Tolomeo Wall Lamps

The Tolomeo lamp was designed through the collaboration of Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina, the head of the research and development department at Artemide. In 1989, it won the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award. Since then, the Tolomeo series has gained global popularity, praised for its simple lines and clever design. It is often referred to as a timeless classic. This specific model is a rare pendant light version of the Tolomeo series, which beautifully showcases its iconic arm design. It’s perfect for situations where you frequently need to adjust the light’s position. You can easily move the pendant lamp to any height or angle you desire by simply holding the adjustment handle near the lamp head. Plus, you can choose from different colors and materials for the lampshade, with the light passing through soft parchment or fabric, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere.

The Artemide Tolomeo is probably the most frequently featured lamp in films and TV shows. It appears in House M.D., 007: Skyfall, Good Will Hunting, and Julieta, among others. This lamp is the ultimate choice for stylish office spaces. What convinced me to buy one was seeing it in a scene from Ready Player One two years ago—classic silver Tolomeo lamps filled the office desks in the movie. I didn’t need a desk lamp at the time, so I bought the floor-standing reading lamp instead.

This lamp was created in 1987, at the beginning of a technological boom. Back then, the Memphis style was trendy, but designers Giancarlo Fassina and Michele De Lucchi offered a completely different option, far from the bright and eccentric Memphis style. They brought industrial design into everyday office life, and it’s no exaggeration to say they set a new standard for modern Italian design.

The lamp has a simple conical lampshade, adjustable arms, and exposed joints. Although the design looks simple, it’s thoughtfully engineered. The lamp head can rotate 360 degrees, the brightness is easily adjustable, and the visible wires along the lamp’s frame conceal springs that allow the lamp to be pulled to any angle or height. I placed it next to my reading chair, and it smoothly adjusts to any height or angle, making it the perfect reading lamp. Its comfort and ease of use make it unbeatable for reading.