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.
Post Modern Robert Sonneman Demi-Lune Console and Mirror Entry Table
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Postmodern Demi Lune. Uniquely fun and geometric, this wrought iron base adds a graphic and airy layer to any space with the clear glass top. Top is...
Steel
Set of Palle Suenson Side Table in Solid Teak with Edward Wormley Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Robert Sonneman
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson, side table, teak, Denmark, c. 1940 Striking Scandinavian Modern side table by Danish architect and designer Palle Suenson (1904-1987). This particular table is spec...
Metal
Pair of Swedish Demi-lune Console Tables
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of early 19th century Swedish pine demi-lune console tables with later distressed paint. 1820. Internal reference: C Code: 8882 Dimensions: W: 47" (119.4 cm) H: 30" (76.2 c...
Pine
Pair of English Demi-lune Console Tables
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of 19th century English demi-lune oak console tables. 1840. Internal reference: H Code: 9172 Dimensions: W: 46.5" (118.1 cm) H: 29" (73.7 cm) D: 22.5" (57.2 cm)
Oak
Edward Wormley Dining Armchair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut dining armchair with splayed back legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The seat cushion has been newly reupholstered in a Pierre Frey textured fabric - a perfect t...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$12,000 / set
H 32.5 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Set of "Y" Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A set of "Y" armchairs, designed by the Iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new caning, walnut frame work fully restored, stained in d...
Brass
Pair of Mahogany Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
A sophisticated pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Elegant yet simple, the chairs are crafted with solid mahogany framing f...
Mahogany
$8,400Sale Price / set|42% Off
H 30.5 in W 25 in D 21 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Pair of Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection pair of armchairs. Very rare pair of chairs all redone, newly refinished and reupholstered in a velvet. Beautiful elegant chair with except...
Walnut
Swedish Painted Demi-lune Console Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th century Swedish decorated oak demi-lune console table. 1820. Code: 9237 Dimensions: W: 42" (106.7 cm) H: 29.5" (74.9 cm) D: 21" (53.3 cm)
Oak
Pair Of French Ardoise - Slate Demi Lune Console Tables
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome pair of Ardoise - Slate Demi Lune Console Tables from the Trélazé, France. Hand chiseled with interlocking legs. Stunning. Perfect for any interior or garden.
Slate
Swedish Rustic Antique Wooden Demi-Lune Console Table
Located in East Point, GA
A Swedish single wooden demi-lune table from the early 20th century. This nicely-sized antique table from Sweden has a semi-circular, or half moon top, with a small area at the back ...
Wood
$8,500 / set
H 32.5 in W 23.5 in D 25 in
Rare set of Eight 1950s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare set of 8 dining room or conference armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model number 842, in mahogany with original red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$19,600 / set
H 33 in W 27 in D 33 in
A Vintage Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Morris" Adjustable Armchairs 1940's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare and unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar adjustable back lounge chairs. Known as "Morris" chairs they allow for 3 positions-low, medium, high. Made of mahogany and natura...
Mahogany
19th Century Italian Walnut Demi Lune Console Table
Located in Vosselaar, BE
This console is of a classic design. Made for centuries and perfected by local artisans. The proportions are unusual but work beautifully together. In particular the one piece walnut...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back and Brass Armchair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar cane back and brass armchair. Circa 1950's.
Cane, Oak
$3,800
H 33 in W 30 in D 14 in
Demi Lune Adams Style Satin Wood Console Cabinet Dresser Server Entry Chest Bar
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Demi Lune Adams Style Satin Wood Console Cabinet Dresser Server Entry Chest Bar
Satinwood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of Edward Wormley armchairs. Great side chairs for any room or as dining chairs.
Mahogany, Upholstery