If you are struggling with decorating your Scandinavian living room, the Bumling lamps are the perfect choice.
The iconic Swedish design from the 1960s brings color and completeness to your dining or living room area and is a manifestation of your passion for Scandinavian vintage.
Bumling lamps are the ideal solution for those who love soft, diffused lighting that creates a cozy atmosphere typical of Northern European homes.
Bumling lamps: history and characteristics of a Scandinavian icon
The Bumling lamps were designed by Swedish designer Anders Pehrson in 1968 for Ateljé Lyktan, the landmark company that spawned many successful design projects.
With their sturdy shape and soft, diffused light, these lamps have quickly become icons of Nordic design.
The name “Bumling,” which means “rock” in Swedish, perfectly reflects the massive form of the design.
Who was Anders Pehrson?
Anders Pehrson (1912-1982) is the “daddy” of Bumling lamps. Swedish designer with a perfectionist approach who also positively marked his career as an athlete.
With an obsession for form, he gave us iconic lamps, masterpieces of lighting.
After a career at AB Philips, he landed at Ateljé Lyktan, where, in addition to the Bumling collection, Rondo, Pyton, Vagg and Pöpp were born.
His approach was pragmatic, but always characterized by a strong sense of aesthetics, which made him a beloved and respected figure in Scandinavian design. His creations, still admired today at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, are symbolic of his unique vision.
A style that straddles mid-century and space age
Bumling lamps combine two major currents of twentieth-century design: the Mid-Century Modern and the Space Age.
From each of these two currents, it takes some characteristics.
Mid-century modern
- Clean and essential lines, typical of Scandinavian design of the 1950s and 1960s.
- Functionality and practicality, with light output designed to create comfortable environments.
Space Age
- Innovative materials for the time, such as acrylic e aluminum, symbolizing the technological enthusiasm of the 1960s.
- Rounded shapes and soft silhouette, recalling the futuristic aesthetics of the space race.
Glossy surface and bright colors, distinctive elements of space age design.
Why choose Bumling lamps for your Scandinavian living room?
As anticipated, these lamps are the icing on the cake that completes and enriches a beautiful Scandinavian living room.
Widespread, warm lighting
The design of the lampshade, with its circular grid at the bottom, allows light to be maximized and diffused evenly without glare.
This makes them ideal both for evenly illuminating a kitchen table top or island and for creating mood lighting in the living room, perfect for an afternoon of reading or a relaxing evening with friends.
Variety of colors and sizes of Bumling lamps
Bumling lamps, over the years, have been produced in different versions to meet various lighting needs.
- Pendant lamps: available in six different sizes with diameters of 190 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm, 485 mm and 600 mm.
- Floor lamps: fixed or adjustable, there are also a rare two-light version. Designed to provide ambient lighting, these lamps feature an elegant and functional design.
- Table lamps: ideal for desks or nightstands, they offer directional light and a touch of color. Vintage models exist in both fixed and adjustable versions.
- Wall lamps: perfect for illuminating specific areas of the living room. Fixed or movable arm models are distinguished.
Many colors available
Vintage Bumling lamps can be found in different colors, perfect to fit different moods.
- Neutral tones: white or beige (rarer to find) to highlight its generous shape.
- Bright colors: green, yellow, orange and pure red, are perfect for including an unexpected accent color in the living room.
- Sophisticated shades: brown (not very common to find) and brass are the most refined versions. Brass Bumlings in particular are particularly sought after by collectors for their timeless elegance.
Where and how to place Bumling lamps in the living room?
The Bumling lamps are versatile and can be placed in various places in the living room, depending on your lighting needs and available space. Here are some ideas.
1. Suspended above the dining table.
You can use Bumling pendant lamps to light the table by placing them about 70 cm from the top.
Their diffused light creates even illumination without glare, making the room cozy and perfect for convivial dinners. For a dramatic effect, choose a 60-cm pendant if your table is round or square, or install a pair of Bumling lamps in a row, for an oval or rectangular table..
2. Next to the armchair for a perfect reading corner
Place a Bumling from the floor near an armchair or sofa, about 40 cm away.
The adjustable floor version allows you to direct the light exactly where you need it, creating a soft, relaxing glow.
Pair it with a wooden coffee table and a wool blanket for a super cozy Scandinavian-style corner.
3. Above the sofa area for a cozy atmosphere
A 60-cm Bumling, suspended in the center of the living room illuminates evenly without being intrusive, perfect for watching TV or relaxing.
If the living room is large, consider multiple light points for a layered effect, combining the pendant with a floor or table Bumling.
4. On the desk or a console table
On a desk, low cabinet or sideboard, the table version adds character and functionality, ideal for illuminating a work area or a decorative spot in the living room.
Choose a contrasting color for an original touch or a brass finish for a more sophisticated effect.
5. On a wall for a minimal and functional look
On the wall, next to a bookcase or on top of a piece of furniture, theBumling wall sconce is a perfect solution for those who want elegant accent lighting.
One idea: use two symmetrical wall sconces above a sideboard for a balanced, harmonious effect.
If you want a living room that combines functionality, aesthetics and perfect light, the Bumling lamps are undoubtedly an option to consider. They will be the focal point of your Scandinavian living room.
