Svend Aage Holm Sørensen (Attr.) Model “8208” Table Lamp for Boréns, Borås, Sweden 1950s
































Svend Aage Holm Sørensen (Attr.) Model “8208” Table Lamp for Boréns, Borås, Sweden 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen was a Danish designer who is best known for his wide collection of light fixtures. 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.
As the story goes, the designer sketched on everything from envelopes to theatre programmes, and even tram tickets. Some remained sketches and ideas, but others he brought to life in the form of lamps. Thanks to a combination of imagination, talent and vision, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen created some of the most distinctive models of the 1950s, including this table lamp. While the decorative elements will be the first to catch the eye, the materials are just as interesting. The body is composed of brass and black-lacquered sheet metal, making sure that each material stands out in its own right. The cone shade topped with a brass cap is supported by a white acrylic diffuser and connects to the flared body by a slim brass pole. This construction makes it look light, balancing the thicker body. As a licensed ornamental metalworker, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen possessed an experimental, yet balanced understanding of materials, which is clearly traceable in this model. The body is decorated with a perforated brass ring with a geometric pattern, placed right in the middle of the flared body. Interestingly, it has a brass handle attached to it, presumably a functional element to make handling the lamp easier. All the black-lacquered sheet metal parts are all separated by brass elements, such as the brass top and rim of the shade, the neck, and the round base. This clever feature highlights each part of this table lamp, making it a well-thought-out and proportionate model.
The Swedish company, Boréns manufactured this lamp with outmost care for its quality. The company was amongst the most renowned Swedish lighting manufacturers during the mid-century era, working with some of the most well-known Scandinavian designers. This rare lamp shows the great success these international collaborations brought by.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
15.35 in ø x 19.29 in H
39 cm ø x 49 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This “6942” model is by Swedish designer and sculptor, Harald Notini. He was the artistic leader at Böhlmarks and is represented at the ‘Nationalmuseum’ in Stockholm. Between the 1920s and 1950s, Böhlmarks was a significant player in the Swedish design movement. Harald Notini, after becoming creative director in 1916, drove the company forward, producing what were considered pioneering and distinctive luminaires for the time.
Like many of the decade’s designs, this table lamp masterfully pairs different materials. Notini cleverly combined brass, lacquered metal, and wood to create this distinctive model. The decorative brass elements tie the materials together in a design that is indeed innovative and modern, yet still fresh to the contemporary eye. The amalgamation of materials creates a harmonious contrast, epitomising the 20th century design principles that sought to marry functionality with form and - most importantly - elegance. Scandinavian mid-century lighting pieces like this lamp are famous for several reasons. Firstly, emphasising clean lines and organic materials creates a sense of simplicity and harmony that seamlessly integrates with various interior styles. Secondly, the commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures durability, a hallmark that endears these pieces to generations. Lastly, the enduring allure lies in the ability of these designs to evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining relevant in today's design landscape. This "6942" model effortlessly encapsulates these principles. When turned on, the light casts a warm and inviting glow, creating a timeless and comforting ambience. The lamp is grounded by the round, patinated brass base, which echoes the circular details found on the bottom and neck of the piece.
Thanks to it’s masterful sense of proportion, this model is perfectly balanced visually. Apart from the aesthetics, the quality of this table lamp is also true to its Scandinavian heritage. This model is sure to add an elegant touch to any interior with its intricate body.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and marks. The lamp has recently been rewired. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.57 in ⌀ x 20.05 in H
37 cm ⌀ x 56 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The “Ziggurat” table lamp model is an elegant example of Italian-Japanese design collaboration. Designed in the 1980s by Shigeaki Asahara for the iconic Italian lighting manufacturer Stilnovo, these table lamps are a refined synthesis of architectural form and technical ingenuity.
Named after the stepped temples of ancient Mesopotamia, these sculptural “Ziggurat” lights are distinguished by their striking tiered glass shades resting on top of slender conical bases. The base of each lamp is formed from lacquered metal with brass detailing that provides a touch of richness without overpowering the restrained aesthetic. The contrast between the dark metal and the white glass shade creates a harmonious balance and adds a striking character to the pieces. Furthermore, the lamps’ shape is both commanding and sophisticated, with a strong visual presence that will make them a focal point in any interior, highlighting the design prowess of Asahara. Stilnovo collaborated with a number of talented designers and was the forerunner of innovative Italian lighting design, earning their models much recognition and often a place in museums. This unique table lamp model leaves no doubt about the reason of the company’s collaborative success.
Overall, the “Ziggurat” model embodies a harmonious fusion of minimalist geometry, rich materials, and sophisticated lighting engineering. It’s iconic forms reflect both the artistry and practicality of the 1980s, and as a rare design classic by Asahara for Stilnovo, the lamps continue to inspire thanks to their bold yet timeless elegance.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches. The lamp has recently been rewired. The exterior of the lamp has also been repainted.
Dimensions:
8.85 in ø x 16.73 in H
22.5 cm ø x 42.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Tripod table lamps became a recurring trend in mid-twentieth century lighting design because they offered both structural stability and visual balance. By dividing the base into three legs, designers could support a vertical stem while keeping the look open and lightweight. Pieces of this period often combined metal with wood to soften the industrial look - a pairing that became common in many European and Scandinavian designs of the 1950s and 1960s.
This table lamp follows that approach through its combination of metal, wood, and a restrained tripod structure. The base consists of three brass legs that extend outward in a triangular formation from the central stem. This layout provides physical stability while keeping the composition visually open. The brass has a warm reflective surface that subtly catches surrounding light, giving the lamp a refined metallic presence without being overly decorative. Rising from the base is a wooden stem that introduces a contrasting and elemental material. The wood adds warmth and texture while visually separating the base from the shade above. Small brass details around the body create a transition between the materials and reinforce the vertical feel of the design. The stem remains narrow and controlled, ensuring that the lamp maintains a light, elegant profile despite the solidity of the materials. The shade is formed from lacquered metal in a wide circular form, finished in a dark tone that contrasts strongly with the brass and wood below. Its slightly flared edge directs light downward, producing a focused yet warm glow, suitable for use on a desk, console, or side table.
This table lamp model simply stands with clarity, offering warm illumination and a sense of contentedness to a room. That is the beauty of mid century European design: balance, restraint, and the natural calm of well designed pieces.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shade has recently been repainted. Some scratches and dents. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks and discolouration. This lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
12.40 in Ø x 16.14 in H
31.5 cm Ø x 41 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Erik Tidstrand was a Swedish designer and interior architect who first worked at Leja and KM Lundberg until they merged to form Nordiska Kompaniet. Tidstrand became the head of NK's lighting department from its founding in 1902, until 1941. His luminaires received international attention and were showcased at several prestigious exhibitions, such as the world exhibitions in Paris in 1925 and 1937, Barcelona in 1929, as well as the Stockholm exhibition of 1930. NK’s lighting department quickly rose to become a pioneering company in Sweden, ushering in a new era of innovative designs and modern aesthetics.
Designers like Tidstrand were constantly inspired by nature in their work during the mid-century era, which makes the subtle integration of natural materials a defining characteristic of the time. Like in so many other areas, Scandinavian designers excelled in creating many of the most well-known models of mid-century lighting fixtures. Manufactured at Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1930s, this "30246" table lamp has an unmistakable Swedish look. From the clean lines of the patinated brass and walnut structure, to the soft edges of the lacquered brass shade, this model is sure to add an elegant touch to any interior. The craftsmanship speaks to the Scandinavian tradition of woodworking, which is highlighted in the vertical carvings of the stem. The body features brass details, anchoring the piece in a rounded brass base. Swedish lighting manufacturers were masters of designing with great textural variety, as this table lamp shows: the pairing of the smooth brass and ribbed walnut stem create an interesting visual effect, where the traditional look of the organic material meets the modern look of the brass. Crowning the lamp is a white lacquered metal shade, a bold yet balanced design choice that provides a touch of playfulness without it being overwhelming.
This effortless and elegant combination of materials speaks to the design prowess of Tidstrand. Characterised by clean lines, natural materials and intuitive functionality, Scandinavian modern design is eternally timeless and timely as this table lamp stunningly showcases.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
15.35 in ø x 18.89 in H
39 cm ø x 48 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The middle of the the 20th century was perhaps the most fertile breeding ground for innovation since the industrial revolution. Many Scandinavian lightning designers and companies of the era created cutting-edge techniques that led to distinctive modern pieces. Scandinavian furniture was made with mostly classic materials, and enhanced by including unusual elements of design such as asymmetry, as shown by this table lamp from 1960s Denmark.
This stylish lamp is a delightfully unique model, with distinctive details and design choices. Danish lighting manufacturers were masters of creating designs with great textural and material variety. The base of the lamp is crafted through the use of two different metals with contrasting appearances: black lacquered metal and shiny polished brass. This ambiance lamp, with its conical shaft composed of metal rods and gilded brass, acquires a sculptural look, exceeding its functional role and taking over an artistic function as well. While the asymmetrical brass accents on the top and bottom of the base stand out through their elegance and classic beauty, the black metal is highlighted by its unique manner of inclusion and placement. The empty space between the rods creates an almost floating effect, the top of the lamp being seemingly suspended and partially detached from the lower half of the base. In addition to the base construction, the shallow drum shade’s bronze fabric details perfectly complement the lamp’s shiny brass body and visually balance the model. In terms of function, this piece illuminates its surroundings with a warm and inviting glow.
The contrast between the dark lacquered metal and the shiny golden brass creates a harmonious balance and adds a sculptural dimension to the piece, ensuring the lamp’s ability to stand out in any environment. The shade's simple, clean lines align perfectly with the lamp's overall aesthetic, reinforcing the artistic manner of the mid-century period and complementing any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired. The shade is a later replacement. Some minor marks and scratches.
Dimensions:
With shade:
14.37 in ⌀ x 23.43 in H
36.5 cm ⌀ x 59.5 cm H
Without shade:
6.30 in ⌀ x 18.50 in H
16 cm ⌀ x 47 cm H
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
With pieces inspired by nature and the tranquility of everyday life, Ilmari Tapiovaara was able to showcase designs that captured the essence of Finnish identity. In a region where darkness dominates much of the year, lighting offers more than illumination - it evokes warmth, optimism and emotional connection. In the case of this sculptural table lamp made of painted metal layers, the comforting resemblance to the beloved character of “Maija Mehiläinen” brings a sense of joy and familiarity into Nordic homes.
Recalling the lovable German children’s book character published in 1912, “Maija Mehiläinen” - meaning Maya the Bee - this lamp carries undeniable charisma, with Maya’s stripes recognisable in the lamp’s structure. The shade is made up of a tall cylindrical form of slender metal layered discs, each layer delicately floating above the next, emitting a soft and diffused glow. Resembling the abdomen part of a honeybee, it stands on three elegant brass legs, running up through the fourteen slates, and finally poking out from the top, bearing a resemblance to delicate bee-like antennae. While having the appearance of the insect itself, it also gives the impression of a beehive - especially when the lamp is switched on and the warm light seeps out in between the gaps of the layers, like drizzling honey from the cracks of honeycomb walls.
This light stands out in the most wholesome and comforting way, capable of evoking dear childhood memories as well as keeping spirits up during the long winter months for those longing for the lightness of spring, full of flowers and life.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired. The lamp has been later repainted.
Dimensions:
7.28 in W x 6.69 in D x 19.48 in H
18.5 cm W x 17 cm D x 49.5 cm H