Finnish mid-century lighting design is world-famous for numerous reasons. The country’s designers managed to make strictly functional design look beautiful in addition to their practicality and high-quality. This Valinte Oy ceiling or plafond lamp is a commendable example of the Finnish design sensibilities.

With an opaline glass shade and brass canopy and neck, this luminaire captures the essence of an era marked by innovation based on a classically elegant aesthetic. The design utilizes rounded shapes and subtle, atmospheric light. The warm light casts beautiful light on the brass and on the large glass surface of the shade. Opaline glass was particularly beloved by mid-century designers and manufacturers for several reasons. Firstly, its milky, semi-translucent appearance diffuses light beautifully, creating a warm, inviting ambiance in any space. This quality made it an ideal choice for pendant and ceiling lights, adding a touch of sophistication to mid-century interiors. Additionally, opaline glass is durable and resistant to heat, which made it suitable for the functional demands of lighting fixtures. Furthermore, the material allows for a wide range of shapes and designs, thus designers often took advantage of its versatility, shaping it into intriguing and organic forms that could transform a room while being a piece of art in themselves. This adaptability gave designers the creative freedom to experiment and innovate, resulting in lighting fixtures such as this model: both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The most distinctive detail of this lamp are the three brass clasps holding the shade in its place. As the shade is open at the top, the three lightbulbs cast cosy light onto the ceiling as well. Valinte lamps are sometimes marked V-e as in Valinte, and so is this model.

The harmonious fusion of opaline glass and brass in this luminaire showcases the company's dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Valinte Oy, established in Finland during a time of great design exploration, was known for its commitment to crafting distinctive lighting solutions. The company was celebrated for its attention to detail and ability to merge form and function seamlessly. Valinte Oy's designs have always embodied the spirit of Finnish craftsmanship and have often incorporated elements of nature, evoking a sense of purity and simplicity.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks with patina on the brass.

Dimensions:

21.85 in ⌀ x 5.12 in H

55.5 cm ⌀ x 13 cm H

About the Designer:

There is much information about larger companies such as Orno, Idman and Taito, and it is fairly easy to identify lamps and light fixtures by them, but when it comes to the smaller companies it gets complicated, but also more exciting.

Valinte Oy was founded in 1942 by Into Lintero, a Finnish entrepreneur. The name ‘Valinte’ is derived from valaisin (Finnish for lamp) and the surname of the founder, Lintero. Valinte Oy produced high-quality lighting, mostly out of metal, often combined with acrylic or opaque glass. Valinte lamps, such as this model, are sometimes marked V-e as in Valinte, and sometimes the name is accompanied by a serial number.

Valinte Oy operated from 1942 until the end of the 1960s at Malmi in Helsinki and then moved to a new factory built at Manttaalitie 1 in Vantaa, Veromiehee, which was expanded in 1964. Valinte had its own shade sewing factory, which also produced metal lamps and crystal chandeliers. In the 1980s, it focused on spotlights under the name Lampukas.

Into Lintero died in 1996, and his grandson Teuvo Salmivalli continued manufacturing lamps till 2000 in Saarijärvi.