Skip to main content

Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

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.

to
1
1
2
Height
to
Width
to
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
78
391
369
364
310
Creator: Robert Sonneman
Multi-Adjustable Robert Sonneman Wall Mounted Orbitor Reading Lamp
Multi-Adjustable Robert Sonneman Wall Mounted Orbitor Reading Lamp

Multi-Adjustable Robert Sonneman Wall Mounted Orbitor Reading Lamp

By Robert Sonneman, Sonneman Lighting

Located in Paris, FR

Arcing swivel and tilt counter balanced wall mounted task or reading lamp. Robert Sonneman design for Sonneman lighting. Horizontal shaft is 39.37" long, arc measures 17.7" deep ...

Category

1960s American Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Robert Sonneman Cityscape Modern Wall Light Sconce Mid Century 30"w x 15"h
Robert Sonneman Cityscape Modern Wall Light Sconce Mid Century 30"w x 15"h

Robert Sonneman Cityscape Modern Wall Light Sconce Mid Century 30"w x 15"h

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Atlanta, GA

Sculptural Brushed Metal "Cityscape" Wall Light or Sconce, designed by Robert Sonneman, American, circa 1960s.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Related Items
Adjustable Table Light by Robert Sonneman
Adjustable Table Light by Robert Sonneman

Adjustable Table Light by Robert Sonneman

$950

H 27 in W 3.63 in D 3.63 in

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.

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

1970's Robert Sonneman Chrome Table Lamp
1970's Robert Sonneman Chrome Table Lamp

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...

Category

1970s American Space Age Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Robert Sonneman Floor Lamp
Robert Sonneman Floor Lamp

Robert Sonneman Floor Lamp

$4,600

H 65 in W 18 in D 18 in

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconce
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconce

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconce

$690

H 7.49 in W 4.73 in D 6.3 in

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconce

Located in Rome, IT

This wall-mounted sconce exemplifies Italian design from the 1950s, featuring a minimalist yet functional aesthetic. The fixture is composed of a single opaline glass sphere that dif...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconces
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconces

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconces

$4,400 / set

H 9.45 in W 3.94 in D 11.82 in

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconces

Located in Rome, IT

This pair of mid-century modern wall sconces exemplifies the elegance and innovation of 1950s Italian design. Each sconce features a frosted opaline glass shade, elegantly suspended ...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Robert Sonneman 3-Arm Adjustable Eyeball Floor Lamp
Robert Sonneman 3-Arm Adjustable Eyeball Floor Lamp

Robert Sonneman 3-Arm Adjustable Eyeball Floor Lamp

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Iconic floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman. Three adjustable arms with pivoting sockets allot for myriad configurations of form and function. Chrome is good condition for age. Wil...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

1960s Robert Sonneman Massive Fluorescent Tube Table Lamp , USA
1960s Robert Sonneman Massive Fluorescent Tube Table Lamp , USA

1960s Robert Sonneman Massive Fluorescent Tube Table Lamp , USA

$1,695Sale Price|43% Off

H 16 in W 40 in D 6 in

1960s Robert Sonneman Massive Fluorescent Tube Table Lamp , USA

By Robert Sonneman, Sonneman Lighting

Located in St- Leonard, Quebec

Rare huge , minimalist modern thick extruded aluminium table lamp by Robert Sonneman. Solid, well made with prime quality material and hardware . There is an up and down play of ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Space Age Model Orbiter Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman, 1960s
Mid-Century Space Age Model Orbiter Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman, 1960s

Mid-Century Space Age Model Orbiter Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman, 1960s

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Hamburg, DE

Counterweight standing lamp after a design by the American designer Robert Sonneman from the 1960s. Here in the execution of the Italian manufacturer Luci. An elegant design of high...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Triennale Mid Century Modern Orbiter Chrome Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman
Triennale Mid Century Modern Orbiter Chrome Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Stunning Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light, Mid-Century Modern Italy Mazzega 1970s
Stunning Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light, Mid-Century Modern Italy Mazzega 1970s

Stunning Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light, Mid-Century Modern Italy Mazzega 1970s

By Mazzega

Located in Nuernberg, DE

This large, mid-20th-century Murano glass wall light is an outstanding example of Italian craftsmanship. A beautifully textured glass panel is mounted on a solid iron frame. The scul...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Robert Sonneman "Cityscape" Brutalist Chandelier
Robert Sonneman "Cityscape" Brutalist Chandelier

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.

Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Previously Available Items
Vintage Mid Century Silver Chrome Wall Sconce Lights by Sonneman, 1970s
Vintage Mid Century Silver Chrome Wall Sconce Lights by Sonneman, 1970s

Vintage Mid Century Silver Chrome Wall Sconce Lights by Sonneman, 1970s

By Sonneman Lighting, Robert Sonneman

Located in Detroit, MI

This pair of large, vintage mid century modern silver chrome wall sconce lights by Robert Sonneman are circa 1970. The unique, minimalist design features a simple, center cylinder tu...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Chrome Cube Table Lamp / Sconce by Robert Sonneman
Chrome Cube Table Lamp / Sconce by Robert Sonneman

Chrome Cube Table Lamp / Sconce by Robert Sonneman

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Denton, TX

Hard to find mid century wall sconce the can also be used as a table spot light. Chrome with black mounting bracket make this very versatile.

Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Contemporary Modern Pair of Robert Sonneman Orbital Articulating Wall Lamps
Contemporary Modern Pair of Robert Sonneman Orbital Articulating Wall Lamps

Contemporary Modern Pair of Robert Sonneman Orbital Articulating Wall Lamps

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A modern contemporary pair of Robert Sonneman Orbital articulating wall lamps. An amazing set of wall lamps from the great work of Robert Sonneman. This very unique pair of wall lamp...

Category

Late 20th Century Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Multi Adjustable Robert Sonneman Wall Mounted Orbitor Task or Reading Lamp
Multi Adjustable Robert Sonneman Wall Mounted Orbitor Task or Reading Lamp

Multi Adjustable Robert Sonneman Wall Mounted Orbitor Task or Reading Lamp

By Sonneman Lighting, Robert Sonneman

Located in Ferndale, MI

Arcing swivel and tilt counter balanced wall mounted task or reading lamp. Robert Sonneman design for Sonneman lighting. Horizontal shaft is 32" long, arc measures 17 deep and 17 tal...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Chrome

George Kovacs Post Modern Geometric Floor Lamp Sconces by Sonneman, 1987
George Kovacs Post Modern Geometric Floor Lamp Sconces by Sonneman, 1987

George Kovacs Post Modern Geometric Floor Lamp Sconces by Sonneman, 1987

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Miami, FL

A pair of geometric slender post modern floor lamps. The base is a pyramid, both faces of the diffuser are polished nickel with a white enamel interior. These are great as floor lamp...

Category

1980s American Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Enamel, Nickel

Pair Chrome Bracket Sconces by Robert Sonneman for Koch & Lowy
Pair Chrome Bracket Sconces by Robert Sonneman for Koch & Lowy

Pair Chrome Bracket Sconces by Robert Sonneman for Koch & Lowy

By Koch & Lowy, Robert Sonneman

Located in Hanover, MA

We have a pair of polished chrome 'wall tree' bracket sconces designed by Robert Sonneman for Koch & Lowy in 1972 (see original catalog images). Three cubes (4" x 4" x 7") each hold ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Chrome, Aluminum

Robert Sonneman Curvy Chrome Orbiter Wall Sconce Walnut Wall Mount, 1960s
Robert Sonneman Curvy Chrome Orbiter Wall Sconce Walnut Wall Mount, 1960s

Robert Sonneman Curvy Chrome Orbiter Wall Sconce Walnut Wall Mount, 1960s

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your pleasure: Cool curvy chrome orbiter white wall sconce walnut wall mount 1960s Fabulous Mid-Century Modern chrome wall sconce by Robert Sonneman. Sleek curved sconce attach...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Chrome

Feather on a Wall Lamp Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, 1980s
Feather on a Wall Lamp Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, 1980s

Feather on a Wall Lamp Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, 1980s

By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs

Located in Den Haag, NL

Design: Sonneman Design Group, "Feather on a Wall" Lamp Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. Very nice condition lamp Perfect working condition ! This contemporary wall lamp features a simple but striking profile, making this a well sought after "Robert Sonneman Design" The thin support column on an articulating wall mount adjusts with complete vertical and horizontal movement. Combined On/off and high/low in a single switch on the base of the wall mount arm...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Plastic

Adjustable Chrome Wall Lamp by Robert Sonneman
Adjustable Chrome Wall Lamp by Robert Sonneman

Adjustable Chrome Wall Lamp by Robert Sonneman

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Palm Springs, CA

1970’s adjustable polish chrome ‘Orbiter’ wall lamp by Robert Sonneman. The lamp has an on/off in line switch and takes a small GE 120v 40w max ligh...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Sonneman Small White Metal Wall Sconces, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Sonneman Small White Metal Wall Sconces, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Sonneman Small White Metal Wall Sconces, 1960s

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a sweet, little pair of metal wall sconces, circa the 1960s. In very good condition. The dimensions of each are 4" W x 6.5" D x 7.5" H.  

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Wall Sconce Attributed to Robert Sonneman
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Wall Sconce Attributed to Robert Sonneman

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Wall Sconce Attributed to Robert Sonneman

By Robert Sonneman

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a Mid-Century Modern chrome wall sconce attributed Robert Sonneman. Beautifully curved sconce attached to the wall with a solid walnut wall mount. Everything ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Sonneman Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Robert Sonneman wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.

Robert Sonneman wall lights and sconces 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 wall lights and sconces, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wall lights and sconces by Robert Sonneman were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wall lights and sconces by Curtis Jeré, Peter Hamburger, and Kurt Versen. Prices for Robert Sonneman wall lights and sconces can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $520 and can go as high as $1,997, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,800.