Arne Jacobsen floor lamp
This very rare floor lamp, designed by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, stands as an exceptional representation of Scandinavian mid-century modernism. Known for his masterful integration of form and function, Jacobsen’s lighting designs—though less prolific than his furniture and architectural work—exemplify the same minimalist precision and refined materiality for which he is celebrated.
The lamp features a slender cylindrical stem in solid brass, offering both a structural backbone and a warm metallic contrast to the softly colored components. The brass has acquired a natural patina over time, underscoring the authenticity and age of the piece without compromising its visual integrity. The surface irregularities contribute to the lamp’s vintage character and speak to its period-correct preservation.
The base and conical lampshade are finished in a muted beige lacquer. The base is circular and compact, anchoring the form without visual heaviness, while the shade is gently flared at the bottom to optimize light distribution. A subtle curvature at the joint where the shade meets the stem adds a fluid, organic element to the otherwise linear design, softening the transition between components and enhancing usability.
Functionally, the lamp includes an adjustable-height mechanism, allowing the stem to extend from 98 cm to 146 cm (approximately 38.6 to 57.5 inches). This flexibility makes the piece well-suited for a variety of applications, from reading light beside a lounge chair to ambient illumination in a living space. The directional quality of the shade further enhances its practicality, reflecting Jacobsen’s longstanding emphasis on user-centered design.
Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971) is one of the most influential figures in Danish modernism. His work, encompassing architecture, furniture, and lighting, consistently aimed to synthesize aesthetic clarity with everyday functionality. Although his lighting designs are less common than his seating and architectural projects, they carry the same visual rigor and design intelligence, making pieces like this floor lamp especially rare and desirable.
The lamp is in good vintage condition, with expected signs of wear including minor chips on the lacquered base and surface patina on the brass. These age-related features contribute to its authenticity and historical value.
The lamp measures 18.5 cm in diameter, 40 cm in depth, and is height-adjustable from 98 to 146 cm, corresponding to approximately 7.3 inches in diameter, 15.7 inches in depth, and 38.6 to 57.5 inches in height.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 18.5 / D: 40 / H: 98 Max height : H: 146 |
Producer | Louis Poulsen |
Color | Beige, Gold, Grey |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Lacquer, Metal |
Item Number | 239085 |
Arne Jacobsen