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.
Italian mid-century modern chandelier Tetraclio by Mazza for Artemide, 1960s
By Artemide, Sergio Mazza
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern chandelier Tetraclio by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, 1960s Tetraclio chandelier with four spherical opaline glass diffusers and a nickel-plated brass frame. ...
Brass
Italian mid-century Chandelier Omega by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Chandelier Omega by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s Chandelier mod. Omega with round base lampshade and internal sphere diffuser of smaller diameter, ...
Metal
Italian mid-century modern Chandelier in molded glass, brass and metal, 1950s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Chandelier in molded glass, brass and metal, 1950s Chandelier with spherical diffuser in molded glass with decorative grooves, which has underneath hole wi...
Metal, Brass
Italian Mid-Century Nictea Chandelier by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Nictea chandelier by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s Chandelier model Nictea in nickel-plated brass with pressed glass at the bottom. The glass and t...
Metal, Nickel
Italian mid-century gold Chandelier Splugen Brau by Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern gold metal Chandelier Splugen Brau by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s Chandelier mod. Splugen Brau with rounded shape. The turned la...
Metal
Italian mid-century modern chandelier in brass and white metal, 1950s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern chandelier in brass and white metal, 1950s Twelve-arm chandelier in brass rod with decorative spheres and white painted metal details. The bulb holder is m...
Metal, Brass
