Börje Claes Floor Lamps

Swedish Modern, with its simplified lines and lack of excessive ornamentation, was a counter reaction to the earlier, more decorative design movements such as Art Deco. In comparison, as this floor lamp demonstrates, the mid-century era brought streamlined modernism to Sweden as well. Börje Claes designed this lamp model with both table and floor lamp versions. In this floor lamp version he combined a classical shape with carefully thought out proportions and Swedish craftsmanship. The neck’s characteristic curve holding the brass shade defines this model. To counterbalance the defined curve, the rod is straight and stands on a circular base that mirrors the shape of the shade. The inside of the shade is reflective, enhancing the light the lamp emits with a beautiful accompanying effect. While there is a clear attention on the design elements, functionality was of equal importance in the classic “Svensk design” manner, in which form must follow function in order for something to be considered ‘good design’. As such, the lamp’s trumpet shade can be adjusted freely on the vertical axis through a so-called knee joint by the German company OMI. In line with the Functionalist trend of the time, the designer abandoned ornamentation in favour of form. Nonetheless, the warmth and beauty inherent in Swedish design is maintained, as well as high-quality craftsmanship provided by Swedish manufacturer, Norlett Elit...