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.
SOLD 04/10/26 Cedric Hartman Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Cedric Hartman Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamp This lamp measures: 8 wide x 22 deep x 45 inches high We take our photos in a controlled l...
Chrome
Vintage Chrome Pharmacy Floor Lamp Mid-Century Modern Adjustable 1970s
By Koch & Lowy
Located in San Carlos, CA
A sleek and sculptural chrome pharmacy floor lamp in the manner of Koch & Lowy, dating to the 1970s. This exemplary piece of American modernist design features all the hallmarks of t...
Chrome
Cedric Hartman Chrome Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in New York, NY
A rare and early floor lamp by Cedric Hartman, Model #22H, featuring a curved arm and V-shaped base. This model is out of production. Crafted of polished chrome with signature spher...
Bronze, Chrome
Koch & Lowy OMI Chromed Steel Adjustable Pharmacy Floor Lamp
By Koch & Lowy
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive mid-century modern Koch and Lowy signed OMI pharmacy floor lamp featuring a dramatic bright polished chromed steel finish. The design showcases a slender vertical stem an...
Steel, Chrome, Iron
Mid Century Modern Vintage Chromed Metal Floor Lamp, Italy, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage floor lamp designed and manufactured in Italy 1960s. A wonderful vintage floor lamp from chrome-plated steel with an adjustable shade from up to down and r...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Gooseneck Reading Floor Lamp w/ Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Dimensions: 46” -56"H x 18”W x 18”D Sleek and minimal, this Mid-Century Modern gooseneck floor lamp from the 1970s brings both form and functi...
Chrome, Iron
$2,323
H 78.75 in W 70.87 in D 13 in
Iconic 1970s Chrome Arc Floor Lamp with Adjustable Swing Arm 1970 Italy
Located in Oirlo, LI
Bring timeless character and sculptural elegance into your home with this authentic 1970s chrome arc floor lamp — a striking blend of functionality and iconic vintage design. Defined...
Aluminum
$2,978
H 51.97 in Dm 9.45 in
Florian Schulz Mid-Century Modern Vintage German Chrome Adjustable Floor Lamp
By Florian Schulz
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern vintage German floor lamp designed by Florian Schulz circa 1970s - this particular example was probably manufactured in the late 1980s / early 1990s and is in exce...
Metal, Chrome
55" Luxo Mid-Century Articulated Chrome Standing Lamp by Luxo
By Luxo
Located in Water Mill, NY
Mid-century articulated chrome tall standing lamp by Luxo. Measures: 55".
Chrome
Sleek Mid-Century Modernist Chrome Swing-Arm Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century modernist swing-arm floor lamp features a Minimalist round chrome base and cylindrical shade with the ability to swivel into various positions; ideal for armchair re...
Chrome
Cedric Hartman Stainless Steel Parallel Bar Pharmacy Floor Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1970s, the stainless floor lamp by Cedric Hartman is an enduring design classic. The modernist floor lamp features a stainless steel dome shade, that offers focused t...
Stainless Steel
Casella Chrome Floor Lamp, Mid-Century Modern, Adjustable Height, USA
By Casella, Casella Lighting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chrome floor lamp for Casella, c.1970s, USA. The lamp features an oblong polished chrome shade attached to a curved stem that offers focused task lighting and an adjustable height. T...
Chrome
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 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 Chrome Desk Lamp
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1970s, the chrome desk lamp by Cedric Hartman is an enduring design classic. The modernist lamp features a triangular chrome shade attached to a curved stem that offe...
Chrome
Pair of Cedric Hartman Brass and Stainless Steel Floor Lamps
By Cedric Hartman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1970s, these brass and stainless steel floor lamps by Cedric Hartman are an enduring design classic. The modernist floor lamps feature triangular brass shades attache...
Brass, Stainless Steel
