Imaginative lighting is a longtime hallmark of modern Italian design. Following in the footsteps of innovative companies such as Artemide and Arteluce, the company FLOS brought a fresh aesthetic philosophy to the Italian lighting field in the 1960s, one that would produce several of the iconic floor lamp, table lamp and pendant light designs of the era.
FLOS — Latin for “flower” — was founded in the northern town of Merano in 1962 by Cesare Cassina (of the famed Cassina furniture-making family) and Dino Gavina, a highly cultured businessman who believed that artistic ideas espoused in postwar Italy could inform commercial design. The two enlisted brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni as their first designers.
Even before FLOS was formally incorporated, the Castiglionis gave the firm one of its enduring successes with the Taraxacum pendant and associated designs made by spraying an elastic polymer on a metal armature. (George Nelson had pioneered the technique in the United States in the early 1950s.) For other designs, the brothers found inspiration in everyday objects. Suggestive of streetlights, their Arco floor lamp, with its chrome boom and ball-shaped shade sweeping out from a marble block base, has become a staple of modernist decors. Designing for FLOS since 1966, Tobia Scarpa has also been inspired by the commonplace. His folded-metal Foglio sconces resemble a shirt cuff; his carved marble Biagio table lamp looks like a jai alai basket.
In 1973, FLOS purchased Arteluce, the company founded in 1939 by Gino Sarfatti, and it continues to produce his designs. In recent decades, FLOS has contracted work from several noted designers, including Marcel Wanders and Jasper Morrison. As instantly recognizable as they are, many FLOS designs remain accessible. While FLOS lighting is the essence of modernity, its sleek, subtle designs can be used to strike a sculptural note in even traditional spaces.
Browse a broad range of FLOS lighting fixtures at 1stDibs.
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
FLOS Romeo Outdoor C3 Light in Panama by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Part of the Romeo family by artist Philippe Starck, the Romeo Outdoor C3 moves the eye upwards with a balanced refinement. The outer diffuser is made by weaving colored PVC tube comp...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
FLOS Romeo Outdoor C3 Light in Green Wall by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Part of the Romeo family by artist Philippe Starck, the Romeo Outdoor C3 moves the eye upwards with a balanced refinement. The outer diffuser is made by weaving colored PVC tube comp...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
FLOS Romeo 36" Outdoor C3 Light in Green Wall by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Part of the Romeo family by artist Philippe Starck, the Romeo Outdoor C3 moves the eye upwards with a balanced refinement. The outer diffuser is made by weaving colored PVC tube comp...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
FLOS Romeo Outdoor C3 Light in Panama by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Part of the Romeo family by artist Philippe Starck, the Romeo Outdoor C3 moves the eye upwards with a balanced refinement. The outer diffuser is made by weaving colored PVC tube comp...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Nictea Pendant by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Berlin, DE
The Nictea pendant is composed of two rounded sections, seamlessly connected by carefully integrated metal components that are central to its design. Light gently passes through the ...
Brass, Chrome
Nuvola Cocoon Chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1962
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Step into the captivating world of Italian Mid-Century Modern design with the Nuvola cocoon chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1962. This light sus...
Plastic
Angle Indoor/Outdoor Wet-Rated Sconce/Light
By Atelier de Troupe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Angle is a sculptural wall light in cast aluminum. A sweeping arc of light is carved into the face of the fixture bringing balance to its Brutalist form. The casting is finished to a smooth texture and is available in satin aluminum, bronze or matte black finish, and is wet rated...
Silver Plate, Aluminum
$625Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in Dm 23.63 in
Philippe Starck In/Outdoor Round White Tulip Bar Tables "DR.NA" for Driade
By Eero Saarinen, Philippe Starck, Kartell, Knoll
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Introducing the Philippe Starck In/Outdoor Round White Tulip Bar Tables "DR.NA" for Driade, a stunning fusion of contemporary design and functional ver...
Metal, Steel
$8,880
H 13.78 in Dm 51.19 in
Italian modern linen and metal chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern linen and metal chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s Chandelier or pendant lamp model Celestia, with a shade in draped linen fabric in natural color, cream white...
Metal
$3,316
H 25.99 in W 13.78 in D 17.72 in
Abatina table lamp designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1980s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, the ‘Abatina’ table lamp is a true celebration of the elegance and excellence that defined Italian design in the 1980s. This sophisticat...
Metal
$1,452Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 114.57 in Dm 30.32 in
Khan Suspension Lamp in Crystal by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Many different styles, from 18th century eclecticism to contemporary minimalism, come together in Philippe Starck’s KHAN chandelier to create a new icon of elegance and modernity. The symbolism of the design is complemented by the technological innovation of Kartell’s new...
Plastic
"Nuvola" Pendant Light by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Iconic "Nuvola" Pendant Light by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy.
Resin
"Nuvola" Pendant Light by Tobia Scarpa for flos, Italy.
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
"Nuvola" Pendant Light by Tobia Scarpa for flos, Italy.
Resin
Lonian Twist Outdoor Stool by Myface in Modern Fiberglass Design
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Lonian Twist - Outdoor stool The Lonian stool embodies the timeless elegance of Greek architecture, reimagined with modern precision. Its sculptural sh...
Marble, Stainless Steel
Durable Green Outdoor Fabric with Waterproof Properties
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Pillow Big I Modern outdoor pillow made with Subrella Fabrics. The pillow's customizable design allows you to choose from a range of premium fabrics and colors to create the perfec...
Fabric
$4,677 / set
H 18.12 in Dm 8.67 in
Pair of Bilobo Glass Pendant for Flos by Afra & Tobia Scarpa Italy 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Berlin, DE
The Bilobo model is defined by the tension between its softly contoured glass volume and the restrained geometry of its anodized aluminum fitting. The semi-opaque glass shade has an...
Blown Glass
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age.
Aluminum
Sold
H 26.78 in Dm 36.62 in
"Taraxacum 2" Pendant Light by Achille & Piergiacomo Castiglioni, Flos, 1960
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An original, vintage and in excellent condition ''Taraxacum 2'' cocoon suspension lamp designed in the 1960 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and man...
Metal
Sold
H 19.69 in Dm 26.38 in
Taraxacum Pendant Light by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos, Italy, 1960
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An original, vintage and in excellent condition ''Taraxacum'' cocoon suspension lamp designed in the 1960 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and manufactured by Flos in the same...
Metal
Vintage Ivory Cocoon 1960s Pendant by Castiglioni Bros for Flos
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This pendant lamps named Viscontea, designed by Castiglioni Brothers in the early 1960s and produced by Flos. The chandelier remains in pretty good overall condition: the yellowing o...
Metallic Thread
Sold
H 26.78 in Dm 36.62 in
"Taraxacum Pendant Light by Achille & Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos, Italy, 1960
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An original, vintage and in excellent condition ''Taraxacum 2'' cocoon suspension lamp designed in the 1960 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and man...
Metal
Vintage Ivory Cocoon 1960s Pendant by Castiglioni Brothers for Flos
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This pendant lamps named Viscontea, designed by Castiglioni Brothers in the early 1960s and produced by Flos. It remains in very good vintage con...
Metallic Thread