Cedric Hartman stated that the sole purpose of his floor lamps and table lamps was illumination, not noticeability. The result of this function-first philosophy has been a masterful collection of subtle mid-century modern and modern lighting fixtures that shine with simple but undeniable beauty. Hartman brought the same approach to his sleek and elegant side tables, which can blend into space while elevating an interior.
Hartman was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1929. In the late 1940s, he began a career as an architect; it was put on pause while he served in the Korean War. After the war, he spent time in Chicago, Paris and New York studying art and design. Hartman moved to Omaha in the early 1960s and started designing lamps. His dream was to create a lamp that would provide ample lighting without any imposition on a room.
Hartman’s ambitions were realized in 1966 with the design of the 1UWV floor lamp. While sleek lamp designs are easier to make today due to LED technology, Hartman’s lamp was revolutionary for its time. The slim and unimposing metal lamp with its thin triangular shade contrasted with the bold, bulky and decorative lights of the day.
The 1UWV lamp was an instant success. It was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York and displayed in its 1967 “Recent Acquisitions: Design Collection” exhibition. It also became a favorite of architects and decorators and was featured prominently in design magazines.
Hartman created many more floor and table lamp designs, including the 1H floor lamp, another low-profile luminaire added to the Museum of Modern Art collections. In 1968, Hartman began designing sofas, and in 1973, he branched out into table design.
While the 1UWV floor lamp remains his most famous work, Hartman’s illustrious furniture career spans over 40 years of thoughtful design.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cedric Hartman lighting and tables.
Cedric Hartman's 2DST Desk Lamp, 1992 Design, Custom-Made, Custom Finish
By Cedric Hartman
Located in New York, NY
A superb desk lamp designed by Cedric Hartman in 1992, and produced at his eponymous factory in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2025. Custom made. Cedric Hartman (1929- ) has managed a succe...
Aluminum, Chrome
$8,500 / set
Pair of Bronze Table Lamps by Cedric Hartman
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully patinated pair of bronze/brass table lamps designed by Cedric Hartman.
Bronze
$3,000 / item
Cedric Hartman Chrome Desk Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1970s, the chrome desk lamp by Cedric Hartman is an enduring design classic. The modernist lamp features a triangular chrome shade attached to a curved stem that offe...
Chrome
Cedric Hartman Chrome Desk / Table Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A chrome desk lamp with pivoting hood and rotating base designed by Cedric Hartman.
Chrome
Cedric Hartman Chrome Desk Lamp / Casella
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Chicago, IL
Signed Cedric Hartman chrome desk lamp.
Chrome
$8,400 / set
Pair of Chrome Table Lamps by Cedric Hartman
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A matching pair of chrome Cedric Hartman table lamps.
Chrome
Cedric Hartman Brass Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in New York, NY
Brass reading lamp by Cedric Hartman, made in the USA, 1970’s. Hartman Signature inscribed in brass underneath lamp base.
Brass
Pair of Floor Lamps by Cedric Hartman
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of patinated brass adjustable height floor lamps by Cedric Hartman.
Bronze
Pair Of Adjustable "IUWV" Floor Lamps by Cedric Hartman
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of iconic and highly versatile floor lamp by Cedric Hartman: adjustable "IUWV" Low Profile Floor Luminaire Lamps. chrome finish with Lucite switch knobs. Telescope pole that c...
Chrome
Early Cedric Hartman Brass and Chrome Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
An early adjustable height floor lamp with rotating hood by Cedric Hartman. Chrome and brass with nice patina. Height 49" at tallest.
Brass
Cedric Hartman 10CO Adjustable Floor Lamp, 2000
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Chicago, IL
Cedric Hartman 10CO adjustable floor lamp, 2000. Original condition, beautiful patina. Floor lamp works great.
Brass
Cedric Hartman Pair of Floor Lamps Brass and Chrome
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic pair of 2WV Low Profile Floor Luminaires, designed by Cedric Hartman in 1966. Exemplifying Hartman’s refined approach to mid-century modern lighting, these floor lamps combine...
Brass, Chrome
In the Style of Cedric Hartman Adjustable Chrome Swing Arm Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman, Walter Von Nessen
Located in St. Louis, MO
In the style of Cedric Hartman or Walter Von Nessen, this chrome Mid-Century Modern floor lamp is fully adjustable. Chrome is in nice br...
Chrome
Pair of Cedric Hartman Low Profile Floor Lamps
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Highland, IN
These sleek floor lamps by Cedric Hartman feature cantilevered low profile heads over flat T-shaped bases. Exquisitely crafted of stainless steel and aluminum, they are adjustable in...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
$9,500 / set
H 36 in W 11 in D 13 in
Pair Vintage Cedric Hartman 'Swivel' Brass Floor Lamps Signed/Numbered
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Sharon, CT
The classic, and ultra high quality adjustable (36" to 42") floor lamps, with lucite dimmer switch.
Brass
$11,659
H 41.93 in W 13.19 in D 11.03 in
Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Counterweight Floor Lamp by Cedric Hartman, 1960s
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Cedric Hartman
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare floor lamp by Cedric Hartman. The design stands out for its use of materials and its principle of cantilever and counterweight. The lamp has two poles connected by an angled ar...
Brass
$5,800
H 42 in W 13 in D 13 in
Cedric Hartman Brass and Chrome Adjustable Floor Lamp with Rare Reflector
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Troy, MI
Cedric Hartman “Low Profile Luminaire” Model 11U-VWV-022 USA 1988 Adjustable height chrome stem with solid brass base and rare perforated "Thunder" pattern reflector Lower grid dif...
Brass, Chrome
$32,500 / set
H 44 in W 21 in D 6 in
Extremely Rare Pair of Signed Solid Bronze Swiveling Cedric Hartman Floor Lamps
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A truly unique and rare pair of bronze swivel lamps by Cedric Hartman. These lamps were purchased from a local estate and the Gentleman had contacted Mr. Hartman who confirmed that h...
Bronze, Stainless Steel
CEDRIC HARTMAN Counter Balance Brass Desk LAMP
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Vintage CEDRIC HARTMAN Counter Balance Brass Desk Lamp Made in United States, Omaha c. 1970s–80s. This finely crafted piece features a polished brass counterweight base, arched brass...
Brass, Chrome
Nickel Plated Desk Lamp by Cedric Hartman
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A nickel plated desk lamp designed by Cedric Hartman.
Nickel
Counterweight Table Lamp by Cedric Hartman
By Cedric Hartman
Located in New York, NY
A counterweighted brass desk lamp having a rounded shade and curved chromed arm. The lamp rotates on a round nylon base with a suspended counterweight supporting the shade.
Brass
Cedric Hartman Patinated Brass Desk / Table Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A patinated brass desk lamp with pivoting hood and rotating base designed by Cedric Hartman.
Brass
Sold
H 14.25 in W 5.5 in D 24 in
Early Production Cedric Hartman 5DST Counterbalance Table Lamp in Solid Brass
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Oakland, CA
Early production circa 1992 Cedric Hartman 5DST table handcrafted out of solid brass and made in the United States, Hartman's designs are in the permanent collection of the MoMA NY. ...
Brass
Cedric Hartman Brass Counterweight Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in New York, NY
A genius counterweighted chrome desk lamp having a rounded shade and curved chromed arm. The lamp rotates on a round nylon base with a suspended counterweight supporting the shade.
Brass, Chrome
Cedric Hartman Brass Desk Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1970s, the brass desk lamp by Cedric Hartman is an enduring design classic. The modernist lamp features a domed oval brass shade attached to a curved stem that offers focused task lighting. The arched brass pole terminates into a brass v...
Brass
Sold
H 15 in W 6.5 in D 24 in
Mid Century Modern Brass Counterbalance Desk Lamp by Cedric Hartman, 1990s
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid Century Modern Brass Counterbalance Desk Lamp by Cedric Hartman, 1990s Counterbalance desk lamp, USA 1990s. Brass, acrylic, single socket....
Brass
Pair of Bronze Table Lamps by Cedric Hartman
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully patinated pair of bronze/brass table lamps designed by Cedric Hartman.
Brass, Bronze
Cedric Hartman Table Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A chrome plated articulating desk lamp designed by Cedric Hartman.
Chrome
Cedric Hartman Chrome Table Desk Lamp, 1975
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Chicago, IL
Cedric Hartman chrome table desk lamp, 1975.
Chrome
Cedric Hartman Desk Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
A Cedric Hartman table / desk lamp with brushed finish and dimmable switch.
Metal