Though Bruno Gatta founded Stilnovo way back in 1946, it is still one of the most instantly recognizable names in lighting. Gatta (1904–76) began his business in Milan, and, like many European creatives designing furniture and decor in the wake of World War II, he leaned toward the new wave of mass-market and streamlined styles. In fact, Stilnovo loosely translates to “new style” in Italian, and vintage Stilnovo chandeliers, floor lamps and other lighting have endured as a practical choice for those looking to bring innovative and forward-thinking design into their homes.
Soon after Stilnovo was established, Gatta’s lighting fixtures were applauded throughout Europe for their novel industrial materials as well as their unique yet functional shapes. Italy during the mid-20th century was completely revolutionary, and Bruno Gatta and Stilnovo’s head designer, Angelo Gaetano Sciolari, helped shape the era.
When the 1960s arrived, Stilnovo was experiencing such a boom that the company opened a new production plant in Lainate. One of the brand’s most famous pieces, Giovanni Luigi Gorgoni’s quirky 1965 Buonanotte spherical table lamp, became a best seller.
Gatta partnered with some of the most well-known names in design, including Ettore Sottsass, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Joe Colombo and Gae Aulenti. Sottsass’s pieces for Stilnovo, including the 1977 Valigia four-legged table lamp, the 1968 Lampros chandelier and Manifesto ceiling light, and the Castiglionis’ 1957 Saliscendi pendant light fixtures are some of the brand’s most recognizable to date. In 1978, De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi designed the Fante lamp with an adjustable reflector that playfully recalls a broad-brimmed hat.
Stilnovo’s designs, including Danilo and Corrado Aroldi’s flexible Periscope table lamp, were featured in the 1972 exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Art. While Stilnovo continued to operate with new designer collaborations after Gatta’s death, it closed its doors in 1988.
Italian art director Massimo Anselmi acquired the company in 2012 and rereleased several of Stilnovo’s most celebrated pieces. Then in 2019, lighting giant Linea Light Group purchased Stilnovo and relaunched its classic designs with contemporary touches like LED lighting systems.
Find vintage Stilnovo chandeliers and pendants, wall lights, table lamps and other fixtures and furniture on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant Italian ceiling lamp by Stilnovo from the 1960s is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. The centerpiece is a beautifully crafted opaline glass shade, accente...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant Italian ceiling lamp from the 1960s is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. The centerpiece is a beautifully crafted opaline glass shade, accented by a sleek...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Brass and Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This exquisite pendant lamp, designed by Stilnovo in the 1960s, is a remarkable example of Italian mid-century modern design. Crafted from high-quality brass and opaline glass, it pe...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Brass and Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This Stilnovo ceiling lamp from the 1960s is a finely balanced example of Italian mid-century lighting, defined by its disciplined geometry and understated elegance. Combining brass ...
Brass
Mid-Century Teak and Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Elevate your space with the sculptural elegance of this Mid-Century ceiling lamp from 1960s Italy, masterfully combining teak wood, opal glass, and brass detailing. A quintessential ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Brass and Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This exquisite pendant lamp, designed by Stilnovo in the 1960s, is a remarkable example of Italian mid-century modern design. Crafted from high-quality brass and opaline glass, it pe...
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo Mid-Century Modern Opaline Glass Pendant Light, Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Brussel, BE
Beautiful Italian suspended light in opaline glass, black painted metal and brass, minimalist and mid-century, designed by Stilnovo in the 1950’s. Designed by : Stilnovo Design per...
Metal
Opaline Glass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ceiling lamp in opaline glass and brass details, with elliptical geometry.
Brass
Stilnovo Opal Glass, Brass and Metal Pendant Light, Italy 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century pendant light in opal glass, brass, and black enameled perforated metal. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was designed by Stilnovo and produced in Italy ...
Metal, Brass, Iron
1950s Italian Glass Pendant Attributed to Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s Italian glass pendant attributed to Stilnovo. Executed in opaline matte glass, brass and black painted metal. This scu...
Metal
Stilnovo ceiling pendant in opaline glass and brass, Italy circa 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stilnovo ceiling pendant Designed and made in Italy, 1960s Opaline glass, textured glass diffuser. Brass with beautiful patina. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. Takes one medi...
Brass
Glass Ceiling Lamp by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Peill & Putzler, 1954
By Peill & Putzler, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Design by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Peill & Putzler, Du¨ren, Germany 1954. 1x E27 socket. Measures: Total height 110cm. Diameter 24cm. The Peill and Sohn Glassworks in Düren, ...
Brass
