In 1950, French designer Jean-Louis Domecq (JLD or Jieldé in French) grew tired of looking for reliable lamps to use in his workshop, so he designed and made an articulated standard lamp himself.

In 1953 he formed the JIELDE company and put the lamps into production. By 1961 the standard light had become popular in design practices, and Domecq then launched the Loft Collection for domestic use to a wider public, and the Signal Collection, which are smaller versions of the Standard.

The original designs are still in production in 16 vibrant colours, chrome or brushed steel.