Oluce at 80: A Legacy of Italian Design Excellence

For eight decades, Oluce has been at the forefront of Italian lighting design, crafting timeless pieces that continue to shape the industry. Founded in 1945 by Giuseppe Ostuni, Oluce is the oldest Italian design company still operating in the lighting sector. Its commitment to innovation, aesthetics, and technological advancements has solidified its reputation as an industry leader. As we celebrate Oluce’s 80th anniversary, we reflect on its journey, its contributions to design, and its enduring impact on the architectural and interior design communities.

The Foundations of an Icon

The 387 model designed by Tito Agnoli is the oldest item in Oluce’s current catalogue

Oluce’s ascent in the design world began in 1951 at the IX Triennale, where it gained international recognition through Domus magazine. The company quickly became a force in the industry, receiving multiple nominations at the Compasso d’Oro awards, including the iconic 255/387 “Agnoli” lamp by Tito Agnoli, which introduced a minimalist approach to floor lamps and reflected the shift away from traditional lampshades. These early successes set the tone for Oluce’s future as a pioneer in lighting design.

The Masters Behind the Vision

The 281 Acrilica, created in 1962, was Joe Colombo‘s first project for Oluce, the only one worked on together with his brother Gianni before he decided to focus on art.

Oluce’s collaborations with legendary designers have been instrumental in shaping its identity. Joe Colombo’s groundbreaking designs, such as the 281 “Acrilica” table lamp (1962) and the revolutionary “Spider” series (1965), established new design paradigms. The “Coupé” lamp (1967), now housed in MoMA’s permanent collection, remains a testament to Colombo’s visionary approach.

The Spider lamps by Joe Colombo

Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo with a Spider table lamp in the 1960s

Joe Colombo’s Coupé light is part of the permanent collection at both the MoMA in New York and the Neue Sammlung Museum in Munich.

In the 1970s, Vico Magistretti, another design luminary, left an indelible mark as the brand’s creative director and designer, with his Atollo lamp becoming one of the most recognizable silhouettes in modern lighting.

The Atollo was first designed in 1977 by Vico Magistretti, and won the Compasso d’Oro in 1979.

The legendary Vico Magistretti with one of the most iconic lighting designs in the world, the Atollo

Read more about why the Atollo series of lights is a design icon.

Embracing Through Innovation

As Oluce transitioned into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it continued to evolve its design language, blending heritage with forward-thinking creativity. The brand’s contemporary collections showcase a harmony of modern materials, bold geometries, and refined finishes. Through ongoing collaborations with designers such as Nicola Gallizia, Victor Vasilev, and Christophe Pillet, Oluce brings fresh perspectives to its timeless aesthetic. The launch of Bespoke Tailoring in 2015 — a customization service tailored to the contract market — further highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and adaptability in a dynamic design landscape.

Celebrating 80 Years of Timeless Design

Oluce’s 80th anniversary is more than a milestone — it is a celebration of design excellence, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. For architects and designers, Oluce’s lighting solutions continue to be an essential part of shaping sophisticated interiors. As we look to the future, we can be certain that Oluce will continue to illuminate the world with its enduring design legacy.

Explore more of Oluce’s original lighting designs, available at LightForm.