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Made by Vitra
Designed by Jean Prouvé
Jean Prouvé designed the Potence in the 1940s as a study in reduction. A single pivoting arm, a cord dimmer, a bare bulb. Nothing added that does not serve a purpose.
The construction speaks directly to Prouvé's background as a metalworker and engineer. Powder-coated tubular steel forms the long swing arm, while an oakwood handle introduces a quiet warmth at the point of contact. The lamp rotates freely on its wall mount, allowing precise direction of light without mechanical complexity.
- Powder-coated tubular steel swing arm
- Oakwood handle at pivot point
- Cord dimmer control
- Pivoting wall mount for adjustable positioning
- Includes light bulb
Vitra has stewarded the Potence in close collaboration with the Prouvé estate, preserving the proportions and materiality of the original. It remains one of the most cited examples of mid-century functional design, as relevant in a working studio as in a considered residential interior.
Typically ships in 12-14 weeks.
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Potence Wall Lamp
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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 Potence in the 1940s. Prouvé was a self-taught metalworker and architect whose work consistently prioritized structural honesty and industrial fabrication over decorative form.
What materials is the Potence wall lamp made from?
The lamp is constructed from powder-coated tubular steel for the swing arm and base, with an oakwood handle at the pivot point. The combination of metal and wood is characteristic of Prouvé's material sensibility.
How does the Potence lamp adjust and how is it controlled?
The arm pivots on a wall-mounted bracket, allowing the light to be directed horizontally. Brightness is controlled via a cord dimmer integrated into the lamp's cable.
Is the Vitra Potence an authentic reissue?
Vitra produces the Potence under license and in collaboration with the Prouvé estate, adhering to the original dimensions and construction methods. It is considered the authorized contemporary edition of this design.
What kind of spaces is the Potence wall lamp suited for?
The Potence works well in spaces where both function and visual restraint are priorities, including reading corners, home studios, and architecture-forward interiors. Its long arm and pivoting mount make it particularly effective as focused task lighting.
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