Bertil Brisborg table mirror

This table mirror, model 532-013, was designed by Bertil Brisborg for Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden during the 1950s as part of the Triva series. It reflects the designer’s exploration of light as both a functional and reflective medium, merging industrial precision with a sculptural sensibility typical of Scandinavian postwar modernism.

The lamp features a circular mirror glass disc mounted on a transparent plexiglass stand with a supporting structure in matte nickel-plated metal. The rear housing encloses a single light source positioned behind the center of the disc, producing a diffuse and indirect illumination. When lit, the reflected glow from the mirror creates a soft radiance around the circular aperture, emphasizing Brisborg’s technical understanding of light diffusion and reflection. The transparent support elements enhance the floating visual effect of the lamp, allowing it to appear weightless and minimal from most angles.

The materials—mirror glass, plexiglass, and nickel-plated metal—demonstrate a refined industrial character combined with lightness and transparency. This combination was innovative for its time and consistent with the aesthetic ambitions of the Triva series, which sought to produce high-quality design objects for a broader audience through Nordiska Kompaniet’s design program.

Bertil Brisborg (1910–1993) was an architect and designer active in Stockholm, known for his contributions to Swedish modern lighting design. He worked extensively for Nordiska Kompaniet’s lighting division, where his designs often blended functional engineering with a restrained visual language. His lamps are recognized for their thoughtful proportion, technical clarity, and subtle use of materials.

Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), one of Sweden’s foremost department stores and design manufacturers, established its lighting department in the early 20th century and became a significant producer of Swedish lighting design in the mid-century era. The Triva series represented an important moment in NK’s design history, combining modern design principles with accessible production.

This example remains in good condition with light signs of wear consistent with age, including a small nick on the glass edge. The nickel surface retains a uniform matte finish, and the structure is intact. The lamp measures 38 cm in height (15 inches) and 28 cm in diameter (11 inches).