Design by Decade – 1970s

1969
VP Globe
by Verpan

Originally designed in 1969, the VP Globe is one of Verner Panton’s most iconic designs. It was first put into production in 1976 and is today manufactured by Verpan. Obviously influenced by the designs of his mentor and one-time father-in-law, Poul Henningsen of Louis Poulsen, Panton’s Globe is precisely engineered. The five colored aluminum reflectors within the acrylic ball are both unique sculptural elements and refined technical components. Light reflects smoothly and evenly from a hidden source to create soft, indirect lighting that fills a room and sets a calming mood.

This lamp stands alone as a striking conversation piece.

1969
Componibili Storage Module
by Kartell

On permanent display at the MoMA in New York and Centre George Pompidou in Paris, the Componibili storage modules are icons of pop-design. Designed in 1969 and popularized throughout the ‘70s, these stackable units epitomize the era’s craze for mass-produced plastic furniture as well as the opposing trend toward self-expression and personal choice. Almost 50 years later, the Componibili – Italian for modular – are still popular today, with more choice in size, color, and shape than ever before.

1971
Parentesi
by Flos Lighting

It was nearly impossible to walk into a 1970 interior without finding the Parentesi light. Designed by Achille Castoglioni and Pio Manzu, the Parentesi was a true original, providing direct light was the bulb moves vertically up and down the floor-to-ceiling cable. One of the most innovative features of the Parentesi at the time was the fact the cable was capable of being cut to size.To this day, the Parentesi never fails to add timeless Italian design to your space.

1972
Wire Table Lamp
by Verpan

No designer better captures the expressionist style of the 1970s than Verner Panton. In direct contrast to his Scandinavian contemporaries, Panton’s liberal use of color, shape, and texture earned him international recognition. His “more is more” aesthetic resonated with the American movement toward bold, individual style. Panton loved using cool and warm color tones to influence the mood of a room. His Wire Lamp originally came with four different shades (red, yellow, white, and brown) to let owners easily play with color and mood themselves.

1972
Multi-Lite
by Gubi

Originally designed by Louis Weisdorf, the Multi-Lite for Gubi is a renewed interpretation of the 1972 fixture. Two cylindrical shapes lay the foundation of the pendant while the surrounding metal rings hold the shades. This iconic design embraces the golden era of Danish design and adds timeless expression to every interior.

1973
265 Wall Light
by Flos Lighting

Minimal aesthetic, maximum flexibility, Paolo Rizzato’s 265 wall light swings, pivots and twists to direct light exactly where you need it. The clean, simple form steered away from the rounded, plastic Space Age vernacular so many designers were still using at the time, paring the fixture down to its purest functional form.

1977
Atollo
by O-luce

Defying physics, the Atollo features a dome delicately balancing on the tip of conical cylinder. Creating the sense you’re gazing onto a horizon, the soft glow adds a unique sense of comfort to a variety of interiors. This refined, geometric fixture has one some of the most prestigious awards in Italian design, including “The Compasso d’Oro.”

1979
Funiculi Table Lamp
by Marset

Designed by Lluís Porqueras for, the Funiculí reflects its creator’s goal: simplicity in design. While the manufacturing process itself was initially quite complicated, the fixture itself was pared down to the pure, unadulterated essence of a lamp. Quite a departure from the excesses of the time. Funiculí gets its name from the adjustable shade that can be raised, lowered, and rotated 360° for perfect light placement. Bonus: the Moss Grey version resembles the classic ‘70s Avocado green that invaded homes of the decade.