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.
Postmodern Italian Model Megaron Parete Wall Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Hamburg, DE
Minimalist wall lamp from the Italian manufacturer Artemide based on a design by Gianfranco Frattini from the late 70s. The wall lamp version of the well-known floor lamp from Artem...
Metal
Mid-Century V 317 Wall Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare wall light from Hans-Agne Jakobson from the early 60s. A minimalistic design was kept in white. The luminaire of this wall light consists of overlapping slats. The light is pri...
Metal
Mid-Century German Minimalist Wall Lamp from Cosack
Located in Hamburg, DE
Minimalist Mid Century wall light from cosack. A very straightforward and filigree design. The cuboid body made of painted metal sheet is open at the bottom. On the front and back si...
Metal
Vintage Italian Sintesi Table or Wall Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 70s
By Ernesto Gismondi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare table lamp from the Sintesi series by the Italian manufacturer Artemide and designed by Ernesto Gismondi. The lamp has the characteristic elements of the Sintesi series, the bl...
Metal
Mid-Century Space Age Danish Wall Lamp from Horn, 1960s
By Horn
Located in Hamburg, DE
Minimalist wall light from the Danish manufacturer Horn. This simple design impresses with its high functionality. The front is movably mounted so that the lighting effect can be co...
Metal
Mid-Century Space Age German Model W309 Wall Lamp from Staff, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Simple space age wall or ceiling lights from staff. The lamp primarily consists of a large aluminum cylinder that is open on one side. The cylinder sits at the end of a black shaft ...
Metal
Wall Sconce by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This light is a design by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo. This particular one is a single wall sconce of a chromed circle on a grey wall fixture. We have more lights available of this mo...
Chrome, Metal
Wall Lamp "Sistema Rio" Design Rodolfo Bonetto for Luci Italia, 1982
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Luci Italia
Located in taranto, IT
"Sistema Rio" model wall lamp, designed by rodolfo bonetto for Luci Milano Italia, 1982 made of aluminum and plastic, it can be mounted both vertically and horizontally, the light...
Aluminum
Stilnovo sculptural wall lamp made in Italy 1950
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This very rare and beautifully made wall lamp, designed by Bruno Gatta and manufactured by Stilnovo Italy around 1950, is an exquisite example of mid-century modern lighting. Finishe...
Aluminum
Vintage Registable Wall Lamp from Stilnovo, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Milano, IT
Wall lamp with rotating and swiveling screen that can be used either vertically or horizontally, such as above a mirror. rotating the screen controls the light beam, which increases ...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-century Metal Single Wall Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-century Metal Single Wall Lamp, 1960s, Italy Very elegant and Minimalist wall lamps. Lamp is in very good condition. These lamps works with E27 standard light bulbs.. Wired ...
Metal
Vintage wall lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Vintage wall light by Stilnovo made in Italy in the 1960s. Stilnovo manufacture from Italy, founded in 1946, is a beacon in post-World War II Italian design, left an indelible mark o...
Metal
