Inside the Design: The Sidnie Lamp

Some designs just feel destined to become classics. When the Schoolhouse design team first sketched out the Sidnie Lamp in 2014, they set out to create something that struck the perfect balance—fresh yet familiar, sculptural yet functional. A piece that could live effortlessly in different spaces while still making a statement.

Drawing from the bold, geometric forms of 1960s mushroom lamps, Sidnie embraces a playful approach to proportion. The design team experimented with paper cutouts, shifting shapes and components around until they landed on a composition that felt just right. The result? A lamp that’s as at home on a cozy nightstand as it is in pairs on a grand credenza.

Much like its form, Sidnie’s materiality is also a love letter to the 1960s. We chose steel—spun to a substantial gauge—to create a form that feels both sturdy and refined. The disk inside the shade isn’t just for looks either, it helps bounce light back up while seamlessly housing a switch with the loveliest, most satisfying click. Inside, we kept the shades white to maximize reflection from the two bulbs nestled within, creating a soft yet substantial glow. The solid steel base provides weight while keeping its footprint minimal, allowing more light to dance across the tabletop.

Later on, we introduced a moodier take—a two-tone version featuring a warm brass body and shade paired with a sleek black steel base. This finish deepened the ambiance, bringing a richer, more intimate glow. Instead of a painted interior, the brass was left bare, amplifying warmth and setting the perfect low-lit mood.

Over the past decade, Sidnie has proven its staying power—so much so that we couldn’t resist expanding its versatility. First came the glass shade edition, which softens the original’s directional light, allowing a warm, ambient glow to filter through. Then, we scaled things up with the Sidnie Floor Lamp, reimagining the proportions to stand tall next to a sofa, chair, or in the corner of a room. It brings the same timeless charm, just with a little extra presence. And because good design should move with you, we introduced the Sidnie Portable Lamp—a compact, rechargeable, and dimmable companion that lets you bring the glow anywhere (indoors or out).

So what makes Sidnie a timeless staple? The fact that it’s not tied to a single style. Sidnie seamlessly fits into spaces that lean traditional, modern, or eclectic. Whether you prefer a classic neutral or a bold color, Sidnie adapts to its surroundings—proof that great design isn’t just about how something looks in a space, but how it lives there, too.