Kay Kørbing ceiling lamps

This pair of ceiling lamps, designed by Kay Kørbing and produced by Lyfa in Denmark in 1967, reflects the designer’s commitment to technical precision and the Scandinavian modernist aesthetic. The lamps are constructed from brass and glass, emphasizing clean lines and functional design, while incorporating innovative lighting techniques.

Each lamp consists of a vertically oriented cylindrical brass body with an integrated diffuser system. The upper section of the cylinder features a ring of perforations, which serve both as ventilation and allow for subtle upward light emission, contributing to the lamp’s ambient lighting effect. The lower section of the cylinder flares into a wider brass collar that houses a double-layered optical glass diffuser, further enhancing the lamp’s light-diffusing capabilities.

The lamps make deliberate use of materials and engineered geometry. The brushed brass finish provides a warm, reflective surface, which develops a natural patina over time, adding both tactile and visual richness. Below the brass housing, a thick circular glass lens with etched vertical striations softens and diffuses the light both downward and laterally. The radial cutouts around the base of the brass collar modulate the light, creating a band of directed brightness that complements the ambient glow, enhancing the atmosphere in any space.

These lamps have a diameter of 17 cm (6.7 inches) and a height of 33 cm (13 inches). They are suspended from slim black textile cords, which contribute to a minimal ceiling profile and highlight the sleek, modern design. The lamps remain in excellent condition, showing only minor surface wear on the brass, while the glass diffusers are free of damage.

Kay Kørbing was a Danish industrial designer known for his architectural clarity and rational approach to design. Lyfa, one of Denmark’s leading lighting manufacturers during the mid-20th century, was known for producing durable, progressive lighting systems in collaboration with designers like Bent Karlby, Simon P. Henningsen, and Kørbing. Lyfa’s production during the 1960s emphasized modular design and effective light diffusion, and these lamps are a perfect example of that approach, blending sculptural form with technical functionality suitable for both residential and professional environments.