Lighting

Lighting is not just a question of function. Mood, aesthetics and identity are at least as important aspects of the lamps and chandeliers available on the market. In Denmark, we have a special tradition of considering light in design – and this applies to both classic chandeliers and modern lamps from trend-setting brands. In the following, we delve into the Danish approach to light and lamp design, and we also touch on why lighting is more than just a practical necessity.

Light and the Danish design tradition

Royal Copenhagen, Kähler and Stelton are all prominent examples of how craftsmanship and innovation go hand in hand in both older and modern lamps. All three have left their unique mark on the tradition of lighting design.

Royal Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen was established as the Royal Porcelain Factory in 1775. Since the Royal Porcelain Factory had the coveted royal seal of approval, both financial advantages and significant collaboration opportunities were within reach from the beginning.
Royal Copenhagen continues to be particularly associated with incomparable porcelain, but the production of lamp bases once also occupied a special place in the company's range.

Kähler

When founded in 1839, Kähler quickly became known for its colorful, glazed stoneware. Today, Kähler functions as a modern design brand with deep roots in the ceramic craft tradition. Like art, architecture, jewelry design and home interiors, lamp design typically reflects the trends of the time, and since its establishment, Kähler has specialized in both clean lines in the 1920s; nature-inspired shapes in the post-war era; and the kind of minimalist expression that appeals to many people in our time. Kähler's production has always been characterized by a beautiful balance between the practical and the decorative.

Stelton

Stelton's first years after its establishment in 1960 were characterized by collaborations with prominent Danish design figures such as Arne Jacobsen and Erik Magnussen. Stelton's catalog has over time covered thermoses, clocks, wine accessories and lamps, which are still in high demand on the international market.

The right lighting

Whether you are looking for antiques or modern designs, there are some considerations you should always make when choosing lighting for your home. The right lighting depends entirely on you, your taste and your needs. First of all, you must have identified the type of lamp you need. Wall lamps, like ceiling lamps, floor lamps and table lamps, have a specific function. And the more you can narrow your search from the start, the easier it will be to navigate the many options.
Low-quality lamps can often meet your functional needs. But low-quality lamps also tend to break more quickly, and they rarely add any real aesthetic value to your home. Since it is at home that most of us recharge and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the best type of home decor will often be one that gives you a sense of calm, coziness, and warmth. Beautiful things have a much greater meaning in this regard than we think.

The aesthetic choice

Once the functionality is in place, you need to make an aesthetic choice. A lamp can both act as an eye-catcher and as a discreet extension of the rest of the room's decor. Colors, materials and shapes play together in every home, and you always have the opportunity to create contrast or harmony in terms of design. If you follow a few general tips in connection with your purchase, you increase the likelihood of atmosphere and coherence in the home:

• Choose proper materials that support the room's other surfaces and textures

• Let the aesthetics of the lamp match the function of the room; calm in the bedroom and energy in the kitchen

• Use the lamp's design language to either emphasize or break with the rest of the interior design

• Consider the size of the lamp in relation to the ceiling height and the size of the room

• Remember that a lamp can function as an artistic element on par with the pictures on your walls

Beautiful lamps have the ability to be the centerpiece of a room's decor. And few lamps do this as exclusive and elegantly as chandeliers.

The history of the chandelier

The history of the chandelier dates back to the Middle Ages, when it usually consisted of a simple, cross-shaped wooden structure. With the addition of spikes and wax candles, the chandeliers were especially hung in churches and large mansions, and they functioned as both a source of light and a status symbol.
In Europe, in the 17th century, more decorative chandeliers began to be made, and these were often made of metal. Crystal prisms were also introduced to diffuse and reflect light, especially in Italian and French palaces.
In Denmark, the chandelier gained particular popularity during the 18th century. Influence from the Baroque and later Rococo styles led to lavish designs that included glass prisms, twisted arms and a refined design language.
When electric lighting was introduced in the early 1900s, the classic chandelier changed in both form and design, and Danish designers embraced a modernist expression that combined functionality with aesthetics. Today, chandeliers are available in many different materials, sizes and shapes. Manufacturers, antique dealers and collectors continue to play an important role in preserving and developing the tradition of chandeliers.

The chandelier as an eye-catcher and heirloom

The classic type of chandelier that we repair and sell at Harsted Antik is typically made in the early 1900s or slightly earlier. This type often combines function with a subdued artistic expression. The play of light through the prisms creates a sparkling effect that not only illuminates but also adds an element of magic to the home.
In many Danish homes, a chandelier is a highlight among the heirlooms. People take good care of their chandeliers, precisely so that they can be passed on to future generations and bring a very special history and charm with them. The chandelier is not just a lamp but a piece of cultural history that binds both people and aesthetics together across time. The chandelier can be discreet or dramatic, large or small, but it will always be able to add something special to a given space.

Do you need help finding the right type of chandelier, ceiling lamp or table lamp for your home? You are always welcome to contact Harsted Antik – in the store, by phone or at email.