Anglepoise Lamps: Where Beauty Meets Industry
Inspire Yourself and Enhance Your Space With a Sleek Tilting Task Light
Margaret Everton
January 22, 2011
More than simply task lighting, an Anglepoise lamp is a balanced-arm lamp that says sleek, strong, and steel. And rightly so, since it was invented in 1932 by British vehicle suspension designer, George Carwardine. He applied his idea of a joints and spring tension to a lamp, creating task lighting that can swivel and tilt into endless positions while holding its ground.
Large institutions like the BBC fell in love with the design, believing that being confined to a small desk with bad lighting would produce bad work. And who wouldn't agree that great lighting (and a comfortable seat) helps produce a creative release. Or at least makes us more comfortable in our stupors. I initially balked when my own mom bought me a Pottery Barn floor Anglepoise lamp, yet the glow at the end of the couch now keeps me reading there for hours.
Anglepoise lamps are distinct — there's no mistaking them — and yet they can mesh with any space. They are always sleek, always metallic, yet various details can make some classic and others modern. Take a look at all of the ways an Anglepoise lamp enhances the space around it.
Large institutions like the BBC fell in love with the design, believing that being confined to a small desk with bad lighting would produce bad work. And who wouldn't agree that great lighting (and a comfortable seat) helps produce a creative release. Or at least makes us more comfortable in our stupors. I initially balked when my own mom bought me a Pottery Barn floor Anglepoise lamp, yet the glow at the end of the couch now keeps me reading there for hours.
Anglepoise lamps are distinct — there's no mistaking them — and yet they can mesh with any space. They are always sleek, always metallic, yet various details can make some classic and others modern. Take a look at all of the ways an Anglepoise lamp enhances the space around it.
This is such a fun and unique take on the Anglepoise, positioned high on the wall and connecting the two spaces together.
This steel lightens up the dark furniture around it while contributing to the overall delicacy of this work space.
This slender version attaches directly to the wall like a sconce and provides great but subtle nighttime lighting.
Less subtle, this long light has a long reach for this long desk--and adds detail to this simple space.
Double boxy task lighting in a bronze finish lights both sides of the bed allow one partner to sleep while the other burns the midnight oil.
A classic shape in a classic space. Much cleaner than a large lamp with a shade.
In this more modern setting, this piece adds needed light as well as another interesting shape.
Curved from its shade to its body, this lamp is a fluid floor-lamp take on the Anglepoise and, while it doesn't hinge, it does provide for a variety of positions.
In this magnificent sleeping space (such texture all around!) a simple light beside the bed does the trick. I love the spacing between the bed and the lamp, as if it can totally stand on its own.
Dark and substantial on this small table, this black Anglepoise helps contribute to this fun librarian-inspired space.
Next: Browse more home design photos
Next: Browse more home design photos
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I am Mark Chivers, the sales manager for Anglepoise Inc. Anglepoise is actually a registered trade mark in the UK and not just a term used to describe these kind of lamps.
Anglepoise Ltd has been going since 1934, but before this we were Herbert Terry & Son trading since 1855.
The company is still run by the Terry family today. We have a worldwide network of retail stores. If you want a genuine Anglepoise light please have a look at our www.anglepoise-Inc.com.
Or contact me at msc@anglepoise.co.uk.
Thank you
Mark