Admiration for the Arco Lamp: a timeless design icon revered by interior designers and style influencers
The Flos Arco floor lamp, a mid-century modern lighting icon designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962, continues to captivate homeowners and designers alike with its versatile design and timeless appeal.
This sleek and sculptural lighting piece, featuring a heavy Carrara marble base and a graceful sweeping steel arch, has been successfully incorporated into a myriad of interior styles, from ultra-modern to traditionally decorated homes.
In modern interiors, the Arco's minimalist form references industrial and mid-century aesthetics, seamlessly integrating with clean lines and contemporary furniture. In more traditional or eclectic settings, the Arco adds contrast through its minimalist form while complementing organic or crafted elements, creating a balance between classic solidity and modern elegance.
One such example is the Georgian farmhouse restored by Alison Brooks, where the Arco lamp stands proudly in the living area, deftly meshing together history with sleek modernity. The Arco lamp also thrives in the petite flat of Josephine Akvama Hoffmeyer in Copenhagen, and it dominates the pared-back living area of the late football icon George Best's home.
The Arco lamp's versatility extends beyond residential spaces, gracing slick office receptions, film sets, and stylish houses. Its height and volume free it from confinement by walls or windows, making it a striking focal point that enhances the space's openness and architectural complexity.
The Arco lamp's versatility is further demonstrated in its ability to adapt to different lighting needs. It can illuminate the centre of a room one moment and be a focused reading lamp the next, making it a practical and functional lighting solution that sits between an overhead ceiling pendant and a reading lamp.
Over the years, the Arco lamp has been featured in numerous issues of House & Garden, demonstrating its enduring appeal. Notably, Terence Conran, a renowned British designer, used an Arco lamp in his country house in Berkshire, which was photographed by Lord Snowdon for an issue of House & Garden in 1984. The room, with its mix of pieces from different eras, has aged well, thanks in part to the Arco lamp's ability to create a surprising harmony in traditionally decorated spaces.
In 2021, the Arco lamp was awarded RIBA House of the Year, further cementing its status as an iconic piece of furniture. With its versatile design and timeless appeal, it's no wonder that the Flos Arco lamp remains a beloved fixture in many homes and a testament to the power of good design that stands the test of time.
The Flos Arco floor lamp, with its versatile design and timeless appeal, is often incorporated into various interior design projects, bridging the gap between modern and traditional decor. This iconic piece, featured in numerous issues of House & Garden, has been seamlessly integrated into sleek modern interiors and more traditional spaces alike. Its ability to adapt to different lighting needs and serve as a practical lighting solution makes it a valuable fixture in both home-and-garden and lifestyle settings. Furthermore, its design complements contemporary furniture and various elements within a room, adding a touch of elegance and enriching the space's overall aesthetic.
