Ceramic Wall Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Ifö, Sweden, 1960s, Set of2

A pair of ceramic wall sconces designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for the Swedish company Ifö, representing a style characteristic of Scandinavian modernism that combines simplicity, functionality, and high-quality materials. This type of Ifö wall sconce dates back to the 1960s; it appears in catalogs and on the vintage market as the Ifö 6020 model. The wall sconces feature ceramic bases in a delicate mint-green color, with a distinctive ribbed surface. The geometric rhythm of the vertical grooves contrasts with the soft, rounded form of the fixture and serves as the most decorative element of the design. The ceramic is paired with tall, slender shades made of white opal glass, which gently diffuses the light and creates a soft, even glow. Jakobsson’s characteristic synthesis of functional form and decorative elements is very evident here—the fixture has no superfluous ornamentation, and its visual impact is based on its proportions, the color of the ceramic, and the contrast between the textured base and the smooth, milky-white glass. The wall lamps were originally intended for use as bathroom lighting, but their understated, timeless form makes them equally at home in a hallway, bedroom, or on either side of a mirror. They are a prime example of Swedish Mid-Century Modern design, in which ceramic—a material associated with Ifö—has been used in an extremely functional yet decorative way.