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 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 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
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
$11,648
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 Cedric Hartman, Jack Lenor Larsen
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
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 and Chrome Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Dallas, TX
An adjustable height floor lamp with rotating hood by Cedric Hartman.
Brass
Vintage Reading / Task Floor Lamp by Casella
By Casella Lighting, Cedric Hartman
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Polished Brass Reading Floor Lamp. Beautiful Lap Joint On Base. High quality, Well Built Lamp. Height Adjustable & Rotational. 2 available. One in a Matt Brass / One in a ...
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
Chapman Brass Counter Balanced Floor Lamp Mid-Century Modern
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Miami, FL
We offer a brass counter balanced floor lamp with a triangular shade and integral brass switch raised on a tube pole and slanted square base by Chapman. The floor lamp can be adjuste...
Brass
Black & Brass Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Black & Gold Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Minor tarnishing to brass and minor wear to saucer top. Measures ap...
Brass, Steel
Gerald Thurston Orange Saucer Floor Lamp for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Gerald Thurston Orange Saucer Floor Lamp for Lightolier. Overall great vintage condition with age appropriate wear. This item is in our NYC private showroom and can be viewed by a...
Metal, Brass
Jacques Grange for Yves Saint Laurent Table Lamp
By Jacques Grange
Located in New York, NY
Lampshade not original. Lamp take 250w bulbs.
Plaster
Pair Tony Paul Atomic Brass & Wrought Iron Candle Sconces C. 1950's
By Tony Paul
Located in New York, NY
Pair Tony Paul Atomic Brass & Wrought Iron Candle Sconces C. 1950's. Overall excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Some tarnishing to brass. All the balls on ends o...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair Vintage Mid-Century Gold Gilt Ceramic Table Lamps by Marbro Lamp Co. 1950's
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair Vintage Mid-Century Monumental Ceramic Gold Gilt and Terracotta Orange Colored Table lamps by Marbro Lamp Co., 1950's. Overall excellent vintage condition with age appropriate w...
Brass
Pair Mid-Century Upscale Ekeby "Paprika" Table Lamps by Anna-Lisa Thomson
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic pair of Monumental Mid-Century Upsala Ekeby "Paprika" Large Ceramic/ Walnut Table Lamps by Anna-Lisa Thomson, 1950's. Vintage condition with age appropriate wear. some ver...
Ceramic, Walnut
