Light, designer lamps, Scandinavian style: a harmonious relationship

01/11/2024

Light plays the leading role in Scandinavian design – and for good reason. With long, eternal twilights in northern Europe, people develop a special relationship with light. The constant change between shadow and light has created a natural sensitivity for nuances. This attentiveness also characterizes design: Scandinavians instinctively know how differently light can appear – warm or cool, direct or indirect. It is precisely this play with light and shadow that has become a trademark of their design – and the core of an attitude that can be seen and felt.
 
Designer lamps from Scandinavia pick up on this attitude: they are functional, simple and create atmosphere – without pushing themselves to the fore. Instead of a dazzling effect, they focus on balance and expression – with light that accompanies the room rather than overshadowing it.
 

Louis Poulsen & Poul Henningsen: Function with feeling

The lighting concepts in Scandinavian design are subtle and sophisticated: Each luminaire plays with the room, gently diffusing the light and creating an atmosphere that is both relaxing and invigorating. Dimmable lamps are part of the standard repertoire to adapt the light to the changing times of day and year. At this point, brands such as Louis Poulsen and designers like Poul Henningsen particularly striking. The famous PH series from Henningsen was developed to direct the light and reflect it in a pleasant way – rooms are harmoniously illuminated without the light dazzling. Every nuance is carefully placed, every reflection used in a targeted manner.

Le Klint: Light as art

Then there is Le Klint the master of hand-folded lampshades that diffuse the light gently through the room. Since the 1940s, Le Klint has shown that lamps can do more than just shine: With hand-folded shades that look almost like works of art, the light is refracted and bathed in a soft, almost poetic nuance that spreads a soothing warmth. Thanks to this lighting art, rooms become homely and calming.

Light as a central element of the sense of space

A love of light and a deep sensitivity to its nuances have led to a genuine design philosophy in the Scandinavian style. Here, light is not just a necessity, but the core of every sense of space. With design icons such as Louis Poulsen and Le Klint masterfully capturing the character of light, Scandinavian style shines a light on a way of life that inspires people and brightens up everyday life – literally. (Pun intended. Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves…)
 

In our design showroom in Zurich, we display selected luminaires by Louis Poulsen and Le Klint, among others – icons of Scandinavian lighting design, timeless and relevant.

Don’t miss the short film from the Le Klint studio below – a glimpse into the silent art of lamp shade folding.

Le Klint 1

PH 5 Mini

Caleo 126

PH5

Detail von Le Klint 1

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Anna Berg

Interior Design Lead

The founder of holm, Anna Berg, was born in Sweden and has been running holm for 20 years. As Interior Design Lead, she is responsible for all our interior design projects.

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