Floor lamp

Item number: 250873Category: Lighting
Information
A rare height-adjustable floor lamp produced in Italy during the 1950s, featuring a combination of brass, white Carrara marble, and a large conical fabric lampshade. The design is characterized by its slender architectural construction, asymmetrical silhouette, and restrained use of materials. A vertical cylindrical brass column supports an extended, angled arm, from which the broad lampshade is suspended. The composition reflects the experimental approach to lighting design that developed in Italy during the postwar period, combining functional adjustability with geometric simplicity.

The lamp stands on a circular base of white Carrara marble, displaying natural grey veining and subtle variations in tone. The substantial stone base provides stability and a visual counterweight to the projecting arm. Rising from the marble is a cylindrical brass column with a warm golden surface and an aged patina. A narrower brass rod extends vertically from the column before bending into a long, slightly descending horizontal arm. This construction allows the height to be adjusted from 144 to 210 cm, providing flexibility in the positioning of the light source.

The large lampshade has a shallow conical profile with a flattened upper opening and a broad circular lower edge measuring 55 cm in diameter. Its exterior is covered in a natural beige textile with a visible woven texture, while the interior has a light-colored lining designed to reflect and distribute illumination downward. The shade is connected to the end of the brass arm through a compact metal fitting. Its wide proportions create a substantial illuminated area, making the lamp suitable for positioning beside seating arrangements, tables, or other areas requiring directed ambient lighting.

The construction reflects the material experimentation and technical developments associated with Italian mid-century lighting design. During the 1950s, Italian designers increasingly explored the relationship between industrially manufactured metal components, natural stone, and traditional textile materials. Brass was frequently employed for its structural properties and decorative finish, while marble provided weight, durability, and a contrasting surface. The combination of a slender adjustable support and an oversized shade demonstrates the period’s interest in balancing mechanical functionality with carefully controlled proportions.

The lamp belongs to the broader tradition of Italian modernist lighting that developed during the postwar economic expansion. This period saw significant developments in domestic lighting, with designers and manufacturers introducing adjustable floor lamps intended to accommodate changing interior arrangements and different lighting requirements. The extended arm allows the light source to be positioned away from the base, while the conical shade directs illumination primarily downward. The designer and manufacturer of this particular lamp have not been identified.

The lamp remains in good vintage condition, with visible signs of age and use consistent with its production period. The brass has developed a distinctive patina, including areas of darkening, oxidation, and surface wear that reveal variations in its golden finish. The Carrara marble base retains its natural grey veining, with minor surface marks. The beige fabric shade shows subtle discoloration and small marks associated with age.

Dimensions: Adjustable height 144–210 cm (56.7–82.7 inches). Lampshade diameter 55 cm (21.7 inches).

Product Details
Dimensions (cm)
Shade: ⌀: 55
Min: H: 144
Max: H: 210
ColorBeige
Decade1950s
CountryItaly
StyleMid Century
MaterialBrass, Marble
Designed in1950s
Item Number250873
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Disclaimer
All our fixtures are original items and are sold as vintage items, which means that signs of age and use such as patina, scratches or minor variations in finish may occur. These characteristics are a natural part of the object’s history and value.
All lamps are visually inspected and carefully documented with photos in both studio and illuminated conditions. Electrical components are original unless otherwise stated. We always recommend that a qualified electrician review or update the electrical installation in accordance with applicable electrical safety standards in your country.
Color tones and materials may vary slightly depending on the screen or lighting when photographing. Dimensions are approximate.
If you have any questions or requests for more information, you are always welcome to contact us before purchasing.