Thomas Valentiner floor lamp

This very rare floor lamp was designed by Thomas Valentiner and produced by Poul Dinesen in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted from nickel-plated brass—a material prized in Scandinavian modernist lighting for its durability, weight, and refined finish—the lamp exemplifies the restrained, technical elegance characteristic of Danish postwar design.

The lamp features a slender vertical shaft supporting a long, counterbalanced horizontal arm adjustable to direct light where needed. The arm and joints are finely machined brass, showcasing a functionalist clarity with minimal detailing. The base is a flat circular disc also in nickel-plated brass, providing stability and visual grounding. The base surface shows moderate patina and superficial wear consistent with age and use, which do not affect its structural or aesthetic integrity.

The pleated shade is crafted from folded textile in a warm ochre tone, which deepens to a rich reddish hue when illuminated. The pleating adds texture and diffuses the light softly, casting a subtle radial shadow pattern during use. The shade attaches to the arm’s end with a knurled brass fitting secured by a threaded finial, allowing easy removal or adjustment. The electrical cord is covered in period-appropriate textile and features an inline switch.

Though Thomas Valentiner is a less widely documented figure in Danish design, his work reflects technical precision and subtle formal innovation. Poul Dinesen, the manufacturer, is well known for collaborations with prominent Danish architects and designers. The firm’s production emphasizes exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials, often producing custom or limited series pieces.

This floor lamp combines functional and sculptural qualities, equally suited for task or ambient lighting. Its architectural proportions and adjustable arm illustrate the mid-century Scandinavian ethos of integrating utilitarian purpose with expressive design.

The lamp measures 34 cm wide, 80 cm deep, and 135 cm high (approximately 13.4 by 31.5 by 53.1 inches).