1930s Böhlmarks Swedish Ceiling Light in Satin Glass
Böhlmarks, ceiling light, satin glass, opal glass, Sweden, 1930s
This ceiling lamp, produced by the Swedish lighting manufacturer Böhlmarks in the 1930s, is a striking example of interwar Scandinavian modernism. Three circular shades in satin glass descend concentrically from the metal fixture, each tier slightly smaller than the one above that diffuses light outward and downward. The ivory opal glass functions as divides between the plates, softening the starkness of direct illumination and providing a calm, ambient glow. The mount of the lamp is compact but visually complex, composed of a series of stacked, circular nickel-plated metal elements that echo the stepped geometry of the shade below.
Biography
During the golden era of Swedish design, from the 1920s through the 1950s, Böhlmarks stood out as a leading force in the creation of modern luminaires. With a deep commitment to quality, form, and function, the company became a cornerstone of what we now recognize as a high point in Scandinavian craftsmanship. The luminaires produced during this period are still celebrated today for their timeless design and technical innovation. Based in Stockholm, Böhlmarks earned its place among other major players in the Swedish lighting industry, including Nordiska Kompaniet in Nyköping, Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, and Bröderna Malmströms in Malmö. Together, these companies shaped not just the market but also the cultural identity of lighting design in Sweden during the 20th century.
But Böhlmarks' story began long before this golden age. Founded in 1872 by Daniel Arvid Böhlmark, the company originally focused on the import and sale of kerosene and oil lamps, as well as related accessories. This early stage laid the foundation for what would become a fast-growing enterprise. As electricity began to replace gas and oil lighting, Böhlmarks adapted quickly. The decision to start manufacturing their own electric luminaires proved to be a pivotal move. In 1894, to support the increasing demand for modern lighting, Böhlmarks acquired the Pukeberg glassworks. This acquisition not only gave the company control over a key material – glass – but also contributed to Pukeberg’s rise as one of Sweden’s largest and most respected glass manufacturers.
The fusion of industrial capability, aesthetic sensibility, and technological adaptation defined Böhlmarks' journey from a lamp importer to a leader in Scandinavian lighting. More than just a manufacturer, Böhlmarks helped shape how people in Sweden, and far beyond, experience and think about light.
This ceiling lamp, produced by the Swedish lighting manufacturer Böhlmarks in the 1930s, is a striking example of interwar Scandinavian modernism. Three circular shades in satin glass descend concentrically from the metal fixture, each tier slightly smaller than the one above that diffuses light outward and downward. The ivory opal glass functions as divides between the plates, softening the starkness of direct illumination and providing a calm, ambient glow. The mount of the lamp is compact but visually complex, composed of a series of stacked, circular nickel-plated metal elements that echo the stepped geometry of the shade below.
Biography
During the golden era of Swedish design, from the 1920s through the 1950s, Böhlmarks stood out as a leading force in the creation of modern luminaires. With a deep commitment to quality, form, and function, the company became a cornerstone of what we now recognize as a high point in Scandinavian craftsmanship. The luminaires produced during this period are still celebrated today for their timeless design and technical innovation. Based in Stockholm, Böhlmarks earned its place among other major players in the Swedish lighting industry, including Nordiska Kompaniet in Nyköping, Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, and Bröderna Malmströms in Malmö. Together, these companies shaped not just the market but also the cultural identity of lighting design in Sweden during the 20th century.
But Böhlmarks' story began long before this golden age. Founded in 1872 by Daniel Arvid Böhlmark, the company originally focused on the import and sale of kerosene and oil lamps, as well as related accessories. This early stage laid the foundation for what would become a fast-growing enterprise. As electricity began to replace gas and oil lighting, Böhlmarks adapted quickly. The decision to start manufacturing their own electric luminaires proved to be a pivotal move. In 1894, to support the increasing demand for modern lighting, Böhlmarks acquired the Pukeberg glassworks. This acquisition not only gave the company control over a key material – glass – but also contributed to Pukeberg’s rise as one of Sweden’s largest and most respected glass manufacturers.
The fusion of industrial capability, aesthetic sensibility, and technological adaptation defined Böhlmarks' journey from a lamp importer to a leader in Scandinavian lighting. More than just a manufacturer, Böhlmarks helped shape how people in Sweden, and far beyond, experience and think about light.
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1930s Böhlmarks Swedish Ceiling Light in Satin Glass
Sale price$7,750.00
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