Carl Fagerlund floor lamp

This rare floor lamp, designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors in Sweden during the 1960s, is a sophisticated example of Scandinavian decorative lighting that masterfully blends materials and form. Fagerlund, one of Sweden’s most prominent lighting designers of the mid-20th century, was celebrated for his ability to merge the sculptural qualities of glass with the functional elegance of lighting design. This piece embodies his aesthetic: refined, luminous, and richly detailed.

The lamp’s vertical composition is anchored by a polished brass stem, which has developed a warm patina over time. Interspersed along the shaft are cylindrical segments of Orrefors crystal—clear, precisely faceted, and subtly reflective. These glass elements catch and refract ambient light, producing a quiet radiance even when the lamp is unlit. Their clarity and scale are perfectly balanced with the metallic structure, resulting in a composition that is both decorative and architectural.

The base of the lamp is substantial and stable, often similarly finished in brass, grounding the tall form while complementing the sparkle of the glass. The brass surface throughout has aged gracefully, its mellow sheen providing depth and emphasizing the lamp’s mid-century origin.

Atop this composition sits the lamp’s original shade—a softly curved, scalloped form in muted pink fabric. The shade is edged in golden fringe, a detail that evokes both a subtle Art Deco sensibility and the understated glamour characteristic of 1960s interior lighting. When illuminated, the shade casts a warm, ambient glow that diffuses gently through the fabric, complementing the crystalline brilliance of the base and enhancing the atmospheric quality of the light.

The fabric itself has retained its structure and tone remarkably well, showing only minor signs of age consistent with careful use. The subtle texture of the material adds another tactile layer to the design, reinforcing the lamp’s role as both functional light source and decorative object.

Carl Fagerlund (1915–2011), known for his work with Orrefors during its golden era, brought a distinctive vision to lighting design by incorporating glass into structural elements—a departure from more conventional uses of glass as purely decorative or shade material. His designs often emphasized verticality, balance, and light manipulation, aligning with broader Scandinavian values of craftsmanship, clarity, and simplicity. At Orrefors, a renowned Swedish glassworks established in the late 19th century, Fagerlund helped expand the studio’s output from fine glassware to innovative lighting that bridged the gap between artistry and utility.

This floor lamp is in very good vintage condition. The brass displays a rich, consistent patina that enhances its character without obscuring detail. The crystal glass remains pristine and brilliant, with no chips or clouding. The original lampshade is intact and well preserved, maintaining both its structure and its delicate fringe.