Bent Karlby table lamp

This rare table lamp was designed by Bent Karlby and produced by the Danish lighting manufacturer Lyfa during the 1950s. It stands as a refined example of Scandinavian mid-century lighting, blending modernist simplicity with rich materiality and subtle decorative detailing.

The lamp features a large, conical lampshade crafted from patinated brass. The shade is adorned with a series of vertical slit perforations around the lower perimeter, allowing ambient light to diffuse while providing a decorative illumination effect. The underside of the shade is finished in a lighter tone to reflect and soften the emitted light, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space. The structure is supported by a central brass stem, which is partially wrapped in turned elm wood rings, introducing warmth and a tactile contrast to the sleek metallic elements.

The base consists of a weighted circular brass disc with soft beveling at the edges, contributing to the lamp’s elegant form. A white plastic push-button switch is mounted directly into the surface of the base, providing functional simplicity. The electrical cord exits discreetly from the side near the base, maintaining the clean lines of the design. The materials have developed a consistent aged patina, particularly on the brass surfaces, further underscoring the lamp’s mid-century authenticity and provenance.

Bent Karlby (1912–1998) was one of Denmark’s foremost lighting designers during the mid-20th century, known for his architectural lighting pieces with sculptural silhouettes and precise detailing. His collaborations with Lyfa, one of the leading Danish lighting producers of the period, produced iconic designs that remain highly regarded today.

The dimensions of the lamp are 39 cm in diameter and 47 cm in height (approximately 15.4 x 18.5 inches). The piece remains in well-preserved original condition, with visible surface wear to the brass, consistent with age and use, enhancing its vintage appeal.