Lars-Gunnar Nordström table lamps

This very rare pair of table lamps, designed by Finnish artist and designer Lars-Gunnar Nordström and produced by Aris Design in Finland during the 1960s, exemplifies the intersection of mid-century modernism and the Nordic geometric abstraction for which Nordström is renowned. Better known as a leading figure in Finnish constructivist art, Nordström’s foray into functional design produced objects that are architectural, minimal, and deeply refined—qualities clearly present in this pair of lamps.

Each lamp is composed of a square brass base supporting a slender, upright brass column. The use of solid brass, now aged to a rich, warm patina, introduces a sense of permanence and material depth. Subtle textural variations in the surface speak to the passage of time, enhancing the lamps’ vintage character and their authenticity as original mid-century pieces.

Atop the brass framework sits a rectangular shade crafted from white translucent plastic. These shades are crisp in their geometry and visually light, offsetting the denser base and column. Their clean, linear form diffuses light evenly, casting a soft ambient glow that emphasizes both the verticality and the sculptural clarity of the lamps. The contrast between the cool, bright plastic and the warmer brass is deliberate and reflects a modernist sensibility rooted in material juxtaposition and formal balance.

A small but considered detail is the inclusion of pull cord switches, each finished with a spherical brass pull. This round motif subtly breaks from the dominant rectilinear language of the piece, offering a moment of visual softness and tactile engagement without compromising the design’s integrity.

With dimensions of 18 x 18 x 55 cm (approximately 7 x 7 x 21.6 inches), these lamps are proportionally compact yet vertically expressive. Their symmetrical design and monolithic form lend them presence and make them suitable for use on side tables, credenzas, or nightstands where their light quality and sculptural outline can be fully appreciated.

Lars-Gunnar Nordström (1924–2014) was a central figure in Finnish modernist art and design, best known for his hard-edged abstract paintings and graphic work. His influence extended into furniture and lighting, where his visual language—marked by geometric precision, clear structural logic, and a reduced palette—translated seamlessly into functional objects. These lamps reflect that crossover, embodying the same principles found in his visual art: clarity, control, and modern elegance.

Aris Design, the Finnish manufacturer, was known for collaborating with leading artists and designers during the 1950s and 60s, contributing to a growing dialogue between fine art and industrial design in Scandinavia. The lamps’ exceptional quality and precise construction are indicative of this collaboration.

Condition-wise, the lamps show only minor wear consistent with age. The brass has acquired a soft patina, and there are small surface marks present. The plastic shades are well-preserved, maintaining their original white tone without significant yellowing or damage.

This pair of table lamps stands as a rare and significant contribution to mid-century Nordic lighting. Their minimalist form, architectural proportion, and material sophistication reflect both the artistic background of their designer and the high standard of Scandinavian modern design. They represent not only functional lighting but collectible design objects with strong ties to mid-century abstraction and art-driven modernism.