Decorating
10 Times the Classic Arco Floor Lamp Has Made a Room
Light your home with this iconic creation that’s more akin to abstract art than electrical appliance
Designed by Milanese brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962, the Arco floor lamp has become a contemporary classic. With a polished aluminium domed shade and Carrara marble base, the light is both heavy and tall, and its telescopic arm adjusts to provide the perfect arc. The lamp’s elegant, minimalist design, which makes it suitable for so many interior styles, is surely the source of its enduring appeal. Here are 10 examples of the Arco in action.
Ditch the dull desk space
For an unusual alternative to a desk lamp – perhaps if surface space is at a premium – the Arco comes into its own. Here, the lamp is positioned in front of woodland-themed wallpaper for a juxtaposition of naturalistic and futuristic elements.
Inside another midcentury classic: tour some of the interiors at London’s iconic Barbican
For an unusual alternative to a desk lamp – perhaps if surface space is at a premium – the Arco comes into its own. Here, the lamp is positioned in front of woodland-themed wallpaper for a juxtaposition of naturalistic and futuristic elements.
Inside another midcentury classic: tour some of the interiors at London’s iconic Barbican
Up the fun factor
This lively kitchen/living/dining space is a family zone with a generous sofa for adults to keep an eye on children playing in the garden. The Arco lamp blends seamlessly with a flurry of paper pompoms (and a disco ball) leftover from a birthday celebration.
This lively kitchen/living/dining space is a family zone with a generous sofa for adults to keep an eye on children playing in the garden. The Arco lamp blends seamlessly with a flurry of paper pompoms (and a disco ball) leftover from a birthday celebration.
Team with texture
The Arco lamp is an excellent counter to a heavily textured scheme. Where there’s a lot going on, it fades into the background, providing quiet balance.
The Arco lamp is an excellent counter to a heavily textured scheme. Where there’s a lot going on, it fades into the background, providing quiet balance.
Find the sweet spot
Proving this statement lamp can do soft and subtle, a pale grey and white bedroom provides the perfect canvas. This curvy, inviting sofa across from the bed feels luxurious and inviting, while the Arco’s sweeping height makes it a suitable ceiling light replacement.
Proving this statement lamp can do soft and subtle, a pale grey and white bedroom provides the perfect canvas. This curvy, inviting sofa across from the bed feels luxurious and inviting, while the Arco’s sweeping height makes it a suitable ceiling light replacement.
Pair with muted metallics
The polished aluminium shade of the Arco sits easily alongside the hardware and appliances in this contemporary kitchen-diner. Colourful accents prevent the nearly neutral scheme from becoming sterile.
The polished aluminium shade of the Arco sits easily alongside the hardware and appliances in this contemporary kitchen-diner. Colourful accents prevent the nearly neutral scheme from becoming sterile.
Just add art
Holding its own against oversized art and a hypnotically patterned rug, the Arco is at home among statement interiors without either overwhelming or getting lost in the space.
Holding its own against oversized art and a hypnotically patterned rug, the Arco is at home among statement interiors without either overwhelming or getting lost in the space.
Pick and mix
This colourful dining room is all about contradictions; minimal Eames chairs on a colourful kilim; white walls against warm wood; rough and smooth textures combined. The Arco lamp slots into the mix, feeling neither totally modern nor tellingly traditional.
This colourful dining room is all about contradictions; minimal Eames chairs on a colourful kilim; white walls against warm wood; rough and smooth textures combined. The Arco lamp slots into the mix, feeling neither totally modern nor tellingly traditional.
Scale up
Exposed brick walls and visible steel supports introduce an industrial feel in this light-filled living space. The height of the Arco lamp ensures suitable scale for the double-height room, providing a central light where it would be difficult to hang a pendant.
Exposed brick walls and visible steel supports introduce an industrial feel in this light-filled living space. The height of the Arco lamp ensures suitable scale for the double-height room, providing a central light where it would be difficult to hang a pendant.
Embrace other eras
Midcentury modern and Victorian styles collide to create low-key luxe in this spruce living room. When combined with ceiling spots, the lamp ensures a soft pool of light over the sofa for evening cosiness.
Do you own a design classic lamp? Tell us which one – and where you’ve put it – in the Comments below.
Midcentury modern and Victorian styles collide to create low-key luxe in this spruce living room. When combined with ceiling spots, the lamp ensures a soft pool of light over the sofa for evening cosiness.
Do you own a design classic lamp? Tell us which one – and where you’ve put it – in the Comments below.
When used in a room flooded with light, the Arco lamp almost disappears, its metallic orb floating above the coffee table.
Positioning is important with this piece – the base must be tucked away to the side of a space, allowing the arm enough room to arc over attractively.
Tour a retro cool wood and white kitchen