Hans Bergström flush mount

This rare flush mount lamp, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden, is a sophisticated example of mid-20th-century Scandinavian lighting design. A testament to Bergström’s mastery of proportion and his signature blend of utility and ornamentation, the lamp exemplifies the refined aesthetic sensibilities that shaped Swedish modernism during the postwar period.

The fixture is constructed from brass and opaline glass, a material pairing that balances warmth and softness. The opaline glass shade, gently rounded in form, diffuses light evenly and emits a soft, ambient glow. Its milky translucence provides both functional illumination and a calming visual effect, making it ideally suited for domestic or hospitality interiors seeking a subdued atmosphere.

The base is executed in patinated brass, with a warm golden tone that has matured over time. This brass surface is embellished with subtle design details, including a lower rim punctuated by delicate cross-shaped perforations. These small cutouts not only add a decorative element but also allow slivers of light to escape, casting gentle patterns onto adjacent surfaces and enhancing the lamp’s ambient quality. A cylindrical brass stem, adorned with vertical slits, rises into the center of the glass shade, introducing a linear rhythm that contrasts effectively with the shade’s smooth curvature.

The dimensions—23 cm in diameter and 26 cm in height (approximately 9 × 10.2 inches)—allow for a compact yet impactful presence. Its flush mount design enables it to be installed directly on ceilings or high walls, making it ideal for smaller rooms, hallways, or spaces where hanging fixtures may not be practical.

Hans Bergström (1910–1996), co-founder and artistic director of Ateljé Lyktan, played a pivotal role in establishing the modern Scandinavian lighting tradition. His designs, spanning from fabric-shaded lamps to industrial metal fixtures, are known for their graceful simplicity and attention to the interplay between form and light. This flush mount exemplifies his transition from early decorative modernism to a more architectural, pared-back aesthetic that remained true to his belief in lighting as both a sculptural and atmospheric element.

Ateljé Lyktan, founded in 1934 in Åhus, Sweden, was at the forefront of Swedish lighting design through the mid-20th century. Under Bergström’s leadership, the company produced a wide range of high-quality lighting fixtures, many of which were custom-made or produced in small batches, contributing to their rarity and collectability today.

This lamp remains in excellent vintage condition. The opaline glass is clean, undamaged, and retains its original luster, while the brass components show minor wear and a natural patina that enhances the historical character of the piece. Overall, this flush mount is not only a functional light source but also a collector-worthy object that reflects the elegance and craftsmanship of Swedish design in the 1950s.