This vintage mid-century chrome floor lamp by Koch & Lowy combines functional reading light with an integrated glass side table - a brilliantly practical design from the 1970s. The polished chrome column rises from a solid base, with an adjustable rectangular shade that can be angled to direct light exactly where you need it. The real genius is the floating glass shelf that sits at the perfect height for a drink, book, or whatever else you need within arm's reach while reading.
Koch & Lowy became known for these sleek, architectural task lamps that brought proper functionality to home lighting. This isn't just about looks - the adjustable head means you can position the light precisely, the weighted base keeps it stable, and that glass shelf turns the lamp into a complete reading station rather than just a light source. The chrome finish has the kind of reflective quality that defines 1970s modernist lighting, and the geometric shade gives focused, directional light without glare.
These lamps work particularly well beside chairs or sofas where you want good reading light but don’t have room for a separate side table. The combination of warm teak and cool chrome creates that classic mid-century contrast that still looks current decades later.
This piece remains in good vintage condition with minor wear to the chrome consistent with age and use. Fully functional and rewired for modern use.
Koch & Lowy was an American lighting manufacturer founded in 1946 by Ernest Lowy. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the company became renowned for producing sleek chrome and brass floor lamps that elevated modernist lighting design. Working with designers including George Nelson and Neal Small, Koch & Lowy created innovative fixtures that combined sculptural appeal with genuine functionality – their pharmacy-style reading lamps and adjustable task lights became iconic examples of mid-century American design.
This piece has found its new home, but plenty of other one-of-a-kind finds await you. Discover similar pieces.
Koch & Lowy was an American lighting manufacturer founded in 1946 by Ernest Lowy, becoming one of the most influential names in mid-century modernist lighting throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The company built its reputation on sleek, functional designs rendered in polished chrome and brass, creating fixtures that combined sculptural appeal with genuine practicality - adjustable pharmacy-style reading lamps, elegant swing-arm floor lights, and architectural table lamps with marble bases.
Working with notable designers including George Nelson, Neal Small, Robert Sonneman, and Piotr Sierakowski (who headed Koch & Lowy's design department), the company produced lighting that elevated everyday function into design statements. Their pharmacy "tent" floor lamps became particularly iconic, along with Neal Small's architectural Skyscraper floor lamp and various multi-armed brass chandeliers that defined the era's sophisticated modernist aesthetic.
Koch & Lowy fixtures were characterised by their quality construction, innovative articulating joints (the company acquired OMI lighting in the 1960s, incorporating their precise mechanical joints), and attention to how light actually works in real spaces. These weren't just decorative pieces - they were designed to provide proper task lighting while looking good doing it. The weighted bases, adjustable arms, and directional shades all served genuine functional purposes.
Ernest Lowy's son Thomas took over the business and eventually sold the company in the 1990s, but Koch & Lowy's impact on American modernist lighting design remains significant. Their fixtures from the 1960s and 1970s are now highly sought after for their unmistakable mid-century chrome-and-brass aesthetic.
View all Koch & Lowy products →
£75 courier delivery – Mainland England & Wales
Delivered within 10 days (Mainland England & Wales)
Free delivery on orders over £1,000
Delivery to Scotland: £80Please allow approximately 2–3 weeks for delivery.
View full delivery policy →
We hope you'll love your purchase, but if for any reason you change your mind, you're welcome to return it.
Please contact us within 14 days of receiving your item to arrange a return. Items must be sent back in their original condition within 30 days of delivery. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
Once we've received and checked the item, we'll issue a refund (excluding original delivery costs) via your original payment method.
If your item arrives damaged or there's an issue with your order, please get in touch within 48 hours of delivery.
View full returns policy →
My beautiful bentwood ply nest of tables arrived today. Sympathetically restored, and looking even better than they did in the pictures. What an amazing little company, a pleasure from start to finish, making everything so easy. What Speedy delivery, and impeccably packaged. I shall definitely be perusing your collection of quality items for future purchases. We'll deserved 5 stars!
Andy
Nest of 3 Mid Century Bentwood Plywood tables
We purchased a beautiful nathan circles mid century sideboard in teak. Exactly as described, it really is a stunning piece. We are so happy with it. Great communication with the seller and fast delivery by a lovely courier.
Carla
Mid Century Teak Sideboard by Vanson
1920’s Haberdashery Unit purchased and arrived exactly as advertised. Sallie-Ann was extremely helpful with the buying process and great communication throughout, a delight to deal with. Highly recommend &VNTG. Thank you and the unit looks amazing!!
Andrew
Large Vintage Oak Haberdashery Unit / Bank of Drawers
Subscribe to receive 10% off your first order. Hear about new stock, special offers, sales & latest news.
Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised ads or content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies.