Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This rare ceiling lamp or flush mount, model Starry Sky, was designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Sähköliikkeiden Oy in Finland during the 1940s. It is a quintessential example of Tynell’s poetic approach to lighting design, where form and light interact in subtle, expressive ways. The model reflects the designer’s fascination with decorative perforation and atmospheric illumination, both hallmarks of his most celebrated works.

The lamp features a horizontal rectangular form enclosed in a warm copper casing. The upper surface of the casing is carefully perforated with a series of small, evenly distributed star-shaped cutouts. These not only serve as ornamental motifs but also function as miniature light passages that, when the lamp is illuminated, cast a delicate constellation-like pattern on the surrounding ceiling. This starry projection gives the lamp its evocative name and transforms the fixture into both a source of illumination and a visual experience.

The underside of the lamp incorporates a grid-like copper diffuser, which softens and evenly distributes the light output. This structural detail is not only functional but also visually reinforces the clean geometry and craftsmanship typical of Tynell’s mid-century designs. The copper finish has developed a natural patina over time, ranging from deep bronze to warmer reddish tones, contributing to its rich vintage character. This patinated surface enhances the depth and texture of the design, emphasizing the passage of time while retaining its elegance.

Condition is excellent vintage. The copper shows a consistent and desirable patina, and all perforated star details and grid elements remain intact. There are no visible structural issues, and the fixture maintains its full decorative and functional integrity.

Measuring 76 cm in length, 17 cm in depth, and 18.5 cm in height (29.9 x 6.7 x 7.3 inches), the lamp has a low profile, making it ideal as a flush mount in both residential and architectural spaces. Despite its restrained form, the interplay of perforated light and warm materials allows it to command attention and serve as a subtle yet sculptural presence in any interior.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) is widely regarded as one of Finland’s most influential lighting designers, known for his work that bridges craftsmanship, industrial design, and the decorative arts. The Starry Sky model is a rare and iconic example of his design ethos—merging function with poetic detail and creating lighting that does more than simply illuminate; it evokes atmosphere. As such, this piece holds considerable historical and aesthetic significance in the canon of Scandinavian design.