Ettore Sottsass custom floor lamp pedestals for Brionvega shop, Milan

03Italian Postmodern floor lamps by Ettore Sottsass

This rare set of custom floor lamps was designed by Ettore Sottsass as a special commission for the Brionvega shop in Milan during the 1970s. Originally conceived as pedestals to showcase Brionvega radios, these colorful light columns combine Sottsass’s architectural rigor with his characteristic bold use of color.

Sculptural design and unique application

Each lamp is structured as a rectangular column with lacquered wood panels in vibrant contrasting colors, enclosing a central vertical fluorescent tube. When lit, the lamps emit a warm, atmospheric glow, accentuating the geometry of their colored surfaces. Their strong architectural silhouette made them ideal as display pedestals, but they equally serve as standalone lighting sculptures for interiors that embrace Postmodern or radical Italian design.

Historical and material context

Designed in the 1970s, these lamps represent Sottsass’s collaborations with Italian industry and his experimental approach to furniture and lighting. The commission for Brionvega—the legendary electronics brand known for avant-garde radios and televisions—underscores the designer’s cross-disciplinary impact. As one-off custom works, these pieces are exceptionally rare, predating Sottsass’s later Memphis years while foreshadowing his interest in bold chromatic compositions and geometric abstraction. Today, they stand as important collector’s items in the field of Italian radical design.

Details & Dimensions

Designer: Ettore Sottsass
Manufacturer: Custom work for Brionvega shop, Milan
Place of Origin: Italy
Date of Manufacture: 1970s
In style: Postmodern / Radical Italian Design
Materials & Techniques: Lacquered wood, fluorescent tube light
Condition: Good vintage condition, wear consistent with age and use

Dimensions (each lamp):
Height: 103 cm
Width: 25 cm
Depth: 25 cm

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