The Atollo is a timeless classic

What makes the Atollo lamp a design icon?

Atollo 233 Table Lamp in Black

In the world of design, certain creations stand out not only for their beauty but for their ability to reshape our understanding of everyday objects. The Atollo lamp, designed by the visionary Italian industrial designer and architect Vico Magistretti in 1977, is undeniably one of those iconic pieces. With its distinctive geometric form and unparalleled blend of functionality and aesthetics, the Atollo lamp has rightfully earned its place as a timeless classic.

Various sizes of the Atollo Opal Table Lamp in a living room setting

The Atollo's inception marked a revolutionary shift in the concept of the abat-jour — the quintessential shaded table light. Its innovative design reimagined the archetypal table lamp, challenging the conventional norms and introducing a new era of modern lighting. The lamp's transformative impact was recognized in 1979 when it was awarded the prestigious Compasso d’Oro, the world's oldest institutional design recognition.

Various sizes of the Atollo in Black and Opal, highlighting various details in a space

Today, the Atollo lamp graces a myriad of spaces around the world. From lavish hotels to private residences and revered design museums like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Museum Für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg, the Atollo's versatility has earned it a place of honour. Its presence in such diverse settings reflects its universal appeal and enduring relevance.

The heart of the Atollo's appeal lies in its minimalist yet striking design philosophy. Magistretti's inspiration was drawn from his love for geometric shapes and modern materials. The lamp's composition is an exquisite example of how simplicity can be the ultimate form of sophistication. Comprising three solid geometric shapes — a cylinder, a cone, and a dome — the Atollo transcends its function as a mere luminaire and transforms into an abstract sculptural masterpiece.

Vico Magistretti’s initial sketches of the Atollo, from Fondazione Vico Magistretti

The conical structure at the core of the Atollo seamlessly connects the cylindrical base and supports the spherical dome. This harmonious integration creates an illusion of weightlessness, as if the dome is elegantly suspended in air. Magistretti's genius is evident in the way he perfectly balanced these three distinct shapes to achieve a design that feels complete and undeniably iconic.

The Atollo collection in various finishes and sizes.

The Atollo stands as a testament to Vico Magistretti's pursuit of design perfection. Every element is thoughtfully considered, resulting in a creation that requires no addition or subtraction. Available in various sizes and finishes including white, black, satin bronze, satin gold metal, and the newly introduced satin black nickel, the Atollo is not just a source of light but a statement piece that adds an aura of sophistication to any space.

The Atollo in the new Satin Black Nickel finish

It’s no surprise that this sleek lighting piece is a top choice in our offices. Our COO Bobby Buchkowsky calls it his ‘all-time favourite’, and Sales Executive Karin K adds, “It’s the original mushroom lamp that started a revolution.”

Ready to acquire a piece of design history? The Atollo and other lighting designs by Vico Magistretti are available through LightForm.

About the Designer

Born to a family of builders and architects in 1920 Milan, Vico Magistretti started as an urban designer, collaborating with Italian humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. One of Magistretti's first projects was the "poetic" round church in the experimental Milan neighbourhood of QT8, where architects and designers were given free reign to reimagine and rebuild postwar Italy. In the 1950s, Magistretti moved into the world of furniture and lighting. Working with manufacturers like Artimede, Cassina, Kartell, and Oluce, he created a number of award-winning designs that are still beloved to this day.

Discover more iconic lighting designs here.