5321 table lamp - Paavo Tynell - Gubi

The 5321 lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell in 1938 and published by the Danish company Gubi, is a table lamp that illustrates the Finnish designer's unique approach, blending romanticism and modernism. Inspired by nature, it reflects Tynell's talent for infusing pure forms with a playful touch. Reintroduced by Gubi, this piece combines historic heritage with timeless elegance, captivating design enthusiasts more than 80 years after its creation.

Design and features

The 5321 lamp is distinguished by its polished brass shade, shaped like a shell, under which the bulb emerges like a pearl, evoking a marine shell. Measuring 32.5 cm in height, with a 27.5 cm diameter shade and 15.5 cm base, it rests on a slender stem covered in rattan, adding an organic texture.

Fitted with a 2 m gold textile cord and a switch on the shade, it uses an E27 bulb. This design balances luxury and simplicity, offering soft light and a decorative presence ideal for a desk or console.

Background and heritage

Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) designed the 5321 at a pivotal time, when he was running Taito Oy, the company he had co-founded in 1918. Nicknamed “the man who lit up Finland”, he revolutionized lighting by collaborating with architects such as Alvar Aalto.

In 1938, when modernism dominated, Tynell introduced a poetic sensibility, inspired by his love of nature and his background as a blacksmith. Although less famous than his pendant lights, the 5321 bears witness to his genius for blending functionality and fantasy, consolidating his influence on Nordic design.

The reissue by Gubi

Gubi has relaunched the 5321 lamp with meticulous care, preserving its original design while adapting it to modern standards. Made from high-quality brass and rattan, it retains Tynell's artisan spirit while incorporating LED compatibility for energy efficiency.

This reissue is in keeping with Gubi's approach to resurrecting little-known classics, offering a lamp that transcends eras. Perfect for contemporary or vintage interiors, the 5321 celebrates Tynell's vision and Gubi's expertise, more than eight decades after its first sketch.