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.
Stilnovo Midcentury Brass and Glass Chandelier, 1950s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This mid-century modern ceiling lamp from the renowned Italian manufacturer Stinero, dating back to the 1950s, is a masterpiece of timeless elegance. The lamp features an oval-shaped...
Metal, Brass
Italian Midcentury Brass and Glass Chandelier, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A Sputnik chandelier made in Italy in the 1950s. It is fascinating with its unique saucer shape and wonderful glass elements. The light requires 3 E14 light bulbs above the glass ...
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo Midcentury Metal and Glass Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant ceiling light features a softly rounded, opaque glass shade that emits a warm and inviting glow, perfect for creating a cozy ambiance in any room. The minimalist design ...
Metal
Italian Midcentury Brass and Glass Chandelier, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A Sputnik chandelier made in Italy in the 1950s. It is fascinating with its unique saucer shape and wonderful brass elements. The light requires 3 E27 (US E26) light bulbs under t...
Metal, Brass
Exceptional Brass and Glass Chandelier by Stilnovo, 1960s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This exceptional Mid-Century Italian Chandelier by Stilnovo, crafted in the 1950s, is a quintessential example of the company's innovative and elegant design language. The fixture fe...
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 Pendant Lamp, Brass & Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Berlin, DE
Pendant lamp with a brass frame and a two-piece glass shade, one of which is coloured. Made by Stilnovo in Italy around 1950. A striking mid-century design with timeless appeal.
Brass
Stilnovo Italian White Glass and Brass Pendant Lamp, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern design Stilnovo pendant lamp model 1104, eliptical white satin glass diffuser and brass stem, 1950s Please note that the lamp is original of the period an...
Brass
Stilnovo Chandelier Brass Opaline Glass, 1950, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Milano, IT
Stilnovo chandelier brass opaline glass, 1950, Italy.
Brass
Stilnovo Mid-Century Chandelier in glass and brass, Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare Mid-Century Stilnovo chandelier in glass and brass, Italy, 1960s
Brass
Large 1950s Glass and Brass Suspension Light Attributed to Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 1950s glass and brass suspension light attributed to Stilnovo. A quintessentially 1950s Italian design executed in sculptural shaped opali...
Brass
Stilnovo Pendant Light Model 1140, Aluminum & Glass, Mid-Century Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Stilnovo adjustable pendant or suspension light model 1140 with white enameled aluminum shade suspending textured glass dome shade with brass fittings and suspended from its original...
Aluminum, Brass, Wire
