K831 Swivel-Shade Pendant Lamp by Midgard

K831 Swivel-Shade Pendant Lamp by Midgard — a 1930s-born pendant whose shade turns on a Bakelite dome, so you steer the light.

Made in Germany by Midgard, the company that invented adjustable light.

The Design Story

Light that moves with you: that was Curt Fischer’s idea when he patented the first adjustable electric lamp in 1919 and named his company Midgard. Within a few years Gropius had specified his lamps for the new Bauhaus in Dessau, and Breuer, Albers and Moholy-Nagy worked under them. A century on, the same family of lamps is built in Germany on the original tooling.

Why You’ll Love It

The K831 is the rare pendant you actually touch. Nudge the shade and the light follows, across the table, onto the newspaper, away from someone’s eyes. The Bakelite dome and the rotary switch feel wonderfully mechanical, and seven finishes let it go from a rustic kitchen to a sleek studio.

Made for Real Life

An electrician wires it in once; after that it is all fingertips. Its desk-bound relatives are TYP 113 Bauhaus Clamp Lamp by Curt Fischer for Midgard and 555 Modular Articulating Wall Lamp by Curt Fischer for Midgard. Lamp off and cool, then a dry microfibre cloth. A barely damp cloth with mild soap lifts marks on enamel or powder coat; skip scouring pads and solvents, and keep water away from the electrics.

Product Details

Where It Shines

Over a dining table, an island, a desk or a bedside.

Questions We Hear Most

Where does the K831 design come from?

From a rare 1930s Midgard draft, re-edited by Einsiedler & Rasch in 2014.

What is the K831’s dome made of?

Molded Bakelite, with the rotary switch built into it.

Are the K831 enamel shades white inside?

Yes: the enamelled versions have a white interior for a brighter, cleaner reflection.

What size is the K831 in centimetres?

About 24 cm tall and 18 cm across, on a 3 m black textile cable.

Can I mix K831 finishes over one table? (our styling advice)

Yes, and it works well: three in a row, in green, anthracite and pearl white enamel, look deliberate rather than random.

Does the K831 need a wall switch?

No. You can switch it at the lamp with the rotary switch, or wire it to a wall switch.

For the Trade

Specifying task lighting for a studio, a library or a hospitality project? Members of the LoftModern Trade Program (interior designers, architects, contractors, builders, home stagers and commercial buyers) receive trade pricing, up to 20% off retail on eligible brands, plus round-the-clock concierge support for stock checks and lead times. Apply once with your business details; we reply by email with your account.

Why We Love It

Pendant lights usually stare straight down. This one listens.

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