Floor lamp

Rare height-adjustable Swedish Modern floor lamp, produced in Sweden during the 1950s. The lamp is constructed from iron and brass with a blue lacquered metal shade, combining a restrained vertical structure with an articulated upper arm and a broad conical reflector. At its minimum setting the lamp measures approximately 128 cm (50.4 inches) in height and can be extended to approximately 172 cm (67.7 inches).

The circular shade measures 35 cm (13.8 inches) in diameter and 27 cm (10.6 inches) in height. Its sharply defined conical geometry concentrates the light downward, while a continuous sequence of narrow perforations around the lower perimeter allows a secondary band of light to pass through the shade. The exterior retains its muted blue lacquer, contrasting with the pale reflective interior. A pivoting joint connects the shade to the curved upper arm, providing additional control over the direction of illumination.

The supporting structure consists of a substantial tubular lower column with a narrower telescopic stem passing through a brass adjustment collar. This construction allows the overall height to be altered while maintaining the lamp’s notably slender profile. The upper stem bends into an angular arm before reaching the shade, positioning the light away from the vertical axis of the base. Brass fittings are used at the adjustment mechanism, shade joint and base connection, where their warm, aged surface contrasts with the blue shade and darker structural elements.

The lamp stands on a broad circular iron base raised slightly from the floor on small cylindrical feet. Brass fasteners are distributed around its perimeter, with a circular brass fitting securing the central column. The considerable diameter and visual weight of the base counterbalance the projecting shade and arm. The combination of iron and brass gives the structure mechanical stability while retaining a relatively economical use of material.

Stylistically, the lamp belongs to the Swedish Modern tradition of the 1950s, a period in which Scandinavian lighting increasingly emphasized functional adjustment, simplified geometry and carefully controlled illumination. Its telescopic construction and directional shade reflect the period’s interest in adaptable domestic lighting, while details such as the perforated shade edge and exposed brass fittings introduce a decorative element without obscuring the functional construction. The contrast between the geometric cone, slender tubular stem and circular base is characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design.

The designer and manufacturer are unidentified. No maker’s mark is visible in the supplied photographs, so a more specific attribution cannot be made reliably. The construction and materials nevertheless place the lamp within the vocabulary of Swedish mid-century lighting, in which painted sheet metal shades, brass tubing and mechanically adjustable components were widely employed.

The lamp is in good vintage condition with visible signs of age and use. The brass has developed an extensive dark brown and golden patina with areas of oxidation and surface variation. The blue lacquered shade displays scratches, rubbing, small losses and variations in tone, while the iron base shows surface marks and age-related wear. These traces have been retained rather than refinished and form part of the lamp’s existing historical surface.