As the industrial revolution continues its takeover of the interior world, infiltrating every aspect of design with its utilitarian aesthetic, the lighting sector has also been influenced by this pervasive tendency. Lighting companies are re-releasing time-tested designs, designers are reworking existing industrial archetypes, and consumers are benefitting from this surfeit of creative energy. They are able to choose from a wider variety of products that embody the merits of industrial style – particularly durability, and the use of warmer tones of metal (bronze, copper, brass) that humanise the home. 

The Louis Poulsen’s PH 3 1/2-3

Classic industrial designs, such as Louis Poulsen’s PH 3 1/2-3 designed by Poul Henningsen in 1929, Anglepoise’s 1227 first produced in 1934, and Serge Mouille’s pieces from the 1950s, are today joined by modern equivalents that evoke the world of the office, the factory, the atelier, the studio or the stage. The multi-talented Mariano Fortuny, a couturier, architect, set designer and lighting technician, patented a cyclorama dome in 1907 that made it possible to change stage lighting instantly from bright sky to faint dusk, and his reflector lamp works on the same principle. His signature Fortuny Lamp, produced by Pallucco since the 1980s, with its tripod legs and tilted lampshade, continues to inspire modern lighting design. 

But how do such designs fit in an existing domestic setting? Timothy Oulton, founder of the eponymous brand, has an idea. “It’s all about cleverly balancing the old with the new, combining pieces with an industrial edge that work well in different spaces. I wouldn’t advise putting too much of the same in one place.” Belle Waring, co-owner of Like That One, suggests having at least two industrial-style pieces to start a dialogue: “If you have a design scheme that is otherwise totally uniform and modern, you shouldn’t throw in only one industrial piece as it will look odd. You will need at least two to ‘talk’ to each other, but it could be something as simple as the lamp hanging over the dining table and a shelf in the living area.” 

1. Louis Poulsen PH 3 1/2-3 120th Anniversary

Produced to mark the 120th anniversary of the birth of Poul Henningsen, who designed this lamp in 1929, this limited edition piece features an untreated shade that will develop a unique patina, and hence its own character, over time.

2. Tom Dixon Base Copper Collection

With its industrial style, matte textured, cast iron base, minimal metallic shade and classical proportions, Base has proven so popular that the brand has introduced a spun-copper version of the shade (the original came in brass) – highly polished to create a super-reflective and alluring shine. 

3. Objet de Curiosite Reflector Lamp

As its name suggests, this 1960s-inspired lamp is unique because light is reflected onto a mirror before being cast onto the table surface. The shade can also be turned upside down to give direct light. 

4. CB2 Signal Floor Lamp

Lights, camera, action! A remake of a 1940s studio light with a high-gloss carbon steel frame, frosted and tempered glass diffusers, and a head that rotates 360-degrees on the sculptural tripod base. This new look retains the same timeless appeal as the studio lights of yore.

5. DCW Gras Lamp

In 1921, Bernard-Albin Gras designed a series of lamps for use in offices and industrial environments. The Gras lamp and its arms, stems, brackets and bases were simple, robust yet ergonomically designed. These modern re-editions are available in various colourways and finishes. 

6. Diesel with Foscarini Drumbox

Taking cues from lamps used on photo shoots, Drumbox is composed of reflective linen combined with lightweight polyester and heat-sealed seams like those on diving wetsuits. Two shade variants are available, white
or grey. 

7. Eichholtz Studio Lamp

Depending on the choice of finishing (choose from either brown and brass or black and nickel),  these Studio Lamps from Eichholtz channel a vintage explorer or urban loft vibe in a home space. Either way, the masculine form of this lamp exudes a stately and elegant demeanour to the living room or den. 

8. Vaughan Savona Floor Lamp

The versatile Savona Floor Lamp can either be used as a feature piece or tucked away behind a piece of furniture to function as a task lamp. Its brass or bronze finish allows for very low maintenance, with the metal gaining a beautiful patina lustre over time. Ideal for injecting a dash of style. 

9. DCW Mantis Lamp

Influenced by the abstract sculptures of Alexander Calder and Henry Moore, German-born, UK-based sculptor Bernard Schottlander created this series of lamps in the style of Serge Mouille and Gino Sarfatti in 1951. Today, his creations live on as re-editions manufactured by French company DCW and are available here.

10. Anglepoise 1227

Originally created for the Roald Dahl Museum as a tribute to the author’s passion for the lamp he used at his writing desk, this larger-than-life, triple-scale version of the iconic 1227 Lamp is guaranteed to make an impact. The play on proportions will bring a smile to the face of your family. 

11. Eichholtz Spielberg Lamp

Whether you prefer being in the director’s chair or the casting couch, look no further than Dutch furnishing brand Eichholtz’s Spielberg Lamp. This lighting design is made with an aged brass or pewter finish to give it more depth and presence. It offers that quintessential studio light look. 

12. Serge Mouille Three-Arm Floor Lamp

French mid-century designer Serge Mouille’s pieces are highly sought-after around the world because of their rarity (only 1,000 pieces of each design are produced each year). This floor lamp is classic Mouille with its insect-like design that’s functional and stylish in form. 

13. Ingo Maurer Radarrr

From the prolific mind of German designer Ingo Maurer comes a futuristic tripod lamp that resembles an orbiting satellite. The Radarr lamp has a diffuser made from a multifaceted aluminium screen, that can be rotated via a ball-joint to cast light in different directions to provide soft lighting.

To be fully on board with the industrial revolution, hear from experts in our article on the industrial aesthetic trend.

Also check out our 12 suggestions on ways you can channel that rustic charm.