bamboo - 9602 floor lamp - Paavo Tynell - Gubi

The 9602 floor lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell in 1935 and reissued by Danish publisher Gubi, is one of the Finnish designer's most iconic creations. Nicknamed the “Chinese hat” for the singular shape of its lampshade, this luminaire has become a symbol of Scandinavian design thanks to its timeless elegance, luminous softness and sophisticated allure. It perfectly embodies Tynell's visionary approach to transforming lighting into a functional work of art, combining Nordic heritage and universal refinement.

Design and features

The 9602 floor lamp is distinguished by its slender, harmonious silhouette, evoking an almost poetic delicacy. It rests on an unobtrusive yet solid round base in polished brass, which supports a slender stem covered in woven rattan. This natural material, with its warm texture, contrasts with the cold metal of brass, creating a subtle, captivating visual tension. The wide, flared shade is available in several finishes - canvas, willow or bamboo - and diffuses a soft, enveloping light, perfect for a cosy ambience.

With a height of 152 cm, a 63 cm diameter shade and a 24 cm base, the 9602 imposes its presence without invading space. A brass switch, integrated into the stem, adds a practical retro touch, while the 2-meter cord, matching the design, completes the ensemble with elegance. The combination of these elements - organic rattan, luxurious brass and airy lampshade - oscillates between handcrafted simplicity and studied sophistication, reflecting the influence of Nordic modernism tinged with an artistic sensibility.

Background and heritage

Paavo Tynell designed the 9602 floor lamp in 1935 for the Hotel Aulanko in Hämeenlinna, Finland, at a time when he was establishing himself as a major figure in lighting design. After co-founding Oy Taito Ab in 1918, where he held the roles of chief designer and CEO, Tynell collaborated with architects such as Alvar Aalto and equipped prestigious venues. Nicknamed “the man who lit up Finland”, he left his mark on his era through his ability to breathe soul into lighting fixtures, making the 9602 both utilitarian and sculptural.

This floor lamp reflects the creative context of 1930s Scandinavia, where functionalism met advanced aesthetic research. It shares a kinship with other Tynell creations, such as his aerial suspensions, but stands out for its vertical stature and bold marriage of materials.

The reissue by Gubi

Gubi, a Danish publisher renowned for resurrecting design classics, has reissued the 9602 floor lamp as part of its Paavo Tynell collection, launched in 2018. Made from high-quality materials - polished brass, natural rattan, carefully selected fabrics - it is offered in finishes faithful to the original, while meeting contemporary requirements. This re-edition has preserved Tynell's heritage, making the 9602 accessible to design enthusiasts almost 90 years after its creation, and making it a timeless icon.