Thomas Valentiner floor lamp

This is a rare adjustable floor lamp designed by Danish architect Thomas Valentiner and produced by Poul Dinesen in Denmark during the 1950s. The lamp is constructed from brass and green lacquered metal and represents a clear example of functionalist Danish lighting design from the mid-20th century, combining clean mechanical structure with vivid visual contrast.

The lamp is composed of a slender vertical brass stem mounted on a flat circular base. From the central shaft extends a horizontal counterbalanced arm that supports a green lacquered metal conical shade. The mechanical joint at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal elements features a pivoting and tightening mechanism that allows the user to adjust the height and angle of the lamp arm. The shade itself is also adjustable, with a small brass swivel fitting at the top that enables directional control of the light.

The shade is finished in a glossy green lacquer on the exterior, while the interior is painted white to reflect and diffuse light effectively. This choice of color creates a strong aesthetic presence and is consistent with modernist design ideals of the time, which often utilized bold color blocking in combination with utilitarian forms.

Thomas Valentiner, active during the mid-20th century, was associated with a school of Danish designers and architects who worked at the intersection of architecture, furniture, and industrial design. While relatively lesser-known than some of his contemporaries, Valentiner’s works are noted for their refined simplicity, precise engineering, and clarity of function. Poul Dinesen, the producer, is recognized for craftsmanship in both cabinetry and lighting, contributing to the legacy of Danish design with high-quality small-batch production.

The dimensions of the lamp are 135 cm in height, 80 cm in width, and 30 cm in depth, which translates to approximately 53.1 inches tall, 31.5 inches wide, and 11.8 inches deep. The piece remains in excellent condition, with uniform patina on the brass, a well-preserved lacquer finish, and all mechanical parts fully operational.