From ambient table lamps to striking chandeliers and vibrant pendant lights, we hand-pick the most sought-after Nordic designs, both contemporary and classic, as seen in the pages of our latest issue
Scandinavian designers know a thing or two about creating great lighting – just think of visionaries like Verner Panton, Poul Henningsen, Alvar Aalto and Paavo Tynell who have left their mark on design history with their innovative creations that continue to illuminate our region and beyond. In Vogue Scandinavia’s latest, October-November issue, we curate a covetable selection of iconic Nordic lamps – some newer, others certified classics – that have caught our fancy and remain among the most sought-after fixtures today.
Read on for the 10 iconic Scandinavian lamps to know, and shop.
Finnish brand Secto Design’s sculptural lamps, crafted from responsibly and locally sourced wood, have garnered a burgeoning global attention, adorning well-curated spaces worldwide. The company’s latest creation, the Adilo pendant lamp – dreamt up by emerging Finnish designer Ilkka Kauppinen – epitomises the Secto Design universe with its artful form, its ultra-thin swirly plywood slats creating a rounded shape that shifts subtly depending on the angle from which it’s viewed. Thanks to the warmth of the wood and the gaps between the slats, this mesmerising pendant diffuses light into a soft, ambient glow.
Shortly after moving into a new apartment in Paris, renowned Serbian designer Ana Kraš conceived the series of Ava Cone lamps via wire, paper and textile tape. Created for Danish design giant HAY, this pendant harnesses pioneering, sustainable ECOPET™ material, its graphic fibre piping granting the piece a 2D effect. The minimalist design makes it suitable for various spaces, from offices to private homes, while the white shade casts a bright yet pleasant light.
Did you know that legendary Danish designer Poul Henningsen initially created his acclaimed ‘PH Artichoke’ pendant for public spaces? And though it only took Poul Henningsen three months to design it in 1958, its impact is forever. Today, the sculptural lamp – comprising 72 metal ‘leaves’ carefully layered and overlapped – adorns countless design-savvy homes across the world. The ‘PH Artichoke’ remains a stellar example of Henningsen’s celebrated design philosophy: eliminating glare and achieving the most evenly distributed, honeyed glow. It’s no surprise his work later earned him the moniker ‘master of light’.
Inspired by Gio Ponti’s kaleidoscopic Murano Chandelier, Danish brand &Tradition’s Gio LN15 chandelier, designed by Luca Nichetto, distils the iconic lamp to its most elemental shapes and colours. The minimalist chandelier is a striking addition to any room, featuring geometric shades composed of three tiered triangles, rendered in contrasting vibrant green or burgundy and paired with muted, neutral hues.
Piano strings nestled within a striking lighting fixture sound just as poetic as this design by Jonas Søndergaard for Umage looks. Cradled by a transparent, curved glass shade and paired with structural brass piano strings, the elegant ‘Chordis’ pendant lamp becomes an eye-catching accent, perfect for crowning a living or dining space.
You might remember Danish mastermind Verner Panton from his funky, paintbox-bright, Space-Age-forward furniture like the Panton Chair Classic, Heart Cone Chair and the Flowerpot VP12 floor lamp, dreamt up in the 1960s and 1970s. But 1980 birthed another Panton icon: the Pantop collection, featuring playful, bell-shaped pendant lamps imagined in vibrant hues, like the delicious saturated orange seen here.
Keeping the ‘big light’ firmly off and sprinkling one’s space with a slew of petite, ambient lamps has become increasingly trendy. Among our top picks of timeless Nordic table lamps to invest in is Le Klint’s Model 334. With its hand-pleated shade that comes in sophisticated options of Moss Green, Buttermilk, Dijon, Chocolate, and Denim Blue, the piece exudes old-world charm, sitting right at home on nightstands, windowsills or shelves.
For a touch more contemporary flair, look no further than Piet Hein’s RA table lamp from 1931. To celebrate the would-be 120th birthday of Danish design icon Piet Hein, this refined and minimalist lamp has received a makeover by way of a sleek chrome finish. Only 120 lamps were made, each individually numbered – run, don’t walk.
Originally designed for hospitality settings, this discreet Brolly in-table lamp by Danish brand New Works integrates seamlessly into one’s coffee table or nightstand. Specifically crafted to offer just the perfect amount of light without causing too much of a ruckus, the lamp is ideal for those cosy evenings spent with your favourite book. Plus, we love its no-fuss, simplistic silhouette.
This charming Lisa table lamp by Watt&Veke is made from lightweight crepe paper and finished with a mango wood base, drawing inspiration from the Lotus flower. While it doubles as a piece of art to elevate a nightstand, coffee table or shelf, its delicate, gossamer ‘petals’ emit a gentle, warm glow – consider it a cult-favourite in the making.