metal base, with a matching conical shade that exhibits Lauritzen’s preference for soft, organic contours. The form of the shade is both visually balanced and technically purposeful—designed to direct light with precision while diffusing it gently. The adjustable arm introduces an element of user-centered functionality, allowing the direction of the light to be easily tailored, whether for task lighting or ambient illumination.

The contrast between materials—the warm, aged brass and the crisp white enamel finish—speaks to Lauritzen’s skill in orchestrating simple yet impactful design elements. The patina on the brass components contributes to the lamp’s vintage character, while the subtle signs of wear on the lacquered surfaces are consistent with age and respectful use, preserving the authenticity of the piece.

Vilhelm Lauritzen (1894–1984) was one of Denmark’s most influential architects and designers, known for integrating modernist principles with a humanistic approach. His work for public buildings such as Copenhagen Airport and Radiohuset was complemented by thoughtfully designed lighting, many pieces of which—like this table lamp—were created in collaboration with Louis Poulsen to fulfill specific architectural contexts.

Louis Poulsen, established in 1874, has long been at the forefront of Danish lighting innovation, partnering with major designers to produce technically advanced and aesthetically enduring fixtures. This lamp represents one such collaboration, combining the firm’s manufacturing expertise with Lauritzen’s architectural vision.

In good vintage condition, this lamp retains its structural and visual integrity. The brass arm has developed a warm, even patina, and the white lacquered finish shows light surface wear, including minor marks and scratches, that are consistent with its age. As a piece of Danish design history, it exemplifies the union of form, function, and refined materiality that defines the golden era of Scandinavian modernism.