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Thursday
Jan202011

Jieldé - an obsession

I have a serious love for funky lighting. Of any kind. I think you could call it an obsession. It's pretty bad considering how many light fixtures I have acquired in the last 4 months or so (there was this one, then these, then this one, then this one, then I made this one, then there was this one, and finally this beauty). But honestly, I could (maybe) give up all those if I could get my hands on a Jieldé. They are the coolest industrial-style lamps and I just love them to bits. Here is a bit of history on Jieldé lamps: They were created by Jean-Louis Domecq whose requirements were to create a simple and robust lamp that articulated in order to adapt to all working stations. They were first produced in France in the early 50's and in 1953, Jean-Louis created a company dedicated to the marketing of the lamps whose name was formed from his initials : Ji eL Dé (pronounced in French). They continue to be produced today. I have scoured eBay on numerous occasions looking for a vintage version, but they are expensive. Sadly I have never seen them sold here in Ottawa. Alas, one day I will get my hands on one, preferably a 6-arm floor lamp, but I won't be picky. I'd settle for a table lamp, wall lamp, whatever (but not a reproduction). Anyone else out there in love with Jieldé?

Lennart Weibull
Louise Rastall
Le Journal de la Maison
Ekenstam
Erin Martin
Rachael Smith
Yatzer
Le Journal de la Maison
Le Journal de la Maison
Andrew Grinton
Erin Martin
Per Magnus Persson
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Maison
design*sponge
NORM
David Kohn
Sköna hem

Reader Comments (36)

quilty! kim, for well priced vintage I recommend stalking German and French eBay - I had great luck with both (shipping to Ontario was even better than on most items from across the border)
good luck

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commenterxym0x

we saw a dealer selling 3 or 4 these in vanves flea....and english guy was asking him the price...400euros if i recall crrectly...these were originals, i am sure..

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterShannon(8foot6)

I'm also crazy about them and some of your inspirations are delicious! Yes, look on the ebay France, they have quite a few of those but have a cup melissa tea ready: the shipping quote will send you through the roof. It did me and I live you Europe :-D

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commentermaya

I love 'em too. If you think they're expensive in your part of the world try living in NZ. Off the scale! They look like little robots standing in the corner checking everything out :)

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterSammy

I am now obsessed too.

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAppleTree

I know this sounds very, VERY strange, but that lamp just freaks me out a bit.

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterEnna

maya, it's certainly a conspiracy ;) - no complaints here, with a total of $48 for a pair of sconces to ship from France to SW Ontario

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commenterxym0x

love love love them I also must admit to being a lamp freak :-) and the Jielde is definitly top priority on my list of dreams that MIGHT come true.

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commenterlovedesign

Those lamps are cool! If I was in the position to need a really cool floor lamp I think I would be on a mission...

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJennifer

How fun are these lamps...just love every image!!

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterDesign Chic

I love them too! I even posted on my blog about my love for the blue Loft lamp and its almost human characteristics

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commenterelissa c

Love the lamps but did anyone notice the double noose above the bed in the 7th photo down from the top? Kind of morbid.

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAlly

Not just double noose (kinky hand ties?) but rather graphic picture on the wall too......

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterEmily

The lovable dorks of the lighting world!

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterTricia Rose

Ever since this lamp has entered my world I've been OBSESSED! I have never been a 'lamp' person, a light is a light is a light, this thing has changed my feelings about that. I on the other hand am willing to settle for a reproduction and have a few options I've been looking at and just waiting for them to go on sale again.

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMarina

I totally love that Rachael Smith fireplace (with a red table in the foreground)! I've looked through the site and didn't find it. Can you point out a link for where it came from specifically?

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterPhilippa

Sorry I can't help you Philippa. That photo was from my stash, taken off her site some time ago.

20 Jan 2011 | Registered CommenterKiM

I had to delurk to post. I have never before had this feeling about a design original. I AM OBSESSED WITH JIELDE LAMPS!!! I luuuv them. Every year I keep thinking of using my tax refund to buy one but then I think that is totally absurd for one floor lamp. And then I think "But they are so pretty..."

I think of the knockoffs which are a poor imitation IMO but what can you do when you are in design love and poor? Anyone have any sources for a good knockoff of a Jielde floor lamp? I havent considered buying the PBteen version (a pretty good copy) because it doesnt look as alive as the real thing.

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAcajou

Have you seen the new or old Sundance Lamps. To die for. Talk about Funky!

20 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commentermalka

awesome. they look like the Pixar lamps that hop on the "i" in Pixar movies :)

21 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commentersj

I love these lamps. My favourite café in Oslo, Cafe Laundromat, has the greatest interior, with lots of Jieldé lamps. The consept for this café is so great, you can wash your clothes, eat delicious food, read a book (it is also Oslo's biggest private library) or use the free wi-fi, while you're surrounded by great interior design. Here's some pictures I found online but they don't really do justice to the space: http://elefantzonen.com/2010/08/15/the-laundromat-cafe/

Heres the project pictures from the designer, Simon James: http://www.sjdesign.no/index.php/prosjekter.html

21 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterPia

I love these lamps, but I've always wondered whether they will keep their shape. I'm glad some of you have them to answer this question! I've sometimes found with this type of arm lamp, that the arms droop (hello, my old Tizio) after a while. Can anyone report on this effect?
Great post by the way, as usual!

21 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commenterpriscilla

Eek! So glad someone else noticed the 'nooses' over that bed. It's even more hilarious that they let their place be photographed like that.

21 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterCoco

Oh man, if I could pants on Jielde, I would marry it. LOVE. And if I could afford the $6K for a vintage six-arm articulating floor lamp? The lamp would be mine. Oh yes it would.

21 Jan 2011 | Unregistered CommenterTheresa

OK, I have to ask: what's with the double-noose rope contraption floating above the bed? An ingenious pulley system to hoist sleepyheads out of the sack ... an invocation to dreams of the wild west ... a reminder to do pull-ups during Late Show commercials ... an idle reminder to live up to your partner's wishes ... ?? I give up.

21 Jan 2011 | Unregistered Commenterholland

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