Midgard K831 Adjustable Pendant Light

A pendant you can aim: the K831’s spun-metal shade swivels on its Bakelite dome to throw light exactly where the table needs it.

The K831 is Midgard’s re-edition, by Einsiedler & Rasch in 2014, of a rare 1930s draft. Its trick is simple and satisfying: the shade rotates on a molded Bakelite dome, so with the touch of a finger the beam swings toward the table, the counter or the reading chair. A rotary switch on the dome lets you turn it on at the lamp or from a wall switch. The shade is spun aluminum, in porcelain-enameled colors with a white interior, powder-coated black or cement grey, or left as natural aluminum. It hangs from 9.8 ft of black fabric cord with a matt black canopy, measures 9.4″ high by 7″ across and takes one E27 bulb up to 60 W. It is hardwired to the ceiling and hand assembled in Germany.

Specifications

• Brand: Midgard (Germany, founded 1919)
• Model: K831 pendant
• Design: Re-edition by Einsiedler & Rasch, 2014, of a rare 1930s draft
• Type: Pendant light with swiveling directional shade
• Finishes: Anthracite Enamelled, Black Matt Powder Coated, Black Enamelled, Green Enamelled, Cement Grey Powder Coated, Natural Aluminum, Pearl White Enamelled
• Shade: Spun aluminum: porcelain enameled color (white inside), powder coated, or uncoated natural aluminum
• Dome and switch: Molded Bakelite casing with rotary switch
• Dimensions: 9.4″ H × Ø 7″
• Weight: 2.5 lb
• Cord: Black fabric covered, 9.8 ft (3 m)
• Canopy: Matt black powder-coated steel
• Socket: E27, max 60 W
• Installation: Hardwired to a ceiling box with canopy
• Location: Indoor
• Made in: Germany, hand assembled
• Item numbers (MPN): MD-K831P-AN-E, MD-K831P-BK, MD-K831P-BK-E, MD-K831P-GR-E, MD-K831P-GY, MD-K831P-NA, MD-K831P-PW-E

Features

• Shade swivels on the Bakelite dome to direct the light
• Seven finishes: four enamels, two powder coats, natural aluminum
• Rotary switch on the lamp; also works from a wall switch
• 9.8 ft black fabric cord, matt black canopy
• E27 socket, max 60 W
• Hand assembled in Germany

Best for

Over a dining table, kitchen island or counter, desk or bedside, alone or in a row. Several K831s in mixed finishes make a playful line over a long table. More from Midgard: Midgard TYP 113 Bauhaus Clamp Lamp by Curt Fischer, Midgard Spring Balanced Floor Lamp, White, Midgard 555 Modular Wall Light by Curt Fischer.

Who this is not for

• Renters or anyone without an electrician: it is hardwired to a ceiling box.
• Bathrooms or outdoor spaces: it is an indoor fixture.
• Rooms that need broad, even ambient light from one fixture: the K831 is a focused, directional pendant.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led lighting since 2009, and few lamps carry as much design history as Midgard’s. Midgard was founded in 1919 by the engineer Curt Fischer, who received the world’s first patent for adjustable electric lighting. In 1926, when the Bauhaus moved into its new buildings in Dessau, Midgard lamps chosen by Walter Gropius went into the workshops, studios and Masters’ Houses. Its heritage designs are still made in Germany with original tools and long-standing suppliers.

Buy once: durability and care

Midgard lamps are built from steel, aluminum and Bakelite to last for decades. Switch off and let the shade cool, then dust with a soft, dry cloth. Enamel and powder coat can take a slightly damp cloth with a drop of mild soap; avoid abrasives and solvents, and keep moisture away from the socket and switch.

Frequently asked questions

Can I aim the K831 pendant’s light?

Yes. The shade rotates on the Bakelite dome, so you can direct the beam with a finger.

How is the K831 pendant installed?

It is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with its matt black canopy; have a licensed electrician install it.

What bulb does the Midgard K831 use?

One E27 bulb, maximum 60 W. In the US an E26 LED fits; a 2700K LED of 6–10 W gives warm, glare-free light (our advice).

How long is the K831’s cord?

It hangs from 9.8 ft (3 m) of black fabric-covered cord, which your electrician can shorten to the drop you want.

Which K831 finish should I choose? (our styling advice)

Natural aluminum and black enamel suit industrial and Bauhaus rooms; pearl white, green and anthracite enamel soften a kitchen or dining room; cement grey and matt black read quietly modern.

How high should I hang the K831 over a table? (our advice)

About 28–32″ above the tabletop is a good starting point for dining tables and islands.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Midgard and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and free catalogs and finish swatches. Applying takes about three minutes; our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day. Lighting a studio, office, restaurant or hotel? Contact us with models and quantities and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.