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 Modern Flush Mount Attributed to Fontana Arte, Italy circa 1950
By Fontana Arte
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Mid-Century Modern square flush mount, manufactured by Fontana Arte in lacquered metal and pressed glass. The lamp consists of 3 pieces of glass screwed i...
Glass
Modernist Italian Wall Light or Flush Mount ITSO Stilnovo, circa 1950
By Stilnovo
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Beautiful and unique Modernist Flush Mount or Sconce. This is manufactured in brass, pressed glass and aluminum and holds 2 e14 bulbs. We have not been able to attribute it to any ...
Brass
Large Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Large sized Mid-Century Modern fourteen-light flush mount or sconce, in "Ice Glass" and lacquered metal by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, circa 1960s. Presents some minor paint flakesin th...
Art Glass
4 Mid-Century Modern Flush Mounts or Sconces by Valenti, Italy, circa 1960
Located in Merida, Yucatan
4 Mid-Century Modern Flush Mounts or sconces by Valenti made in Italy circa 1960 and produced in blown glass and brass. Both still retain their papel labels. Each holds two e14 bulbs...
Brass
1960s Sergio Mazza 'Sigma' Wall or Ceiling Light for Artemide
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Three Mid-Century Modern wall or ceiling lights designed by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, circa 1960s, executed in nickelled brass and pressed glass.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sconce designed by Barovier Toso, Italy, circa 1940
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Mid-Century Modern wall light by Barovier & Toso in Murano glass and brass, Italy, circa 1940.
Brass
1 of 2 Round Mid-Century Flush Mount, 1960s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant ceiling lamp from the 1960s, in the style of Italian manufacturer Stilnovo, is a true mid-century modern masterpiece. It features a beautifully shaped acrylic glass diff...
Metal
Midcentury Acrylic Glass Flushmount in the Style of Stilnovo, 1960s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Triangle flushmount made in Italy in the 1960s. It is fascinating with its acrylic glass, which is typical for the brand. The light requires two E27 light bulbs.
Aluminum
1950 Stilnovo Lamp Italian Design Flush Mount
By Stilnovo
Located in Brescia, IT
White frosted glass shade and enamel metal frame. Chrome metal details. Excellent condiction Yellow Stilnovo label Perfect working order.
Metal
1950 Stilnovo Midcentury Design Italiano Lampada Soffitto Plafoniera
By Stilnovo
Located in Brescia, IT
Plafoniera Stilnovo, Milano Italy, 1950 Lampada a 4 luci Metallo verniciato nero Profili in acciaio Diffusore in vetro Etichetta Stilnovo a decalcomania Due piccole mancanze a due ...
Metal, Steel
Flush Mount by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Flush Mount by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960s This flush mount ceiling light by Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 1960s, reflects the manufacturer's enduring belief in glass as the primary mat...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount by Dominici, Brazil, 1960s
By Dominici
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large bubble glass flush mount by Dominici, 1960s. A heavily textured glass diffuser with 'bubbles' of varying sizes is mounted on a dark grey-metallic aluminum base.
Aluminum
