This Kaiser Idell Table Lamp is a fine example of Bauhaus design, originating from the 1940s. This model is the nr 6631, which has a curving arm supporting an adjustable mushroom-cap shade.
It was designed by Christian Dell, a Master silversmith, who was Bauhaus’ metal workshop master from 1922 to 1925.
Stella Christie Lighting currently have this lamp in stock in both black and cream lacquered steel, both priced £425.
Design from the former East Germany (or DDR) is now highly collectable and here is an interesting example.
Originating in East Germany in the 1970s, this Children’s Clock was made by a company called Variant, about whom I sadly know nothing more. The clock is nonetheless rather splendid, featuring a bright orange case, bold numbers and coloured cogs. Originally it came dismantled, the idea being that the child benefited from the achievement of putting it together. Now it is ready to go, there is no reason why it should just be for a child’s room.
Idylic currently have one available to buy for £27.
If you are getting married and want the big occasion to reflect your love of all things retro, then you could start with the range of Inspired by the 60s Wedding Stationery from Tori Arts.
There are two designs available in this set, Kaleidoscope Flowers or Kaleidoscope Hearts. The colours can be changed to match your wedding colour scheme. Invitations cost £3 each, Order of Service/Menu cards £3.50 and Thank You notelets are £2.
View the full range at Tori Arts.
If your ceiling isn’t quite high enough to carry off a standard Sputnik light fitting, you could opt instead for this Sputnik floor lamp.
Very much in keeping with the original satellite-inspired light fitting, the floor-based lamp has 24 arms, with bulbs for all of them thankfully included. And it’s tall enough to get noticed too – 173cm – which is just short of 6ft.
Available online, you can pick up one of these for £255.
Find out more at the Graham and Green website
Whilst browsing through Ikea recently, I checked out the upmarket (and retro) Ikea Stockholm range, noticing its similarity to vintage G Plan furniture. G Plan was launched in 1952, with a heyday in the 1960s and into the 70s. And that heyday means there’s a lot of it about – and it’s cheap to buy.
The styles gradually changed over the years, but if you find a look that suits your home, you shouldn’t have a problem finding the entire set. And with G Plan, that means just about everything for furnishing a house – from a sideboard, display cabinets and a dining table through to wardrobes and a dressing table.
If traditional auctions are a little too intimidating for you and eBay is too much of a risk, you might want to check out Luckner’s online vintage design auctions.
Luckner’s operates like any other auction house, with viewing of lots and condition reports available to bidders – and you get charged commission. But unlike traditional auction houses, Luckner’s operates online only – so you don’t need to take time off work to wave your bidding card.
It’s worth browsing the site, as there are some interesting and reasonably-priced items on there. The 1970s plastic and teak ceiling lamp pictured here is currently available for £40, with a great lot of 70s plastic shades online for around £50.
