by Elena Banfi.
They have their feet firmly planted on the ground but their stem bows to illuminate special corners (not only) of the living area. It is thus, in balance between strength and elegance, that arc lamps create poetic islands of light.
Since 1962, the year of birth of the first arc lamp (timeless icon), this type of lighting has spread its charm. It is the typical charm of curved and soft lines, those that embrace, contain, protect. The gentle and bent stem supports the light source and directs it towards a specific point, from a dining table that brings together loved ones to a sofa that holds dense chats, up to an armchair in which to get lost in the pages of a book or, again, a niche in which to isolate oneself from the rest of the world.
Its main feature? An elegant silhouette with clever features: it is adjustable and height-adjustable, it is versatile and functional. Today it is available in various models, sculptural and scenographic suitable for larger spaces, or minimal and contained, perfect for enhancing smaller sizes. All, without distinction, are timeless pieces of design with a sinuous and slender body, capable of furnishing every corner with an unparalleled aesthetic strength.
1 – ULTRA SLIM
Thin and graceful, Virgola by Egoluce is an adjustable and dimmable lamp. It has an aluminum body, opaline polycarbonate diffuser and flat metal base. Despite the maxi arch of 2.20 metres, the overall dimensions are small and it is very light. The LED light source, comfortable and widespread, is an eco-sustainable choice, saving and quality of light. Finishes in white, black or sand.
Virgola by Egoluce, design Lux Studio, 170x35xH220 cm, from €869 – egoluce.com
2 – NUDE LOOK
The Ribbon lamp by Morosini is the meeting between modern style and tradition, the fruit of Italian know-how in fabric processing. Silk fabric ribbons (in ivory, white, black or mocha), wrapped by hand around a satin nickel structure, available in matt white or black, create a unique visual play, veiling the blown glass diffuser.
Ribbon by Morosini, design Andrea Lazzari, 196x60xH213 cm, from €1,843.42 – morosini.lighting
3 – ELEGANT LIGHTNESS
New for 2024, it already promises sparks: designed for both internal and external use, Vea by Arteminde plays with the balance of the V-shaped base that slides along the rod, allowing it to tilt from a vertical position up to 30 degrees thanks to a skilful study of balance and support. So the light goes up or down as you want.
Vea by Artemide, design Foster + Partners Industrial Design, 73.4×62.9xH350/450 cm – price on order – artemide.com
4 – ORIENTAL MOOD
Circe by Cantori is a floor lamp with a flat round base. From here a long arched stem starts, which leads to a hat with a vaguely oriental flavor with a direct lighting source. The anthracite iron finish and strong lines make it an ideal presence in modern environments.
Circe by Cantori, design Luca Roccadadria, 167x50xH215 cm, €1,960 – cantori.it
5 – INIMITABLE TIMELESS
Arco is an icon in its own right and impossible not to mention. Designed in 1962 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, it is elegant and functional: it has a floor lamp in Carrara or black marble which gives stability to the thin polished stainless steel arch. The light source is adjustable in height and inclination to adapt to every need and space.
Arco by Flos, design Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 220x32xH240 cm, €2,620 | phoyo Studio Casali Courtesy A. Castiglioni Foundation – flos.com
6 – ESSENTIAL CHIC
The Fox lamp by Nemo sublimates essential aesthetics and pure functionality. The very thin adjustable arch in matt black painted steel allows wide movements, making it dynamic but minimalist, an important yet discreet presence. The cylindrical spot allows you to direct the light (warm and diffused) as you wish.
Fox by Nemo, design Bernhard Osann, 180x28xH225 cm, from €815 – nemolighting.com
7 – MINIMAL WEAVING
Flexiled fl by Contardi is a reading lamp in two versions. “Steel” has a flexible arm covered with a woven steel mesh. “Leather” has a flexible stem and arm (60 or 90 cm) covered in ivory, dark brown or black leather. The LED dissipation level is high, which guarantees standard temperatures even after 24 hours of uninterrupted use.
Flexiled fl by Contardi, design King & Roselli, 60/90X37xH203 cm, for the leather finish €1,079.70 – contardi-italia.it
8 – CONTEMPORARY TUBULAR
A linear and minimal design defines the Lia lamp by Ceccotti Collezioni, which has turned 12 but which confirms itself as a timeless piece. In burnished or brushed brass, with a tubular structure, it expresses light (LED) according to a geometric concept of maximum lightness.
Lia by Ceccotti Collezioni, design Todd Bracher, 140x75xH166 cm, €4,400 – ceccotticollezioni.it
9 – FALLEN FROM THE SKY
In brass sheet, Skyfall by Antonangeli is worked by master craftsmen according to the ancient art of hand beating. This execution makes the surface of the reflective disk precious, in contrast with the deep black of the opaque structure. Linear and geometric, it does not curve to form a soft arch but decisive right angles.
Skyfall by Antonangeli, design Gianfranco Marabese, 130x28xH180 cm, from 1,348 – antonangeli.it
10 – TO AMAZE
Filo by Italamp is not a floor lamp but an arch on the ceiling or wall: a long curved metal stem originates from a circular rosette, with a matt black or brushed light gold finish. It is also a conceptual project, expressed by the minimalism of a blown glass sphere and a simple thread that keeps it in balance.
Filo by Italamp, design Defne Koz + Marco Susani, ceiling 195x35xH110 cm, wall 110x35xH195 cm, matt black €970, brushed light gold €1,099 – italamp.com
11 – HANGING BY A THREAD
Light as a suspension and practical as a floor lamp, Koinè by Luceplan has a carbon stem, cylindrical steel counterweight and foot dimmer. The stem is fixed to the ceiling using a thin rope, while the lampshade is suspended from one end of the structure by the electric cable which, running along the stem, connects it to the counterweight placed on the ground. Simply brilliant.
Koinè terra by Luceplan, Mandalaki design, 218x55x250H cm, €1,190 – luceplan.com
12 – CHARMANT LANTERN
Fanus Floor by Paolo Castelli reinterprets the concept of the lantern and plays with contrasts. The structure is in black painted metal with a circular brass detail, the base is in travertine while the natural leather supports the lighting body. This, in ribbed glass, is wrapped in a lampshade in natural fabric or Murano glass.
Fanus Floor by Paolo Castelli, design Paolo Castelli, 196x40xH240 cm, from €12,875 – paolocastelli.com
On the cover, the famous Arco lamp by Flos designed in 1962.
