Though Robert Sonneman was quite literally born into the lighting business, it took working for another celebrated lighting maker for him to land upon the kind of boundary-pushing modernism for which the New York–based designer is known today.
At the age of 19, fresh off a stint in the U.S. Navy, Sonneman responded to an ad for a position working in the studio of George Kovacs on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where he became the sole employee. “Although my parents were in the lighting business, they came from a traditional perspective, and Kovacs introduced me to modernism,” Sonneman once said. “It was 1961, and I was immediately captured by the movement.”
While working for Kovacs, Sonneman became captivated by the work of the Bauhaus, and he began experimenting with the influential art and design school’s ideas of functional simplicity in lighting. In 1967, he opened his own studio.
Though Sonneman Design Group produced furniture for a brief time, the designer eventually elected to focus on the one category that had always fascinated him; the brand became known for its floor lamps, sconces, pendants and chandeliers that feature unconventional treatments toward shape and balance, often inspired by modern architecture. Sonneman once said of his work: “I saw the lamps that I built as lighting machines that glorified the industrial aesthetic.”
Indeed, in the spirit of Bauhaus functionality — Sonneman has also cited Mies van der Rohe as being an inspiration — the designer’s work takes function-centric forms and motifs and elevates them while prioritizing technology. This spirit of forward thinking continues today, as Sonneman’s brand, renamed SONNEMAN – A Way of Light in 2003, works with LED bulbs to continue to push the boundaries of what functional lighting can achieve aesthetically.
Current-day releases by SONNEMAN – A Way of Light (still overseen by Sonneman himself) feature 95 percent LED lights and include interior and exterior lighting as well as modular suspended lights as an alternative to track lighting. Sonneman’s vintage pieces, however, are still widely collected on the secondary market.
Find vintage Robert Sonneman lighting on 1stDibs.
Robert Sonneman Cascading Pendant Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The cords are adjustable to your desired length and can extend another 6-12". For more than four decades, New York City-based Robert Sonneman has been at the forefront of modern lig...
Aluminum, Brass
1980s Memphis Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Conic 20” Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a sculptural chandelier by world renowned architectural and Industrial designer Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, circa the 1987. This clean-lined chandelier...
Metal
$1,695Sale Price|32% Off
1970s Robert Sonneman 9 Lights Hexagonal Chrome Pendant , USA
By Robert Sonneman, Fredrick Ramond
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
House of mirror pendant from Robert Sonneman . This is the extra large model . Hexagonal structure made of deep chromed metal and smoked glass . 9 lightbulbs reflecting on mul...
Metal, Chrome
MCM Floating Panel "Cityscape" Brutalist Copper Chandelier By Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Impeccably refurbished floating panel "Cityscape" Brutalist Chandelier by designer Robert Sonneman. An architectural rectangular chandelier consisting of a three-dimensional composit...
Copper
Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Orbit Chandelier, 1987
By Robert Sonneman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An interesting and elegant chandelier by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, 1987. Very well constructed, brass, glass, exposed wiring...
Robert Sonneman "Cityscape" Brutalist Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
Modernist sheet steel and brass fixture, by Robert Sonneman. Large and impressive.
Collection of Robert Sonneman Double Sphere Pendents
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Peekskill, NY
We have a small collection of these rarely seen Robert Sonneman double pendents. They are priced per pendent so you can buy just one or the collection. The lamp features 2 perforated...
Chrome
Robert Sonneman Molecule Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage 8 light Robert Sonneman chrome orb molecule chandelier.
Chrome
Robert Sonneman Adjustable Chrome Hanging "Tail Pipes" Pendant, Circa 1970
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern Robert Sonneman Chrome and Off-White Enameled Wind Chimes Hanging Pendant, Circa 1970. Featuring five staggered, variable, alternating and adjustable height Chrome tubes with ...
Chrome, Metal
Modern American Pendant Colored Metal Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Robert Sonneman Mother Pearl tube Cathedral chandelier Total height cm 100 Perfectly working This artwork, never before on the market,...
Metal
Robert Sonneman Seven-Light Chrome Tiered Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in North Miami, FL
Robert Sonneman seven-light chrome tiered chandelier. There is movement and illumination in this beautiful chandelier.
Chrome
Vintage Robert Sonneman Sputnik Style Chrome 9 Bulb Chandelier
By Sonneman Lighting, Robert Sonneman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1960s by Robert Sonneman, this chandelier was made by his own company, Sonneman Lighting. This rarely seen style features a classic "Sputnik" design language, with th...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Robert Sonnemen Brass and Chrome Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Houston, TX
1970s Robert Sonnemen brass and chrome chandelier, signed.
Brass, Chrome
(New) Koma Taisho Pendant by Robert Sonneman, for Sonneman in Satin Aluminum
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Koma Taisho Pendant By Robert Sonneman, for SONNEMAN In Satin Aluminum. All in Original boxes. 9" w x 11" h.
Aluminum
4 Space Age Chandeliers designed by Robert Sonneman for Luci Milano, Italy, 1970
By Robert Sonneman, Luci Milano
Located in Merida, Yucatan
4 Space Age Chandelier designed by Robert Sonneman for Luci Milano, Italy, 1970 It consists of a moulded glass globe and brass and steel hardware. Priced i...
Brass
1970s Tubular Pearl Metal Sheet Cathedral Chandelier Pendant Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s, Tube cathedral chandelier pendant by Robert Sonneman. Modern sheets of mother-of-pearl metal form tubes on this sculptural modern art chan...
Aluminum, Metal
Pair of Chrome and White Glass Pendant Lamps by Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous pair of 1970s polish chrome and white glass pendant lamps by Sonneman. The lamps are chrome on the outside and black lacquer in the inside. A white glass cylinder covers ...
Chrome
Copper Art Glass Studio Brutalist Fixture Pendant Chandelier
Located in Miami, FL
Copper Art Glass Studio Brutalist Fixture Pendant Chandelier Offered for sale is an original copper ceiling fixture that has an illuminated blown swirled art glass panel in the bott...
Copper
Adjustable Table Light by Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in NYC, NY
A pair of lamps with a rectangular black base with pivoting arms ending in a lacquered black globe head with a black counter balance at the other end-well suited for as desk or bedside reading lamps.
Metal
1970's Robert Sonneman Chrome Table Lamp
By Robert Sonneman, Sonneman Lighting
Located in Hanover, MA
Space Age 1970’s mod vertical tubular chrome table lamp with eight Edison screw lightbulbs. Shown with half-chrome and clear round glass globe bulbs but also looks glamorous with oth...
Chrome, Stainless Steel
$4,250
H 20.5 in Dm 14 in
Rare 1970s MCM János Lehoczky Artisan Brutalist Hand Wrought Steel Chandelier
By János Lehoczky, Paul Evans, Károly Bieber
Located in St. Louis, MO
Very Rare 1970s Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Iron and glass chandelier, hand forged by the hands of Hungarian blacksmith János Lehoczky. Great scale, perfect for dining room, hallway...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Robert Sonneman Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Sonneman chrome plated steel floor lamp. Lamp measures 18" wide, 18" deep and 65" high. Base is 10" diameter. We had the shade professionally relined. Shade measures 12" wide, 12" de...
Steel
Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Eyeball Floor Lamp in Orange Finish c 1970's
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
Cool post modern eyeball floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. The lamp features a ball shade which pivots, and tilts to direct the light, it accepts a standard s...
Metal
$1,475 / set
H 69 in W 15 in D 15 in
Pair 1987 Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Black Torchiere Floor Lamps
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Stafford, TX
Pair of 1987 Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Black Torchiere Floor Lamps! Both in overall great condition as seen. Message with questions.
Metal, Iron
$5,500 / set
H 45.5 in W 6 in D 9 in
Pair of Floor Lamps by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, USA, 1987
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Floor Lamps by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, USA, 1987– Polished & Smoked Chrome A set of two adjustable floor lamps by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. Each swivels 3...
Steel, Chrome
1960's Mid Century Modern Cascading Pendant Chandelier
Located in Las Vegas, NV
An amazing 8 shade cascading pendant chandelier from the 1960s. Each colored shade of crystal Lucite in a geometric woven pattern. Gleaming brass chain and large ceiling cap. Porcela...
Lucite
Midcentury George Kovacs Robert Sonneman Modern Reading Lamp
By Sonneman Lighting, George Kovacs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Offered for sale is a Mid-Century Modern floor lamp designed by George Kovacs for Robert Sonneman, circa 1970s. Chrome is in excellent condone. Some light scuffs to base. Elegant Mid...
Chrome
$2,950 / set
H 69 in Dm 16 in
Pair of Floor Lamps/Torchieres by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, USA 1987
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illuminate your space with this stunning pair of Floor Lamps/Torchieres by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, crafted in the USA in 1987. These sleek and modern lamps feature a strik...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1940s Italian Handmade Tole Chandelier, Wrought Iron, Five Lights
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1-2420 a large tole and wrought iron foliate hand painted chandelier with 5 lite cluster.
Metal
Cityscape Pendant Light By Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Toronto, ON
This cool and sophisticated architectural chandelier with interlocking geometric brushed-steel panels with brass fittings is by lighting pioneer Robert Sonneman, American 1970's. Th...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel, Enamel
Sold
H 34 in W 23.5 in D 21 in
Robert Sonneman Cityscape Brutalist Brushed Steel Chandelier Vintage Midcentury
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Robert Sonneman cityscape brutalist brushed steel chandelier. This stunning chandelier is a great showcase of brutalist design in a lightin...
Steel
1960s Robert Sonneman Chrome Ball Pendant
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modernist 1960s round chrome pendant by Robert Sonneman. This pendant plugs into the wall and has a cord switch to turn it on and off. Since thi...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Robert Sonneman Wind Chime Hanging Light
By Robert Sonneman
Located in San Antonio, TX
Robert Sonneman wind chime hanging light features 5 chrome chime lights measuring at a 2" diameter and 13" in height. The light fixture drops to a total of 76". Below are the measure...
Chrome
Robert Sonneman "Cityscape" Brutalist Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Esperance, NY
Robert Sonneman "Cityscape" Brutalist chandelier.
Steel
Sonneman Chandelier in Brushed Steel with Brass Fittings, 1970s
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large architectural chandelier with interlocking geometric brushed-steel panels with brass fittings by Robert Sonneman, American 1970's. This chandelier is beautifully made and the c...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 32.5 in W 28 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern Sonneman Smoked Glass Chrome Pendant Chandelier Fixture 1970s
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a captivating, chrome and smoked glass, cube pendant chandelier, by Robert Sonneman, circa 1970s. In excellent vintag...
Chrome
Robert Sonneman NOS Ventilator Series Postmodern Pendant Light
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Very cool Industrial style ventilator pendant lamp originally designed by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs in 1990 and manufactured in 2005 by Robert Sonneman Contemporary Visions. ...
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 22.5 in Dm 24 in
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sonneman 9 Bulb Brass Chandelier Light Fixture, 1960s
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a brilliant, brass light fixture chandelier, with nine white glass bulbs, by Robert Sonneman, circa 1960s. In very good vintage condition. The dimensions ar...
Brass
1970s Robert Sonneman Chrome Pendant Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
1970s chrome pendant chandelier with 5 adjustable chrome pipes. In vintage original condition.
Chrome
Large Copper Chandelier by Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Dallas, TX
A large copper 'cityscape' chandelier by Robert Sonneman.
Copper
Polish Chrome and Eight Glass Globe Chandelier by Robert Sonemann
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1970s hand blown eight glass globe with small bubbles chandelier by Robert Sonneman. The chandelier has been newly rewired, the sockets take regular Edison lightbulbs. I wouldn’t recommend going higher than 65w since it’s enclosed. Seven globes...
Chrome