Carl-Axel Acking floor lamps

This very rare pair of floor lamps, model no. 2646, was designed by Carl-Axel Acking and produced by Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik in Sweden. As exemplary pieces of Swedish modernism from the mid-20th century, the lamps reflect a refined blend of material sophistication and restrained formality, highlighting Acking’s architectural sensitivity and his attention to proportion and texture.

Each lamp is composed of a tall, slender pole structure fully wrapped in brown leather. The leather is stitched with precision and covers both the vertical shaft and the circular base, lending a warm and tactile quality to the design. The leather has aged naturally, showing subtle wear and patination that is consistent with vintage use, adding depth and authenticity to the lamps’ surfaces.

At the top of each lamp is a shallow, inverted conical brass shade with a smooth, slightly flared edge. The shade features small, evenly spaced perforations that serve both a decorative and functional purpose. These perforations allow light to escape in a delicate, patterned glow, softening the overall illumination and casting decorative shadows on the surrounding space. The brass has developed a gentle patina over time, presenting a warm, muted golden tone with minor spotting and surface variation—traits that enhance the historical and visual character of the lamps.

Structurally, the design is vertically balanced and slender, emphasizing upright posture and minimal ornamentation. The rounded base provides stability while echoing the diameter of the shade above, reinforcing the visual symmetry. The tactile contrast between the smooth brass and the textured leather exemplifies the material harmony often found in Swedish functionalist design.

Carl-Axel Acking (1910–2001) was a Swedish architect and designer whose works often bridged the disciplines of furniture and architecture. Known for his precision and use of noble materials, Acking’s designs reflect a subdued elegance rooted in craftsmanship and proportion. Model 2646 is a rare and notable example of his lighting work, highlighting his ability to elevate everyday objects into sculptural, architecturally composed forms.

Each lamp measures 33 cm in diameter (13 inches) and 170.5 cm in height (67.1 inches), making them substantial in scale and well-suited for use in living rooms, reading corners, or architectural interiors where their sculptural presence and warm lighting qualities can be fully appreciated. They remain significant historical artifacts of Scandinavian modern design and superior examples of mid-century Swedish lighting production.