Design Icon: Verner Panton’s Flowerpot Lamp
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Time to read 3 min
Designed in 1968 by legendary Danish designer Verner Panton, the Flowerpot collection effortlessly blends the spirit of the sixties with a modern aesthetic. As popular now as it was when first launched, this light has the ability to uplift a space, with its playful shape and vibrant colour.
Created when the ‘Flower Power’ movement of the 1960s was in full swing, the design is reminiscent of a budding flower. However, there is more to the shape than its figurative appearance. The upper semi-circular sphere is exactly twice the diameter of the lower sphere, creating a well-balanced geometric form. The light source is hidden within the two facing spheres, creating gentle illumination without the glare of a visible lightbulb.
Why the Flowerpot Lamp became an icon
Verner Panton designed the Flowerpot at a time when a lot of Danish design was inspired by minimalism, with rigid forms and a subdued colour pallet. The Flowerpot’s bright colour and rounded shape appeared quite radical at the time.
Panton’s choice of material was also seen as innovative. The original model was made from shaped metal with a shiny enamel coating and a coloured cable; details that had never been seen before.
The VP1 Flowerpot Pendant Light was Panton’s original creation, designed to trigger feelings rather than just serving a functional purpose. It was intended to make a space feel more exiting, which was a huge success.
The Flowerpot collection grew to include several different variants, the most recognisable alongside the VP1 being the VP3 Flowerpot Table Lamp. The collection has featured in design magazines, exhibitions and significant architectural projects across the world ever since.
A design classic reissued
Today the Flowerpot is reissued by &Tradition in a variety of its original forms. Each variant is available in a range of bright and vibrant colours; an homage to Verner Panton’s ingenious use of colour. The VP9 Flowerpot Portable Lamp brings the design up to date, with its rechargeable and cordless form. The pendant lights come in four different sizes: The VP2 Flowerpot being the largest, with a 50cm diameter, to the mini VP10 with its diameter of 16cm. The collection also includes wall lights and a floor lamp.
Styling Verner Panton’s Flowerpot light in your home
Not just a piece with design prestige, the Flowerpot is a great way to add colour and a bit of fun into your interior. The versatile design works in both contemporary spaces and mid-century styled homes. Whatever variant you choose, the Flowerpot light uplifts any room. The classic VP1 Flowerpot Pendant Light brings a dining room to life when hung over a table. Place a VP3 Flowerpot Table Lamp on a vintage sideboard for a nod to mid century modern styling. Display the portable VP9 lamp on decorative shelving to add ambience.
When thinking about colour, you may already have an accent colour in mind. Match your Flowerpot Light as closely to this as possible and add corresponding accessories to make these details pop. The Flowerpot also works in settings with more subdued colour pallets. Choose a neutral colour, or a metallic tone to add a sculptural feature to your room. For a real impact, choose a few different models in clashing colours for a vibrant layered lighting scheme.
Verner Panton’s Flowerpot has proved itself as a timeless, enduring design icon. Still seen in homes and interior projects today, the design brings a retro nod to the Flower Power era and encourages playfulness within an interior. We’re certain it will be a favourite for generations to come.
Read more about visionary designer Verner Panton and why we are celebrating 100 years of his design legacy.
Shop the full collection of &Tradition Flowerpot Lights and our collection of Verner Panton’s designs.
Written by Stephanie Keel:
A lover of good design and recently a new resident to Ludlow life, Stephanie is our in house copywriter, documenting everything from her favourite parts of the product to the beautiful interiors you’d find them in. You’ll often find her in a well-designed coffee shop, with laptop in hand.