Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
American, b. 1943
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.
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Period: Late 20th Century
Creator: Robert Sonneman
Robert Sonneman Triple Eyeball Floor Lamp, , Chrome Ball Globes
By Robert Sonneman, Raymor
Located in Buffalo, NY
Robert Sonneman Triple Eyeball Floor Lamp, , Chrome Ball Globes.. Wonderful original condition. Each globe has its own on/ off switch..Fully adjustable,,multi-directional, reading, u...
Category
1970s American Space Age Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Robert Sonneman for Kovacs Post-Modern Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Post Modern Memphis Style Lamp by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs
Features Steel Frame, Post & Shade with Brass and Copper Details
Rectangular Steel Base with Cord Underneath
1...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Steel, Copper, Brass
Midcentury Modernist Articulating "Orbiter" Chrome Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and dynamic Mid-Century Modernist Articulating "Orbiter" Floor Lamp in Chrome by Robert Sonneman originates from the United States, Circa 1970. Features a slender composit...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
Robert Sonneman 1970 Modernist Eyeball Floor Lamp In Polished Chrome Steel
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman.
An exceptional iconic floor lamp, created in America by Robert Sonneman, back in the 1970. This amazing half-spheres floor lamp was...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Robert Sonneman Chrome Triennale Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Beautiful adjustable chrome floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman. This piece features three counterbalance arms with pivoting cylindrical shades that allow for a range of configura...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Rare, tall floor lamp in the style of Robert Sonneman, circa 1970s
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Houston, TX
Rare, tall floor lamp in the style of Robert Sonneman, circa 1970s. Five curved branches radiate from the central cylinder in a helix and each ends in a globe bulb. The lamp is opera...
Category
1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
1970s L shaped brass floor lamp with two lights
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Rare floor lamp attributed to Robert Sonneman. This light very seldom comes up for sale. The lamp has a halogen bulb on top which, I have replaced with a LED, and a fluorescent bulb ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal
Floor Lamp in Midnight Chrome by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, USA, c. 1987
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a true American Modern masterpiece: a rare Post Modern floor lamp designed by the renowned Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. Constructed from steel with a sultry midnight chrome finish this exceptional floor lamp swivels...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
Set of 2 Post Modern Floor Lamps by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, c. 1987
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a true American Modern masterpiece: a rare set of two Post Modern floor lamps designed by the renowned Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. Constructed from steel with a sultry midnight chrome finish these exceptional floor lamps swivel...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Robert Sonneman Half-Sphere Polished Tall Brass Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Robert Sonneman Half-Sphere Polished Brass Floor Lamp Mid Century with mesh cover tall torch floor lamp. Standard Bulb Lights upward as seen in ph...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Post-Modern Tubular Floor Lamp in Chrome by Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in San Diego, CA
A fantastic post-modern tubular floor lamp in chrome by Robert Sonneman, circa 1970s. The lamp is in good vintage condition with some minor pitting on the base and measures 26"W x 11...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Robert Sonneman 3-Arm Triennale Orbiter Eyeball Adjustable Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage 3-arm floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman.
circa 1970s.
This lamp features three adjustable chrome orb light heads that pivot on balancing lever arms. A true classic and well-made lamp.
Tested and in great working condition. Includes bulbs.
Condition:
Good to very good vintage condition. Some general light...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
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...
Category
1970s North American Post-Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal
Robert Sonneman Iron & Chrome Orb Floor Lamp for George Kovacs
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Robert Sonneman iron & chrome orb floor lamp for George Kovacs.
________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Mo...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome, Iron
1990s Robert Sonneman George Kovacs Gray Pharmacy Library Reading Floor Lamp 60"
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 1990s Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs adjustable height pharmacy / library or reading floor lamp in grey.
15” x 6.25” x 49.5” / height adjustable to 59.5" (width x depth...
Category
1990s Mid-Century Modern Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal
1970's, Robert Sonneman Chrome Tube Floor Lamp Reading Light
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Chicago, IL
Chrome steel tube floor lamp by Robert Sonneman, 1970s.
90 degree angle tube design, 2" width tube.
Condition: Very good vintage condition. Some minor rust underneath the chrom...
Category
1970s Post-Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
Rainbow Lamp Company Space Age Bronze Floor Lamp Designed by Jim Bindman 1980
By Jim Bindman, Rainbow Lamp Company 1, Robert Sonneman
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern American Space Age unique vintage brass finished floor lamp designed by Jim Bindman for Rainbow Lamp Company. The lamp is working with t...
Category
1980s American Space Age Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Enamel, Brass
Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Lighting 1987 Silver Finish Floor Lamp America
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant adjustable Steel floor lamp in Silver Finish from the 1987 designed by Robert Sonneman and made by George Kovacs Lighting.
Uses a Halogen bulb with max. 40 watts.
Comes with ...
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Steel, Iron
Robert Sonneman, "Safari" Floor Lamp, Bamboo, Stone, Fabric, United States 1990s
By Robert Sonneman
Located in High Point, NC
A floor lamp, designed by Robert Sonneman for his "Safari" series. Executed in Bamboo, Stone, Fabric, United States, 1990s.
With original lampshade.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Stone
Robert Sonneman for Kovacs Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An interesting floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, circa 1987. Very well made with polished brass, marble base, green tinted glass reflector. Comes with a foot ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Triennale Mid Century Modern Orbiter Chrome Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Triennale floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman circa 1970's. This versatile piece features three adjustable chrome orb light heads that pivot on balancing lever arms. Globe light bulbs...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Robert Sonneman Post Modern Floor Lamp
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Miami, FL
Post-Modern torchiere uplighter floor lamp rendered in powder coated and painted steel with geometric forms reminiscent of Ettore Sottsass Memphis Milano designs, by Robert Sonneman.
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Steel
Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Cast Iron Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing cast iron 3 way floor lamp by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs cast iron table lamp. Features three large bent rods forming the body.
Category
1990s American Minimalist Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Iron
Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Reading Floor Lamp, 1990
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fully adjustable reading lamp in bronze enamel by Robert Sonneman for Kovacs. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Lamp extends from 45 inches to 58 in height. This item...
Category
1990s American Modern Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Steel
Robert Sonneman Articulating Chrome Floor Lamp with Black Shade, 1970s
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs adjustable reading floor lamp. Featuring a tubular chromed steel stem, arm, knob, and ball socket, adjustable black enameled aluminum with wh...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome, 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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Steel
Table Lamp by Robert Sonneman, circa 1970, American
By Sonneman Lighting, Robert Sonneman
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Lamp in polished metal has nine lights two vertical followed by one horizontal repeated three times with a "on off dimmer" switch just above the base.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Rare Robert Sonneman Atomic Three Eye Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Robert Sonneman floor lamp with three eye sockets. Each socket has its own independent switch and the head swivel up and down and side to side to be di...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal
Pair of Robert Sonneman Adjustable White Floor Lamps
By Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
A pair of white metal and chrome floor lamps with adjustable shade and arm. USA, circa 1970. Made by Robert Sonneman. Priced as two (2) floor lamps.
Dimensions:
54.5 inch height
9...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
Black and Chrome Triennale Floor Lamp by Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
This is the American answer to the classic Italian "Triennale" floor lamp for Arredoluce. The arms (each 36" L) pivot and tilt to adjust the direction of the light. Each arm has a ch...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Sonneman Minimalist Chrome Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
Chrome tubular floor lamp by Sonneman. USA, circa 1970. On /off switch on stem; round base.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
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Robert Sonneman floor lamps for sale on 1stDibs.
Robert Sonneman floor lamps are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Sonneman floor lamps, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original floor lamps by Robert Sonneman were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider floor lamps by Koch & Lowy, Gerald Thurston, and Laurel Lamp Company. Prices for Robert Sonneman floor lamps can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $800 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,913.