Bent Karlby – Two walllights, model “PAN” – Lyfa, Denmark ca. 1968

Two anodised aluminium, steel and lacquered wall lights, model “PAN”. Designed in 1968 by Bent Karlby, early production examples made by Lyfa, Copenhagen. These brass-coloured examples were only made in the beginning of production, later on only the silver aluminium examples were produced.

About Bent Karlby

Bent Karlby (1912–1998) was a Danish designer known for his refined contributions to mid-century modern lighting. Working primarily during the 1950s through the 1970s, Karlby developed a style defined by soft lines, warm materials, and a keen attention to how light interacts with form. Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, his work has enjoyed renewed appreciation for its quiet elegance and functional beauty.

Born in Aarhus, Denmark in 1912, Karlby trained as an architect before turning to design, a transition that would later inform the structural balance and spatial awareness present in his lighting pieces. Little is documented about his early years, but his understanding of proportion and atmosphere suggests a deep grounding in both technical skill and artistic sensitivity.

Karlby became most closely associated with Lyfa, a Danish lighting manufacturer that played a key role in shaping Scandinavian lighting design in the post-war period. His collaboration with Lyfa began in the 1940s and extended over several decades, resulting in a series of designs that helped define the brand’s aesthetic direction. Unlike some designers who pursued bold or highly decorative statements, Karlby’s approach was more subdued—favoring subtle curves, layered shades, and controlled diffusion of light.

Among his most recognized works are the Pan and Ergo series, as well as the Peanut pendant lamp, which became notable for its sculptural silhouette and warm glow. These designs, while modest at first glance, were technically thoughtful and highly functional. Many featured perforated metal, opal glass, and lacquered finishes—materials chosen not just for appearance but for the way they shaped and softened the light. His work often balanced geometric clarity with a softness that made it inviting in both residential and public spaces.

Karlby’s designs were closely tied to the Danish modern movement, which emphasized simplicity, craftsmanship, and the honest use of materials. Like others in this tradition, Karlby did not treat lighting as purely decorative or utilitarian; instead, he viewed it as a key element of spatial experience. His pieces rarely sought attention, but their presence often had a calming and cohesive effect on the environments they illuminated.
While Karlby did not reach the international fame of peers like Poul Henningsen or Arne Jacobsen, his work was respected within Danish design circles for its quiet consistency and clarity of vision. Over time, his lamps became staples in Danish homes, offices, and institutions—admired for their reliability, longevity, and understated charm.

As interest in mid-century design resurged in the 21st century, collectors and design enthusiasts rediscovered Karlby’s lighting. Vintage pieces, especially those produced by Lyfa during the 1960s and ’70s, began to appear more frequently in galleries, auctions, and curated interiors. This renewed attention has brought greater recognition to Karlby’s role in shaping Scandinavian lighting during a formative period.
Bent Karlby passed away in 1998. Though he left behind a relatively quiet legacy, his designs continue to resonate with those who appreciate careful craftsmanship and the gentle interplay between light and form.