Bent Karlby

Danish, 1912
Bent Karlby (1912–1998) was a celebrated Danish lighting designer known for his prolific contributions to mid-century modern design. Over a four-decade collaboration with Danish lighting company LYFA, Karlby developed a distinct aesthetic that evolved from organic forms to bold geometric silhouettes. His signature use of conical shapes, arcs, cylinders, and peephole details defined a playful yet refined visual language that continues to captivate design enthusiasts.
 
Working independently without a studio staff, Karlby maintained creative control over his designs. His most iconic lighting pieces include the Peanut, Mosaik, Ninotchka, Pan, and China pendants, as well as the Kvadrille, Gothic, and Pan-Opticon wall and table lamps. Many of his designs integrated opaline glass, lacquered metals, and expressive finishes that embodied the spirit of the Space Age.
 
In addition to lighting, Karlby explored wallpaper design, painting, and interior design theory. His legacy endures through the continued popularity of his designs, which remain in high demand among collectors, vintage dealers, and design galleries worldwide.
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