A great deal has been written about Fase lamps, and for good reason. The Fase company was founded in Madrid in 1964 by Pedro Martín and designer Luis Pérez de la Oliva, producing an impressive range of beautifully designed lamps. Through more than four decades of political and economic uncertainty, Fase produced high-quality lighting for both the domestic and international markets. Production eventually ceased in the early 1990s.
If you want to delve deeper into the history of Fase, there are many books and articles we can recommend. Among them, “Fase, the Book” by Óscar Jiménez Serrano and Juan Luis Gómez Frieiro stands out.
FASE 520-C lamp produced between 1960 and 1969
What makes them so appealing?
So why are we drawn to design icons such as the Falux, Presidente and Boomerang? And what does it really mean when a design is described as “timeless”?
Timeless design is often characterised by simplicity and minimalism. It avoids excessive ornamentation and unnecessary complexity, instead focusing on essential elements with a clear purpose. Timeless designs also rely on balance and proportion, ensuring that each component works harmoniously with the others to create a visually pleasing whole.
A closer look
FASE Boomerang 2000 Lamp in White & Silver 1968-1979
Take the Fase Boomerang 2000, for example. Standing almost 40 cm tall and weighing 7 kg, it is a substantial and remarkably heavy desk lamp. Yet it doesn’t look that way. Through an intelligent combination of materials, balance and form, the Fase Boomerang 2000 appears almost weightless, as if it were defying gravity.
A cleverly engineered ball-joint connection between the lamp’s arm and shade allows the head to rotate freely. The glass diffuser produces a soft, constantly changing light. All the qualities associated with timeless design are present: simplicity and minimalism, balance and proportion. The lamp has a sleek, streamlined design, defined by clean lines and a minimalist silhouette.
This iconic piece brings form and function together seamlessly, while its mid-century modern character remains just as relevant today. Crafted with precision, its distinctive boomerang-shaped frame adds a touch of retro elegance to any interior.
Whether placed in an office, living room or another part of the home, it is certain to become a focal point.
Should you buy a Fase lamp?
Ultimately, the decision to buy a vintage desk lamp comes down to what you value most in your home. If you’re looking for something distinctive and out of the ordinary, a Fase lamp deserves a place on your list. Not only can it provide years of enjoyment, but its value may also continue to rise now that production has ceased.
Ten years ago, a Fase lamp in good condition could be purchased for around $200. Today, prices average around $600, while lamps in excellent or “as new” condition can command as much as $2,000.
Investing in a Fase lamp is about more than simply acquiring a vintage object. It means owning a piece of design history, a conversation starter and a reflection of an appreciation for timeless aesthetics. With their enduring appeal and functionality, Fase lamps are an investment that can illuminate not only your space, but also your appreciation for exceptional design.
Fase lamps, timeless masterpieces
