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.
Stilnovo Midcentury Brass and Glass Chandelier, 1950s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This mid-century modern ceiling lamp from the renowned Italian manufacturer Stinero, dating back to the 1950s, is a masterpiece of timeless elegance. The lamp features an oval-shaped...
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo Midcentury Brass and Glass Chandelier, 1950s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This mid-century modern ceiling lamp from the renowned Italian manufacturer Stinero, dating back to the 1950s, is a masterpiece of timeless elegance. The lamp features an oval-shaped...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Acrylic and Opaline Glass Ceiling Lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant Italian ceiling lamp by Stilnovo from the 1960s is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. The centerpiece is a beautifully crafted opaline glass shade, further...
Metal, Brass
Chrome and Opal Glass Pendant Lamp by P.G. Crippa for Lumi, Italy, 1960s
By Lumi, Pia Guidetti Crippa
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant Italian ceiling lamp by Pia Guidetti Crippa for Lumi from the 1960s is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. The centerpiece is a beautifully crafted opaline ...
Metal
Brass and Opaline Glass Pendant Lamp attr. to Arredoluce, 1950s, Italy
By Arredoluce
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass and opaline glass pendant lamp attributed to Arredoluce, Italy, 1950s. This elegant mid-century ceiling light combines a slim brass suspension rod with a black wire cage struct...
Metal, Brass
Glass Pendant Lamp by Doria, 1960s, Germany
By Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A stunning glass hanging lamp made in Germany in the 1970s. This elegant light fixture features exquisite Murano glass, known for its superior quality and craftsmanship. The glass is...
Aluminum
Stilnovo Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp, Brass & Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Berlin, DE
Pendant lamp with a brass frame and a two-piece glass shade, one of which is coloured. Made by Stilnovo in Italy around 1950. A striking mid-century design with timeless appeal.
Brass
1950s Italian Glass Pendant Attributed to Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s Italian glass pendant attributed to Stilnovo. Executed in opaline matte glass, brass and black painted metal. This scu...
Metal
Stilnovo model 622 pendant lamp Italy 1959
By Stilnovo
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare model 622 ceiling pendant by Stilnovo, Italy 1959. This extremely rare and oversized ceiling pendant model 622 is a striking example of late 1950s Italian lighting design, conce...
Aluminum
Stilnovo Adjustable Pendant Light Model 1140 in Aluminum & Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Stilnovo adjustable pendant or suspension ceiling light model 1140, in white enameled aluminum, brass and acid-etched glass, Italy, 1960s. This modernist pendant light features a sh...
Aluminum, Brass, Wire
Stilnovo Pendant Model 1135 Stilnovo, Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Vigevano, PV
Stinovo A pendant lamp, model "1135," 1950s. lacquered aluminium "Triplex Opal" frosted glass, with Stilnovo label
Brass
Pendant lamp by Pia Guidetti Crippa for Lumi, Italy 1960s
By Pia Guidetti Crippa, Lumi
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful designer pendant lamp made in Italy. Designed by Pia Guidetti Grippa in the 1960s and produced by LUMI Milano in the following years. P...
Metal
