Carl Fagerlund table lamps

This rare pair of table lamps, model RD1981, was designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors in Sweden. Reflecting the hallmarks of mid-20th-century Scandinavian design, these lamps exhibit a refined balance between material expression and formal restraint, characteristic of Fagerlund’s work with the renowned Swedish glassworks.

Each lamp features a cylindrical base composed of thick, clear glass, distinguished by evenly spaced horizontal ridges. These ridges create a subtle rhythm and texture along the surface, offering both tactile and visual interest. The glass is of high optical clarity, typical of Orrefors craftsmanship, and reflects ambient light in a nuanced way, producing soft highlights that enhance the sculptural quality of the form.

Rising through the center of the glass body is a brass stem that serves both as a structural core and a visual accent. The brass components, including the socket mount and base detailing, have developed a natural patina over time. This aged surface finish adds depth and character, emphasizing the vintage nature of the lamps while preserving their understated elegance.

The color palette is minimal—clear glass combined with the warm, muted tones of patinated brass. This restrained combination makes the lamps versatile, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into a variety of interior styles, from modernist to eclectic or classical settings.

The lamps are offered without shades, allowing for customization and enabling the unique glass bases to remain visually unobstructed. Their relatively compact proportions—measuring 9 cm in diameter and 31 cm in height (3.5 x 12.2 inches)—make them suitable for use on bedside tables, consoles, or shelves, where their sculptural quality can be appreciated up close.

Condition is good vintage. The brass elements show some surface wear and oxidation consistent with age and careful use, while the glass remains in excellent condition, free from chips, cracks, or clouding. These signs of use reinforce the authenticity of the pieces without detracting from their functionality or appearance.

Carl Fagerlund (1915–2011) was a prominent Swedish designer known for his elegant lighting designs for Orrefors, where he worked for several decades. His pieces often combine high-quality glass with simple yet expressive forms, and the RD1981 model is a clear example of his design ethos—timeless, balanced, and materially rich.

These lamps are a collectible and well-preserved pair that exemplify Swedish mid-century glass and lighting design at its most refined.