Bent Karlby is known widely today as one of Denmark's most productive and versatile lighting designers of the 20th century. Karlby came to lighting design late in his career and started his collaboration with LYFA in the 1940s which lasted almost four decades. Karlby is well-known for his soft glow, natural hues and organic shapes. The Danish designer created several luminaires with clear geometry and simple functionality.
Karlby moved away from organic shapes and more towards geometric shapes such as cones and cylinders along with bright colours. Bent Karlby never employed staff in his studio, unlike many of his contemporaries. He wanted things done his way and was known for not compromising on work ethics.