Hans Bergström floor lamp
This very rare height adjustable floor lamp was designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden, during the 1940s. The lamp is a refined example of Bergström’s early lighting designs, where sculptural form, functional innovation, and atmospheric light are brought together through restrained materials and carefully considered proportions.
The construction consists of a slender black lacquered metal frame with a tripod-style base that provides stability while maintaining a light visual presence. The vertical structure supports a suspended shade that can be adjusted in height along the frame using a simple hook mechanism in brass. This functional detail allows the light source to be positioned according to use, reflecting the practical concerns of Scandinavian lighting design during the period. The twisted black textile cord follows the vertical line of the frame and contributes to the overall graphic clarity of the design.
The lamp shade is made from original sprayed plastic, shaped into an elongated, softly rounded form with vertical ribbing. The surface has a warm off-white to light beige tone, which becomes distinctly amber when illuminated. The ribbed structure creates subtle variations in light and shadow, producing a diffuse and atmospheric glow. The shade is suspended within the frame rather than rigidly fixed, giving the lamp a floating, almost lantern-like character.
Hans Bergström was one of Sweden’s most influential lighting designers of the mid-20th century and the founder of Ateljé Lyktan. His work is characterized by a strong sensitivity to light quality, material expression, and modern form. During the 1940s, Bergström explored new materials such as plastics alongside traditional metalwork, resulting in designs that were innovative yet deeply rooted in Scandinavian functionalism.
Ateljé Lyktan, based in Åhus, became one of Sweden’s leading lighting manufacturers under Bergström’s direction. The company was known for experimental approaches to materials and for producing lamps that balanced industrial production with artistic intent. Floor lamps from this early period are particularly rare, especially examples retaining their original shades.
The lamp is in good vintage condition with visible signs of age and use. The metal frame shows areas of wear and patina consistent with its age, while the shade has minor holes and surface marks that do not detract from its structural integrity. These signs of wear are typical for early plastic shades and contribute to the authenticity of the piece.
The frame measures approximately 50 cm in width, 46 cm in depth, and 154 cm in height, corresponding to about 19.7 inches wide, 18.1 inches deep, and 60.6 inches high. The shade has a height of approximately 40 cm, or about 15.7 inches.
Dimensions (cm) | Frame: W: 50 / D: 46 / H: 154 Shade: H: 40 |
| Producer | Ateljé Lyktan |
| Decade | 1940s |
| Country | Sweden |
| Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern, Swedish Modern |
| Material | Lacquer, Metal, Plastic |
| Designed in | 1940s |
| Item Number | 250540 |
Hans Bergström
Hans Bergström (1910–1996) was a Swedish designer and architect best known for his groundbreaking work in lighting design and for founding Ateljé Lyktan, one of Sweden’s most influential lighting manufacturers. His refined, modernist approac...
Read more