Carl Fagerlund table lamp

This rare table lamp, model RD1986, designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors in Sweden during the 1960s, is a sophisticated expression of Scandinavian lighting design, notable for its interplay of materials and light. Characteristic of Fagerlund’s work, the lamp combines elegant proportions with a meticulous approach to form and detailing.

The structure centers around a stacked arrangement of thick cylindrical glass segments, symmetrically positioned around a central brass rod. The glass, crafted by Orrefors—a Swedish glassworks known for its clarity and craftsmanship—adds both visual texture and depth. Each segment captures and refracts light in subtle ways, creating a gentle prismatic effect even when unlit. The transparent glass structure gives the piece a sense of lightness and airiness while maintaining structural solidity.

The central rod and base are made of solid brass, which has developed an attractive patina over time. This warm tonality provides a complementary contrast to the cool transparency of the glass and enhances the lamp’s mid-century aesthetic. The patina on the base is consistent with its age and adds to the lamp’s vintage appeal without detracting from its refined appearance.

The lamp is signed with the original Orrefors marking on the base, confirming its authenticity and origin. This mark not only reflects the high standards of Swedish production but also the collaborative relationship between Carl Fagerlund and Orrefors during the mid-20th century, a period that produced many of the brand’s most celebrated lighting pieces.

Dimensions of the lamp are 11 cm in width and depth, and 54 cm in height (approximately 4.3 x 4.3 x 21.3 inches), giving it a tall and slender silhouette suitable for a variety of interior placements—from side tables and consoles to desks or nightstands.

This lamp is offered without a lampshade, allowing the purchaser to select a shade that suits their individual preferences or display the lamp in its minimalist, sculptural form. The absence of a shade further highlights the stacked glass column and clean lines of the design.

Carl Fagerlund was known for creating lighting that merged classical sensibility with modernist clarity. His pieces often explored the optical qualities of glass, using structure and material to enhance the diffusion and expression of light. The RD1986 model exemplifies this approach, presenting a lamp that functions not only as a light source but as a decorative object in its own right.

In well-preserved vintage condition, with minor wear consistent with age, this table lamp stands as a collectible example of Swedish mid-century design. Its combination of refined materials, functional elegance, and timeless form make it a distinguished addition to any interior.