Vitra Wall Lamp Petite Potence
Vitra Wall Lamp Petite Potence

Petite Potence

$1,590

Made by Vitra

Designed by Jean Prouvé

Jean Prouvé conceived the original Potence in the 1940s for his family home in Nancy, reducing the wall lamp to its absolute essentials: a pivoting steel bar, a tensioning wire, and a bulb. Nothing more was needed. The design carried the same conviction as his furniture and architecture, where structural logic and visual restraint arrive at the same place.

Vitra's Petite Potence preserves those proportions in a compact format suited to tighter spaces. The 103 cm swing arm rotates freely, directing light where the moment calls for it. A powder-coated finish in colors drawn directly from Prouvé's original palette connects each lamp to its mid-century origins. The textile-sheathed cable and dimmable LED bulb bring the design into contemporary use without disturbing its character.

  • Pivoting steel swing arm, 103 cm
  • Powder-coated finish in Prouvé-original colorways
  • High-quality textile cable casing
  • Dimmable LED bulb included
Size
Size: Japanese Red

Typically ships in 12-14 weeks.

Pairs well with

Product Details

Details
  • Material: powder-coated tubular steel, oakwood handle, cord dimmer, 1 bulb included.
  • Socket: E27
  • Light Source: Porcelain II, LED Globe 80 mm
  • Dimmability: dimmer
  • Kelvin: 2700 K (warm white)
  • Max. watt: 12 W
Measurements

H × W × L

11 × 1.50 × 41 in.
300 × 3.5 × 104 cm.

  • Steel
  • Glass
Shipping & Returns

Please refer to our shipping and return & exchange policy.

Warranty

Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Vitra. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Potence wall lamp and when?

Jean Prouvé designed the original Potence in the 1940s for his own home in Nancy, France. It reflects his broader philosophy of structural honesty, where the mechanics of a design are never concealed.

What is the difference between Potence and Petite Potence?

Petite Potence shares the same proportional language as the larger Potence but has a more compact swing arm at 103 cm, making it well suited to smaller rooms, reading nooks, and tighter wall configurations. The larger Potence also features a handle to assist with pivoting.

What colors is the Petite Potence available in?

The powder-coat colors are derived from the original hues used by Prouvé in his mid-century work. Vitra offers several colorways that remain faithful to that historical palette.

Is the Petite Potence compatible with dimmer switches?

Yes. The lamp ships with a dimmable LED bulb, though compatibility depends on the dimmer switch type installed. Consulting an electrician before installation is recommended to ensure proper pairing.

How is the Petite Potence mounted to the wall?

The lamp mounts to a wall-fixed bracket, with the steel tension wire stabilizing the arm from above. Professional installation is advised, particularly to ensure the wall substrate can support the mounting hardware securely.

Brand & Designer

Vitra
Wooden Dolls

Vitra

Vitra is a Swiss contemporary design and furniture brand, founded in 1950 by Willi and Erika Fehlbaum in Birsfelden, Switzerland.
Jean Prouvé
Lampe De Bureau

Jean Prouvé

A French designer and constructeur celebrated for structural clarity, industrial logic, and timeless furniture shaped by function, rigor, and innovation.