Cedric Hartman stated that the sole purpose of his floor lamps and table lamps was illumination, not noticeability. The result of this function-first philosophy has been a masterful collection of subtle mid-century modern and modern lighting fixtures that shine with simple but undeniable beauty. Hartman brought the same approach to his sleek and elegant side tables, which can blend into space while elevating an interior.
Hartman was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1929. In the late 1940s, he began a career as an architect; it was put on pause while he served in the Korean War. After the war, he spent time in Chicago, Paris and New York studying art and design. Hartman moved to Omaha in the early 1960s and started designing lamps. His dream was to create a lamp that would provide ample lighting without any imposition on a room.
Hartman’s ambitions were realized in 1966 with the design of the 1UWV floor lamp. While sleek lamp designs are easier to make today due to LED technology, Hartman’s lamp was revolutionary for its time. The slim and unimposing metal lamp with its thin triangular shade contrasted with the bold, bulky and decorative lights of the day.
The 1UWV lamp was an instant success. It was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York and displayed in its 1967 “Recent Acquisitions: Design Collection” exhibition. It also became a favorite of architects and decorators and was featured prominently in design magazines.
Hartman created many more floor and table lamp designs, including the 1H floor lamp, another low-profile luminaire added to the Museum of Modern Art collections. In 1968, Hartman began designing sofas, and in 1973, he branched out into table design.
While the 1UWV floor lamp remains his most famous work, Hartman’s illustrious furniture career spans over 40 years of thoughtful design.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cedric Hartman lighting and tables.
Cedric Hartman Parallel Bar Brass and Stainless Steel Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1970s, this brass and stainless steel floor lamp by Cedric Hartman is an enduring design classic. The modernist lamp features a triangular brass shade attached to two...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Cedric Hartman Brass Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in New York, NY
Brass reading lamp by Cedric Hartman, made in the USA, 1970’s. Hartman Signature inscribed in brass underneath lamp base.
Brass
$5,500
H 47 in W 11 in D 13.5 in
Cedric Hartman 1A022 Low Profile Luminaire Brass Floor Lamp, circa 1970
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Early Cedric Hartman Adjusting Brass and Stainless Steel Parallel Bar Floor Lamp. Featuring a Parallel Bar form, sliding adjustable Stainless stem, height adjustment located to botto...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Cedric Hartman Parallel Bar Brass and Stainless Steel Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1970s, this brass and stainless steel floor lamp by Cedric Hartman is an enduring design classic. The modernist lamp features a triangular brass shade attached to two...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$9,702
H 53.55 in Dm 8.86 in
Florian Schulz Mid-Century Modernist Dimmable Brass 1980s Adjustable Floor Lamp
By Florian Schulz
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Extremely rare Mid-Century Modern vintage German made dimmable adjustable 'TECA' floor lamp by Florian Schulz circa late 1980s. Featuring a lacquered matt brushed brass finish with a...
Metal, Brass
Brass Adjustable Reading Floor Lamp, 1970s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass adjustable floor lamp from Germany, 1970s. The lamp has a very clean and linear construction, with a round weighted base, a slim vertical stem and a curved upper arm leading in...
Brass
Brass Adjustable Reading Floor Lamp, 1970s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass adjustable floor lamp from Germany, 1970s. The lamp has a very clean and linear construction, with a round weighted base, a slim vertical stem and a curved upper arm leading in...
Brass
$11,301
H 35.44 in W 13.39 in D 11.03 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass LZ 17 Floor Lamp Cedric Hartman Jack Lenor Larsen 1960s
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Cedric Hartman
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Minimalist LZ 17 Counterweight Floor Lamp by Cedric Hartman for Jack Lenor Larsen, 1960s Rare floor lamp by Cedric Hartman, produced in Switzerland for Jack Lenor...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Counterweight Brass Floor Lamp, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant floor lamp in brass. The design convinces with the fine design and the combination of cantilever and counterweight. The lamp has two poles that are connected to a angled arm...
Metal
Cedric Hartman 91 CO Floor Lamp in Brass and Stainless Steel
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Highland, IN
Designed in 1978 by Cedric Hartman (American, Omaha, NE, 1929), this model "91 CO" floor lamp, features a mix of brass and stainless steel components. Heavy base for stability, the l...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage Laurel Lamp Company Tall Brass Adjustable Floor Lamp
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This vintage floor lamp by the Laurel Lamp Company features a sleek, modernist profile crafted in polished brass. The design showcases the brand’s signature clean lines, with a tall ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Torchiere F. Fabbian Floor Lamp Italian Architectural Brass
By F. Fabbian
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic, tall black and brass Torchiere floor lamp by F. Fabbian from Italy. With articulating head. In excellent condition. The dimensions are 11" W x ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Metalarte Spain Metal Adjustable Reading Floor Lamp, 1970s
By Metalarte Spain
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is an outstanding, adjustable, reading floor lamp, made of painted metal and chrome, by Metalarte Spain, circa the 1970s. In excellent vintage condition. The b...
Metal, Chrome
Von Nessen Chrome Extendable Reading Lamp Mid Century Modern
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Illuminate your favorite reading corner with the Von Nessen Chrome Extendable Reading Lamp, a gleaming testament to Mid Century Modern design. Precision-engineered with a flexible ar...
Chrome
Laurel Lamp Company Vintage Modernist Polished Brass Table Lamp
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage mid century modern Laurel Lamp Company table lamp. This lovely vintage lamp has a polished brass and chrome body. It features a square base with four rising columns with ac...
Brass
Vintage Pair Of Koch & Lowy Style Brass Circluar Shade Adjustable Floor Lamps
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Elegant vintage pair of brass floor lamps featuring a clean, minimalist design reminiscent of the iconic mid-century modern work of Koch & Lowy. Each lamp is crafted with a slender a...
Brass
