Scandinavian designers are world leaders in lamps, and not without reason. In a region where winter daylight is as scarce a resource as small talk in Finland, lamps that mimic the soft uplifting effects of natural light have become a speciality. As always, Scandinavian designers have turned a necessity into art, filling homes with warm, atmospheric illumination and beautiful shapes. Here are some of our favourite iconic and contemporary lamps, sure to light up even the darkest of winter days.

PH Artichoke – Poul Henningsen

An undisputed icon of Danish design, the PH Artichoke was created in 1958 by Denmark’s ultimate lighting master, Poul Henningsen. Composed of 72 meticulously hand-placed metal leaves, it emits a soft, glare-free light from every angle and remains one of the most technically sophisticated pendant lamps ever produced. Originally featuring a delicate rose-tinted interior, the sculptural silhouette still makes a striking statement today – an architectural masterpiece for lovers of timeless design. Price: from DKK 77,500

www.louispoulsen.com

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Gräshoppa Floor Lamp – Greta M. Grossman

Originally produced in 1947, the Gräshoppa lamp remains one of Swedish designer Greta M. Grossman’s most iconic designs. With its slender tripod legs tilted just off-centre, the lamp appears poised and almost animated – as if about to glide across the floor. A conical shade provides directional light, making it the perfect companion for a winter afternoon curled up on the sofa with a book, bringing the experimental spirit of the mid-century right into your living room.
Price: from DKK 6,999

www.gubi.com

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Secto 4200 Pendant Lamp – Seppo Koho

A pioneer of modern wooden lighting, the Secto 4200 by Finnish designer Seppo Koho was the very first lamp in the now-beloved Secto collection launched in 1999. Handmade in Finland from PEFC-certified birch, its warm glow and graphic slatted form aptly demonstrate the magic of natural materials, skilled craftsmanship and thoughtful restraint. The hidden bulb produces soft, patterned light and a soothing ambience – it is almost like bringing a piece of the softly lit Finnish Lakeland into your living room. Price: from EUR 550

www.sectodesign.fi

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Moonsetter – Anne Boysen

Sculptural, serene and almost lunar in its presence, the Moonsetter has taken the design world by storm. Created in 2020 as Danish designer Anne Boysen’s winning entry in a TV show to find the next design classic, the lamp is produced by Denmark’s leading lighting specialist, Louis Poulsen. Its rotating circular disc and polished surfaces play with light and shadow, allowing you to sculpt the atmosphere as you wish. Minimal yet poetic, it is a lamp that feels as much like a piece of art as a functional object – a contemporary heirloom in the making. Price: from DKK 49,400

www.louispoulsen.com

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Tradition Pendant – Morten & Jonas

Soft, tactile and beautifully atmospheric, the Tradition Pendant from Norwegian design duo Morten & Jonas reimagines knitted craft for contemporary living. Its off-white knitted shade stretches elegantly over a clean metal frame, diffusing light gently through the textile structure. Available in three shapes – Small, Tall and Large Oval – it works beautifully alone over a dining table or clustered in a sculptural installation. Calm, cosy and unmistakably Nordic. Price: from NOK 4,490

www.northern.no

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