This iconic piece of Italian design is undoubtedly one of the most atmospheric lamps, able to transform its expressive capacity along with the surrounding space through a simple rotary movement that evokes the motion of celestial bodies. It's said that Vico Magistretti designed this table lamp inspired by the lanterns in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. However, its slightly space-age form rejects any vernacular formalism and, especially, any moral reference to the relationship between light and darkness typical of the French master, opting instead for a fascination with pure geometric shapes.

Geometry is also the reason for its functional performance: two concentric spherical lampshades, one inner and rotating, allow it to partially or fully shade the light from the bulb. Awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1967, it remains in production and is part of design museum collections worldwide. Few changes have been made to the original design—only a small knob was added to facilitate the rotation of the shade, and the metal finishing process now reduces emissions and solvent usage.

What does a lamp look like, and how can it take on a changing form? Livio Castiglioni and Gianfranco Frattini offer a pop-inspired answer to these questions. To imagine this linear lamp, the inspiration came from a PVC vacuum cleaner tube. Metal rings add to its durability, while 25 bulbs spread over two meters light up the tube.

Its modular nature allows it to be extended, connecting up to four Boalum units. Domus described it as “a snake of infinite light,” but unlike a snake, Boalum invites interaction, allowing users to shape it to their habits or whims. In production from 1970 to 1983, it has been updated to use LED lighting.

One of Richard Sapper’s masterpieces, awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1979, Tizio’s design is a pure expression of technical elegance.

A timeless lamp, unassuming yet perfectly fitting in any environment, Tolomeo was designed by Michele De Lucchi as a personal reinterpretation of the 1933 Naska Loris table lamp, featuring visible springs. Production engineer Giancarlo Fassina played a key role in its technical development. Like Tizio, Tolomeo is a movable lamp: its articulated arm, with an internal spring balance, allows for flexible positioning of the satin aluminum diffuser.

Awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1989, it became one of the greatest Italian design bestsellers. Within a year of its launch, over 500,000 units were sold. The Tolomeo family has since expanded with wall, suspension, and outdoor versions, including a maxi model.

“I started with the idea of freezing a moment that feels like the air flowing over a thin sheet,” said Ross Lovegrove about Cosmic Angel. A chandelier that evolves from a poetic inspiration to a biomorphic yet highly technological aesthetic, suitable for the new millennium’s futuristic style.

The design features two lighting elements—smooth, cast-aluminum stones suspended by metal wires that direct light onto a large opal methacrylate diffuser. Its textured surface creates a changing, hypnotic effect through light reflections.

What if light not only illuminated but also contributed to well-being? There’s a humanist, as well as engineering, awareness behind this lamp designed by Carlotta de Bevilacqua, embodying the spirit of Artemide's Metamorfosi research project of the 1990s. Using three dichroic spotlights and a careful study of color's cognitive effects, Yang can produce 16 million color variations, including white, adapting to emotional preferences.

Its design exposes the innovation behind it, showcasing the technical elements through transparent methacrylate. The six aluminum feet allow for adjustment, further tailoring the light to the user's needs. A remote control offers 10 pre-programmed light settings, with the option to store favorites.

The head, which rotates 360 degrees to direct light where needed, has a magnetic connection separating electrical components from the mechanical system. Available in versions for suspension, wall mounting, floor, table, and spot use.

The head, which rotates 360 degrees to direct light where needed, has a magnetic connection separating electrical components from the mechanical system. Available in versions for suspension, wall mounting, floor, table, and spot use.

Famous is the phrase in which Bruno Munari, upon visiting a hosiery factory, suggested they start making lamps. “We don’t make lamps,” they replied, to which he responded, “You’ll see, you will.” The rest is history: a flexible stocking tube is fitted with seven rings of varying diameters. Gravity works its magic, resulting in an extendable, sculptural lamp inspired by bamboo after Munari’s trip to Japan.

A democratic lamp, in part due to its commercial accessibility, Falkland demonstrates how simplicity, seemingly trivial in form, is actually the result of an incredibly complex design synthesis. Launched by Danese in 1964, it became part of Artemide's catalog in 2014.