Verner Panton introduced the word “groovy” — or at least its Danish equivalent — into the Scandinavian modern design lexicon. He developed fantastical, futuristic forms and embraced bright colors and new materials such as plastic, fabric-covered polyurethane foam and steel-wire framing for the creation of his chairs, sofas, floor lamps and other furnishings. And Panton’s ebullient Pop art sensibility made him an international design star of the 1960s and ’70s. This radical departure from classic Danish modernism, however, actually stemmed from his training under the greats of that design style.
Born on the largely rural Danish island of Funen, Panton studied architecture and engineering at Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where the lighting designer Poul Henningsen was one of his teachers. After graduating, in 1951, Panton worked in the architectural office of Arne Jacobsen, and he became a close friend of Hans Wegner's.
Henningsen taught a scientific approach to design; Jacobsen was forever researching new materials; and Wegner, the leader in modern furniture design using traditional woodworking and joinery, encouraged experimental form.
Panton opened his own design office in 1955, issuing tubular steel chairs with woven seating. His iconoclastic aesthetic was announced with his 1958 Cone chair, modified a year later as the Heart Cone chair. Made of upholstered sheet metal and with a conical base in place of legs, the design shocked visitors to a furniture trade show in Copenhagen.
Panton went on to successive bravura technical feats. His curving, stackable Panton chair, his most popular design, was the first chair to be made from a single piece of molded plastic.
Panton had been experimenting with ideas for chairs made of a single material since the late 1950s. He debuted his plastic seat for the public in the design magazine Mobilia in 1967 and then at the 1968 Cologne Furniture Fair. The designer’s S-Chair models 275 and 276, manufactured during the mid-1960s by August Sommer and distributed by the bentwood specialists at Gebrüder Thonet, were the first legless chairs crafted from a single piece of plywood.
Panton would spend the latter half of the 1960s and early ’70s developing all-encompassing room environments composed of sinuous and fluid-formed modular seating made of foam and metal wire. He also created a series of remarkable lighting designs, most notably his Fun chandeliers — introduced in 1964 and composed of scores of shimmering capiz-shell disks — and the Space Age VP Globe pendant light of 1969.
Panton’s designs are made to stand out and put an eye-catching exclamation point on even the most modern decor.
Find vintage Verner Panton chairs, magazine racks, rugs, table lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$21,280 / item
Fun 8DM Seashell Pendant Light by Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Horsens, DK
Hanging lamp with one large cluster of discs attached by chains of small rings. Mounted on a wooden ceiling plate. Material: Discs are made of mother of pearl Small rings are ma...
Metal
Verpan Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp by Verner Panton, Vivid Orange, LED Table Lamp
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp Year: 1980 Colour: Vivid Orange The elegant Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp was designed by Verner Panton in 1980 and ha...
Metal
Verpan Moon Opal Pendant Lamp Ø34 by Verner Panton, Opal Acrylic
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Moon Opal Pendant Ø34 Originally designed in 1960, the Moon Pendant is one of Verner Panton's earliest lighting designs and an iconic exam...
Metal
Verpan Fun 11DM Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Brass Frame & Seashell Discs
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Fun 11DM Brass Pendant Lamp Year: 1964 The Fun 11DM Brass Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is part of the celebrated Fun lighting collection,...
Metal, Steel
1970s Verner Panton attributed to Ceiling Lamp "Fun" Mother Pearl Luber
By Verner Panton
Located in Biella, IT
attributed to Verner Panton ceiling lamp "fun" in mother pearl by Luber Swiss production years '60. Meausre cm 82 high x diameter cm 46 = ...
Metal
Verpan Fun 3DM XL Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Three-Cluster Ceiling Lamp
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Fun 3DM XL Pendant Lamp Year: 1964 The Fun 3DM XL Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is part of the iconic Fun lighting collection, regarded as...
Steel
Verpan Spiral SP2 Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Silver Spirals, Ø48 cm 18.9 in
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Spiral SP2 Silver Pendant Lamp Year: 1969 The Spiral SP2 Silver Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is a striking example of the designer's inno...
Plastic, PVC
Swiss Mid-Century Metal and Glass Fun Appliques Verner Panton for Luber, 1960s
By Lüber Swiss, Verner Panton
Located in MIlano, IT
Swiss mid-Century Modern set of three metal and glass fun wall lamps by Verner Panton for Luber, 1960s. Set of three Fun model appliques or wall lamps, with an internal structure ma...
Metal
Verpan Pantop Ø23 - 9.1 inch Table Lamp by Verner Panton, Cherry Red
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp Year: 1980 The Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp by Verner Panton is a timeless piece from the elegant Pantop line, first introd...
Metal
Verpan Hive Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Yellow Aluminum, Ø 48 cm 19 in
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Hive Pendant Year: 1960s Colour/Finish: Yellow The Hive Pendant by Verner Panton is a striking example of the designer's fascination with ...
Aluminum
Verpan Spiral SP3 Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Silver Spirals, Ø48 cm 18.9 in
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Spiral SP3 Silver Pendant Lamp Year: 1969 The Spiral SP3 Silver Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is a striking example of the designer's icon...
Nylon, Plastic, PVC
Verpan Fun 5DM XL Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Multi-Cluster Ceiling Lamp
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Fun 5DM XL Pendant Lamp Year: 1964 The Fun 5DM XL Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is part of the iconic Fun lighting collection, widely rega...
Steel
Verpan Fun 4DM XL Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, One-Cluster Ceiling Lamp
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Fun 4DM XL Pendant Lamp Year: 1964 The Fun 4DM XL Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is part of the celebrated Fun lighting collection, regarde...
Steel
Verpan Pantop Ø23 - 9.1 inch Table Lamp by Verner Panton, Vivid Orange
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp Year: 1980 The Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp by Verner Panton is a timeless piece from the elegant Pantop line, first introd...
Metal
Verpan Pantop Ø23 - 9.1 inch Table Lamp by Verner Panton, Night Blue
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp Year: 1980 The Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp by Verner Panton is a timeless piece from the elegant Pantop line, first introd...
Metal
Verpan Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp by Verner Panton, Light Teal
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp Year: 1980 The Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp by Verner Panton is a timeless piece from the elegant Pantop line, first introd...
Metal
Verpan VP Globe Glass Pendant Lamp Ø40cm 15.8 in Verner Panton, Glass Reflector
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: VP Globe Glass Pendant Lamp Year: 1969 The VP Globe Glass Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is an iconic piece of lighting design, originally ...
Glass, Acrylic
Verpan Spiral SP1 Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Silver Spirals, Ø48 cm 18.9 inc
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Spiral SP1 Silver Pendant Lamp Year: 1969 The Spiral SP1 Silver Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is part of the iconic Spiral collection, a s...
Nylon, Plastic
Verpan Fun 1STM Floor Lamp by Verner Panton, Brass Frame & Seashell Discs
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Fun 1STM Brass Floor Lamp Year: 1964 The Fun 1STM Brass Floor Lamp by Verner Panton is part of the iconic Fun lighting collection, widely ...
Metal, Steel
Verpan Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp by Verner Panton, Light Teal, LED Table Lamp
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp Year: 1980 Colour: Light Teal The elegant Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp was designed by Verner Panton in 1980 and has ...
Metal
Verpan Moon Small Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Lacquered Metal Ø34 cm 13.4 in
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Moon Pendant Lamp - Small Year: 1960 Size: Ø34 cm / 13.4 in Designed in 1960, the Moon Small Pendant Lamp is one of Verner Panton's earlie...
Metal
Verpan Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp by Verner Panton, Dark Teal, LED Table Lamp
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp Year: 1980 Colour: Dark Teal The elegant Pantop Ø18 Portable Lamp was designed by Verner Panton in 1980 and has l...
Metal
Pantop Ceiling Pendant Light by Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Louis Poulsen
Located in London, GB
Designed by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen in the 1970s this pendant light, very elegant in shape, is made from white lacquered aluminium. The soft curves of the piece are emulated ...
Aluminum
“Moon-lamp” by Verner Panton for Dominici.
By Verner Panton
Located in Barcelona, ES
The lamp consists of a large numbers of ring-shaped, lacquered of white discs which are suspended around the centrally located bulb. The fan-shaped discs hide the bulb and at the sam...
Aluminum, Brass
$10,035 / item
Fun 7DM Seashell Pendant Light by Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Horsens, DK
Hanging lamp with one large cluster of discs attached by chains of small rings. Mounted on a wooden ceiling plate. Material: Discs are made of mother of pearl Small rings are made of stainless steel...
Metal
Panton Verner three wall lamps shell by j. Luber Swiss years '70
By Verner Panton
Located in Biella, IT
Panton Verner design set of three wall lamps shell by j. Luber Swiss in years '70 three wall lamps shell that every wall lamp are composed by two level of shell; one visible outsid...
Metal
Spiral SP2 Pendant Light with Gold Finish by Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Horsens, DK
Hanging lamp with two clusters of spirals suspended in nylon strings. Mounted with ceiling plate. Material: Spirals and ceiling canopy are cast ABS plastic (gold-plated). Lig...
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Modern Floor Lamp by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen
By Verner Panton
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid Century Modern Floor Lamp by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen - a pair available
Brass
Danish Vintage Classic Fun 1TM Table Lamp by Verner Panton, 1960s
By Verner Panton, J. Luber Ag
Located in Renens, CH
The Fun 1TM Table lamp was designed by Verner Panton during the 1960s. Our version is an original edition from the first producer, J. Lüber (Switzerland). This wonderful round tab...
Mother-of-Pearl
Verpan Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp by Verner Panton, Dark Teal
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp Year: 1980 The Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp by Verner Panton is a timeless piece from the elegant Pantop line, first introd...
Metal
Verpan Pantop Ø23 - 9.1 inch Table Lamp by Verner Panton, Pitch Brown
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp Year: 1980 The Pantop Ø23 Table Lamp by Verner Panton is a timeless piece from the elegant Pantop line, first introd...
Metal
Verpan Spiral SP3 Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Gold Spirals, Ø48 cm 18.9 in
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Spiral SP3 Gold Pendant Lamp Year: 1969 The Spiral SP3 Gold Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is a spectacular continuation of the iconic Spir...
Nylon, Plastic
Verpan Spiral SP2 Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Gold Spirals, Ø48 cm 18.9 in
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Spiral SP2 Gold Pendant Lamp Year: 1969 The Spiral SP2 Gold Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton is a stunning continuation of the iconic Spiral ...
Plastic, PVC
Verpan VP Globe Pendant by Verner Panton Chrome with Red & Blue Ø40cm 15.8
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: VP Globe Pendant Year: 1969 Colour/Finish: Chrome with Red and Blue Accents The VP Globe Pendant Ø40 cm is a striking example of Verner Pa...
Metal, Steel
Verpan VP Globe Pendant by Verner Panton Chrome with Red & Blue Ø50cm 19.7
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: VP Globe Pendant Year: 1969 Colour/Finish: Chrome with Red and Blue Accents The VP Globe Pendant Ø50 cm is a striking example of Verner Pa...
Metal, Steel
Verpan Panto Pendant by Verner Panton, White, Ø50 cm - 19.7 inc
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Panto Pendant Year: 1977 Colour/Finish: Transparent Acrylic with White Reflectors and Red Accent The Panto Pendant Ø50 cm is a masterful e...
Metal, Aluminum
Verpan Panto Pendant by Verner Panton, White, Ø40 cm - 15.8 inc
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Panto Pendant Year: 1977 Colour/Finish: Transparent Acrylic with White Reflectors and Red Accent The Panto Pendant Ø40 cm is a masterful e...
Metal, Aluminum
Verpan Moon XXXL Pendant Lamp by Verner Panton, Lacquered Metal Ø 150 cm 59.1 in
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Verpan Design: Verner Panton Model: Moon XXXL Year: 1960 Designed in 1960, the Moon XXXL Pendant Lamp is one of Verner Panton's earliest lighting designs. The iconic pendant ...
Metal
Spiral SP3 Pendant Light with Gold Finish by Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Horsens, DK
Hanging lamp with three clusters of spirals suspended in nylon strings. Mounted with ceiling plate. Material: Spirals and ceiling canopy are cast ABS plastic (gold plated) Li...
Stainless Steel