Pair of Paavo Tynell Model “2008” Wall Lights for Idman Oy, Finland 1950s




















Pair of Paavo Tynell Model “2008” Wall Lights for Idman Oy, Finland 1950s
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
“The man who illuminated Finland”, Paavo Tynell is one of the best-known Finnish lighting designers, and his work has had a great influence on modern lighting design in Finland, and internationally.
The best qualities of Tynell's light fixtures are their atmospheric light and disciplined, functionalist design, exemplified by these two model “2008” ceiling lamps. The design of this model is dominated by the opal glass shades supported by the nickel plated brass stems. Tynell’s design merges together a simple and decorative shape with sculptural elements. These lamps have great proportions, the large shades are balanced by the backplates to create the attention-grabbing look. When lit, these lamps create an exceptionally atmospheric light, giving the nickel plated brass a vivid colour as well. Tynell’s designs are marked by a delicacy and softness that reveals his background in fine jewellery, and his most famous forms in lighting echo the structures of nature. Model “2008” is a modernist design to its core with a look that is timeless and can stand out and complement any space.
Idman Oy was established as early as 1897 by Karl Hjalmar Idman. In 1953, Idman Oy, acquired the majority of shares in Taito Oy, the company of Paavo Tynell. Paavo Tynell continued to work for the company on a freelance basis, through his own design firm. In his day, Tynell’s atmospheric light fixtures attracted attention as far away as the United States.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The metal base has some marks and staining. The mounting bases of the lamps differ slightly.
Dimensions:
7.08 in ⌀ x 7.87 in H
18 cm ⌀ x 20 cm H
Literature:
Idman Lighting Catalogue 140 – 1950s – Around 1956. p. 26.
About the Designer:
Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) was an industrial designer, known as the great pioneer of Finnish lighting design and fondly dubbed as “the man who illuminated Finland”. Tynell was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy – the first industrial producer of lighting fixtures in Finland.
With the innovation of electricity in the beginning of the 20th century, Taito Oy and Tynell expanded the thinking and manufacturing of modern lighting solutions in Europe and abroad. Paavo Tynell rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, during which period he collaborated with some of the most renowned Finnish architects, including Alvar Aalto. Working to incorporate artificial lighting into modern environments, Tynell’s company, Taito Oy produced fixtures for all of Alvar Aalto’s major projects including the Paimio Sanatorium and the Viipuri Library.
Tynell was especially appraised through his involvement with the Finland House, a design atelier in New York that showcased the work of Finnish designers and craftspeople. His elegant brass designs became an instant success in North America, and he began creating lighting designs for the prestigious American company Lightolier.
A master craftsman himself, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of perforated and polished brass as material. Marked by delicacy and softness, his most famous forms in lightning echo the structures of nature; he adroitly created sculptural shapes reminiscent of the branches of trees, swirling snowflakes and seashells.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The manufacturer of this lamp, ASEA, has a rich heritage rooted in lighting innovation, pushing boundaries and redefining norms, playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Swedish lighting design during the 20th century. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and avant-garde design principles set them apart as pioneers in the industry.
This floor lamp boasts a sleek design, combining a round base, sturdy and durable, with an elongated black lacquered metal stem that gracefully extends upward to support a stunning woven shade. The shade emits a soft, diffused glow, which will enhance the ambiance of any space. The slender stem lends an air of elegance. The brass serves not only a functional purpose, it also allows for a touch of understated luxury with its polished finish. The play of contrast between the dark metal, warm brass, and light fabric evokes the restraint typical of Scandinavian modernism, where atmosphere was achieved through proportion rather than ornament. Moreover, the ability to adjust the position of the shade enhances both the functionality and the sculptural character of the piece, allowing it to adapt to different settings and uses.
Elegant and enduring, this floor lamp demonstrate how Swedish design continues to find beauty in simplicity. It merges function, craftsmanship, and light into a harmonious whole, reaffirming that restraint and refinement can be the most distinct of qualities.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shade was possibly replaced by a previous owner. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
12.59 in W x 20.86 in D x 46.06 in H
32 cm W x 53 cm D x 117 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Danish lighting of the 1950s was closely tied to the functional principles of Scandinavian modernism, with designers gave particular attention to flexibility, compact construction and the quality of light within an interior. Wall-mounted fixtures were particularly suited to this approach, freeing surrounding surfaces while allowing illumination to be positioned where needed. This wall lamp reflects the Danish Modern philosophy through its graceful lines, adjustable construction and carefully balanced combination of materials.
The defining feature of the lamp is its long, sinuous metal arm. From a narrow vertical wall mount, the black lacquered structure extends outward through a sequence of elegant bends, creating a pronounced linear silhouette before reaching the shade. Along the arm there are pivot points, making the changing geometry of the structure one of the lamp’s most distinctive visual features. The hinges are subtle and integrated into the design, while small polished brass fittings punctuate the dark metal and draw attention to the points of articulation. At the end, the arm extends horizontally to support a broad tapered fabric shade. Its natural woven surface contrasts beautifully with the black lacquered structure, while the polished brass fitting above provides a warm transition between the two materials. The shade filters the light, producing a soft, atmospheric glow that enhances the comforting character of the design. Seen against the wall, the sequence of curves and straight lines gives the lamp a strong graphic rhythm, transforming its adjustable mechanism into an important part of its visual character.
The generous reach and multiple adjustments make this lamp particularly appealing beside a sofa, reading chair or bed, where it can provide focused illumination without occupying any floor or table space. At the same time, the articulated arm gives it a strong presence even when switched off. Its combination of flexibility, warm light, contrasting materials and expressive lines gives the lamp both the practicality and character associated with Danish mid-century lighting.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shade is a later replacement. Some minor marks on the metal. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have scratches and discolouration. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
11.81 in W x 31.29 in D x 11.81 in H
30 cm W x 79.5 cm D x 30 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Danish lighting of the mid-20th century often combined straightforward construction with materials that brought warmth to otherwise restrained forms. Most of the stunning minimalist designs from the turn of the century to the 1960s captured the imagination of the world, especially the work of Danish creators, who set the high bars for design.
This Danish wall light combines wood, metal and fabric in a design built around that practical arrangement. The lamp is mounted by a compact rectangular metal element, from which a long wooden arm projects outward in an upward curve. The wood has a warm brown tone and tapers slightly toward its outer end, making the reach of the arm appear lighter. Suspended close to the end of the arm is a large custom-made textile shade with a rounded, lantern-like profile: narrow at the top, broad through the middle and drawing inward again toward the bottom. The shade is defined by vertical ribs that give the fabric surface a clear structure. While the light passing through it emphasises each individual section. The contrast between the sweeping wooden arm, small metal fittings and softly rounded shade is particularly effective to create a beautiful piece: the arm establishes a strong horizontal line while the shade hangs beneath it as the visual counterweight.
The extended wooden arm makes the fixture useful beside a bed, sofa or reading chair, where light can be brought forward from the wall rather than fixed directly against it. The result is a distinctly functional piece whose character comes from its construction and contrasting materials, in line with the Danish pursuit of functionality and classic forms.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The brass is patinated. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The shade was custom made by our in-house atelier. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
10.63 in W x 28.74 in D x 18.31 in H
27 cm W x 73 cm D x 46.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Attributed to Birger Ekman (1905–1986), this floor lamp reflects the refined decorative language of Swedish Grace during the 1930s. Ekman is primarily associated with furniture distinguished by exceptional veneer work, marquetry, and finely executed inlays, combined with traditional cabinetmaking techniques. Swedish Grace emerged during the 1920s and 1930s as Sweden's interpretation of Art Deco, balancing classical proportions with simplified ornament and outstanding craftsmanship.
This lamp shares many of the characteristics found in Ekman’s work, particularly the sophisticated use of contrasting veneers and decorative inlay. The lamp is constructed around a tall, square column veneered in alternating bands of richly grained wood, creating a striking rhythm that immediately draws the eye upward. Fine inlaid details run across the height of the column, showing a stylised woman’s figure, demonstrating the precision associated with Swedish cabinetmaking of the period. The square base repeats the veneered and inlaid decoration while incorporating a sculptural burl wood element at its center, introducing an organic counterpoint to the otherwise geometric composition. A slender chromed arm projects from the top of the body and supports an adjustable shade, allowing the light to be directed as needed while adding a subtle functional contrast to the warmth of the wood. The careful combination of veneer, marquetry, chrome, and carved burl transforms the lamp into a piece that functions as both lighting and decorative furniture.
Today, lamps attributed to Birger Ekman are particularly appreciated for their exceptional woodworking and their close relationship to Swedish Grace furniture design. This example demonstrates how decorative techniques could be successfully integrated into a functional object, resulting in a floor lamp that is as much a showcase of craftsmanship as it is a source of light.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The lampshade is a later replacement. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
12.20 in W x 24.01 in D x 57.87 in H
31 cm W x 61 cm D x 147 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Hans-Agne Jakobsson was one of the central figures of Swedish lighting design during the post-war decades. After training as both a carpenter and architect, he founded his own company in Markaryd in 1951, where he developed lighting that softened the harsher qualities of electric illumination through carefully designed shades, natural materials and restrained forms. Model “G43” reflects this approach through a particularly light and minimal construction.
The lamp is constructed around a slender white lacquered metal frame, creating a clear vertical axis that gives the piece a light presence. Three thin metal rods create the better part of the stem, spreading outward at the base, each ending in a small rounded foot, while their narrow proportions keep the structure visually unobtrusive. The stem is interrupted by two sections wrapped in brown leather, introducing warmth and texture to the otherwise precise metal construction. A large conical fabric shade sits at the top, its broad proportions creating a strong contrast with the exceptionally slender frame below. The shade becomes the visual volume of the design and filters the light through its fabric surface, producing a soft, warm glow. The simple triangular profile of the shade is balanced by the three-legged base, giving the lamp a clear sense of proportion despite the minimal structure.
The “G43” is a particularly good example of Jakobsson’s ability to give simple lighting a distinct identity through proportion and material. Its narrow frame takes up very little visual and physical space, making it easy to position beside a sofa, lounge chair, or in a corner where a larger floor lamp could feel intrusive. The leather details and warm fabric shade add character to the restrained construction, resulting in a lamp that works equally well as a source of atmospheric light and as an elegant example of Swedish mid-century design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shade was custom made by our in-house atelier. The leather has signs of wear. Minor marks, scratches, and dents on the stem. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have marks and discolouration. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
18.50 in ø × 57.48 in H
47 cm ø x 146 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Scandinavian lighting of the 1950s was characterised by streamlined forms, carefully selected materials and an emphasis on practical illumination. Floor lamps were particularly suited to this approach, with slender structures and adjustable elements allowing light to be positioned where needed while occupying little floor space. This Scandinavian model combines these qualities with the classic pairing of brass and black lacquered metal, creating a clear and elegant silhouette typical of mid-century lighting.
The lamp is constructed from a thin black lacquered metal stem that rises from a low circular brass base. The narrow structure gives the lamp a light appearance, while the broad base provides a stable foundation and introduces the warm golden tone of the brass. Small brass details punctuate the stem and create subtle transitions between the darker lower section and the polished upper structure. At the top, the brass neck bends forward at a right angle to hold the shade away from the vertical stem. The neck can be adjusted, allowing the light to be directed according to its placement and use. A broad conical fabric shade completes the design, balancing the slender structure with its wider horizontal proportions. The warm tone and texture of the fabric contrast with the smooth metal surfaces, while the shade filters the light into a soft glow. The combination of the straight vertical stem and curved upper section gives the lamp its distinctive profile while keeping the construction simple and functional.
The adjustable construction makes this floor lamp particularly suitable for task lighting beside a sofa, lounge chair or reading area, where the projecting neck can position the shade directly above the sitter. Its narrow base and slender body also allow it to provide useful illumination without taking up much surrounding space. The combination of brass, black lacquered metal and warm fabric gives the lamp enough contrast to stand out while preserving the restrained character associated with Scandinavian mid-century design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been reconditioned, rewired, and repainted. The shade is a later replacement and is adjustable. The brass has minor dents and scratches. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have marks and discolouration. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 standard fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
6.10 in W x 20.47 in D x 45.07 in H
15.5 cm W x 52 cm D x 114.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This pair of model “1031'“ table lamps was designed by the brilliant Danish artist, Einar Johansen, and produced by Søholm Stentøj (Søholm stoneware). The manufactory was one of the oldest and most revered names in Danish ceramics. It was founded in Rønne on the Baltic island of Bornholm in 1835, and produced ceramics until the factory closed in 1996.
Johansen originally trained as a painter at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, and that truly shows in his ceramic work as well. This model has a beautiful ceramic body featuring a beautiful glaze in shades of brown and blue, and with a clear artistic touch. The sharp geometric angles of the planes give the forms a sculptural presence, while the rich blue glaze introduces depth and tonal variation across the surface. The lamps reflect the Scandinavian ability to combine bold form with restrained elegance. With its playful design and intriguing glazing technique, the pair provides plenty of visual interest. A balance between softness and structure characterise these table lamps with the structured stone bodies being softened by gentle curves and the pleasant warm light created by the shades, resulting in perfect harmony.
Timeless and expressive, these table lamps function not only as practical sources of light but also as carefully composed decorative objects. Firmly anchored within the golden age of postwar Scandinavian design, Johansen’s works tread a fine line between art and utility through his use of sculptural forms and deep experimentation with glaze chemistry.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shades are later replacements. Due to the nature and age of the material, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. These lamps are compatible with E26 / E27 (standard) fittings. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
12.99 in ø × 14.96 in H
33 cm ø x 38 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Mid-century Danish design is celebrated for its clarity of form, refined material use, and quiet sophistication. Throughout the mid-20th century, Danish designers like Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen focused on creating objects that were as functional as they were elegant, emphasising proportion, restraint, and craftsmanship. Lighting in particular became a defining element of this era, with a focus on design that brought warmth and atmosphere into everyday interiors.
This floor lamp is attributed to Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen. He was a Danish designer best known for his wide collection of light fixtures. As a licensed ornamental metalworker, Holm-Sørensen started his design career in the 1950s, and many of his designs feature metal surface with different ornaments and perforations. The lamp featured three slender brass stems that rise from a compact conical base before coming to the mid-point to transition into two stems branching outward. The wooden element introduces a warm touch, complementing the metals. Each arm terminates in an individually adjustable brass neck, allowing the fabric shades to be directed independently for reading, accent, or ambient lighting. The contrast between the warm brass, dark lacquered base, and textured fabric shades gives the lamp visual richness while remaining understated.
Holm-Sørensen’s work consistently balanced precision and character, and this piece reflects that philosophy. It honours the Scandinavian tradition that valued craftsmanship as much as innovation. The timeless simplicity of this design allows it to integrate into both contemporary and vintage interiors, standing as a testament to the enduring refinement of Danish mid-century lighting design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The floor lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The shades were custom made by our in-house atelier. The item has some marks, scratches, and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
29.52 in W x 15.94 in D x 56.49 in H
75 cm W x 40.5 cm D x 143.5 cm H