Instantly recognizable by their long slender armatures and domed, ovoid shades, the best-known floor lamps and other lighting fixtures of Serge Mouille have become emblems of the organic design of the mid-20th century. Along with Jean Prouvé, Mathieu Matégot and others, Mouille brought a fresh, modern aesthetic to metalwork, one of the most tradition-bound mediums in the decorative arts.
Mouille (pronounced: MWEE) was born to a working Parisian family. At age 15, he took up studies in the metalworking atelier of that École des Arts Appliqués, under the tutelage of the goldsmith and sculptor Gabriel Lacroix. After graduating, in 1941, Mouille worked in Lacroix’s studio and began teaching at his alma mater four years later.
In the early 1950s, bothered by the preponderance of new Italian lamps and chandeliers on the market and consumed with the belief that fixtures by Gino Sarfatti and others were unnecessarily complex, Mouille opened a lighting-design workshop. He quickly won commissions from several French schools and libraries. In 1956, the influential Paris gallerist Steph Simon — who also promoted Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand and Isamu Noguchi — began to show Mouille designs, introducing his work to private collectors. Mouille would continue making handcrafted lighting fixtures at a slow but steady pace until 1964, when he stopped working to begin a long course of treatment for tuberculosis. When it was completed, Mouille returned to teaching at the École des Arts Appliqués for the remainder of his career.
With the biomorphic shades and long armatures of his fixtures, Mouille created one of the most engaging and idiosyncratic lighting aesthetics of his time. Though often described as “insect-like,” his pieces have more in common with the fluid, buoyant forms in the paintings of Jean Arp. (Mouille designed several cylindrical or columnar lamps; though highly collectible, those are interesting outliers in his body of work.)
As with Prouvé’s folded metal forms and Matégot’s perforated steel, Mouille brought a novel lightness and energy to metal furnishings. Since Mouille’s designs found renewed popularity in the early 2000s, licensed re-editions of his pieces are being produced. The disparity in price between vintage and current-day Mouille pieces is great. Older works — identification tip: the interior white reflective enameling has a yellowish cast — cost $20,000 to $40,000, and newer pieces go for 10 to 20 percent less than that. As you will see on these pages, Serge Mouille created icons of 20th century design — at once sleek, suave and friendly — that belong in any modern decor.
Find vintage Serge Mouille table lamps, chandeliers and other lighting on 1stDibs.
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in Black - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to various room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and tilt, ...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in Black - IN STOCK!.
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to various room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and tilt, ...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 2 Arms in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Simple and unique, this ceiling lamp has two symmetrical curved arms that are fixed, with shades that can be rotated to any position. An elegant lamp with a small footprint that give...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille Pendant ceiling Lamp Two Still Arms known as "Plafonnier 2 arms"
By Serge Mouille
Located in London, GB
Licensed edition from Serge Mouille’s original design After the resounding success of the ceiling light with three arms Mouille produced a very small batch of this ceiling lamp with...
Brass
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in Black - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and t...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in White or Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and t...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 2 Arms in White or Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Simple and unique this ceiling lamp has two symmetrical curved arms which are fixed, with shades that can be rotated to any position. An elegant lamp with a small footprint that give...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Serge Mouille - Black or White Spider Ceiling Lamp with 3 Arms
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A slight angle at the end of each arm allows this classic design to be equally at home on the ceiling. With rotating heads on fixed arms, its beauty only rivals the versatility. Ava...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Large Serge Mouille 'Escargot' Ceiling Lamp
By Editions Serge Mouille, Serge Mouille
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Serge Mouille 'Escargot' ceiling lamp. Originally designed in 1955, this iconic lamp is still made by Editions Serge Mouille in France using many of the original small-scale ...
Brass, Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 6 Rotating Arms in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Impressively large, this six-arm ceiling lamp is a Mouille classic. Tilting and rotating heads with 31- and 54-inch arms make this fixture a truly spectacular statement in a large ro...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in White or Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and t...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Library Ceiling Lamp in Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Originally designed to illuminate bookshelves in a library, this unique lamp may also light works of art or highlight a particular area in a room. The pivoting lampshade works well alone or in group installations. Custom drop lengths upon approval. Available in black or white with brass fittings. COLOR OPTION Available in Black or White FEATURES Shade rotates and swivels CUSTOMIZATION Dimension of pendant required when placing an order.. Pendant = from the ceiling to the tip of the shade. SWITCH OPTIONS The Library Ceiling...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - White or Black Spider Ceiling Lamp with 3 Arms
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A slight angle at the end of each arm allows this classic design to be equally at home on the ceiling. With rotating heads on fixed arms, the versatility is only rivaled by its beaut...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Serge Mouille Mid-Century Modern White Three Fixed Arms Spider Ceiling Lamp
By Serge Mouille
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wall ceiling lamp model 'Three Fixed Arms Spider Ceiling Lamp' designed by Serge Mouille in 1952. Manufactured by Editions Serge Mouille in France. The production of lamps, wall lig...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Serge Mouille - Spider Ceiling Lamp with 5 Falling Arms in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
As inspired as it is impressive, this new chandelier departs significantly from the original Spider ceiling lamp, with five fixed arms of different lengths dropping from the canopy b...
Metal, Aluminum
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in Black - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and t...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille Modern White Three Fixed Arms Spider Ceiling Sconce Lamp
By Serge Mouille, Editions Serge Mouille
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling sconce lamp model 'three fixed arms spider ceiling lamp' designed by Serge Mouille in 1955. Manufactured by Editions Serge Mouille in France. The production of lamps, wall l...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Rare Saturn Lights by Serge Mouille
By Serge Mouille
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Saturn lights for Serge Mouille. Manufactured in France, circa the 1970s. With adjustable shades, slender and curved enameled brass ceiling or wall lamps by Serge Mouille. Each ...
Brass
Serge Mouille - Black or White Ceiling Lamp with 2 Arms
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Simple and unique this ceiling lamp has two symmetrical curved arms which are fixed, with shades that can be rotated to any position. An elegant lamp with a small footprint that give...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Spider Ceiling Lamp with 5 Falling Arms in Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: A chandelier as inspired as it is impressive, this new design departs significantly from the original Spider ceiling lamp, with five fixed arms of different lengths dr...
Metal, Aluminum
Serge Mouille Ceiling Lamp 6 Rotating Arms in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in London, GB
As for all of the Serge Mouille lighting collection all reflector rotating by almost 260 degree. A major sculptural work by Serge Mouille.
Steel
Serge Mouille - Black Spider Ceiling Lamp with 5 Arms
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Elegance in form and function are hallmarks of a Serge Mouille lamp. This ceiling lamp with adjustable shades on five fixed arms is at once an old and practical design that works wel...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Black Ceiling Lamp with 6 Rotating Arms
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Impressively large, this six arm ceiling lamp is a Mouille classic. Tilting and rotating heads with rotating arms of 31 and 54 inches make this fixture a truly spectacular statement ...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Black or White Spider Ceiling Lamp with 5 Arms
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Elegance in form and function are hallmarks of a Serge Mouille lamp. This ceiling lamp with adjustable shades on five fixed arms is at once an old and practical design that works wel...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Two-Arm Ceiling Lamp in White - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Simple and unique, this ceiling lamp has two symmetrical, fixed curved arms and shades that can be rotated to any position. It is an elegant lamp with a small footprint that gives ch...
Aluminum, Steel, Brass
Serge Mouille curved Pendant Ceiling lamp "Bibliothèque" Editions Serge Mouille
By Serge Mouille
Located in London, GB
Indoor use and dry locations only/ US 60 w max E12 120 v 60 HZ Color available black or white.
Aluminum
Serge Mouille - Small Snail Ceiling Lamp in White - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A snail shell provides the inspiration for this lamp with its swirling cut out in the circular shade. Light projects downward through the opening while the shade causes light to refl...
Steel
Serge Mouille - Spider Ceiling Lamp with 5 Arms in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Elegance in form and function are hallmarks of a Serge Mouille lamp. This ceiling lamp with adjustable shades on five fixed arms is at once an old and practical design that works wel...
Steel, Aluminum
Floor lamp by Serge Mouille, 1st edition, 1953
By Serge Mouille
Located in bruxelles, BE
Floor lamp in black metal by Serge Mouille. This is the first edition made in 1953. Wear due to time and age.
Metal
Serge Mouille Ceiling Pendant Lamp 6 Rotating Arms in Black and White for Sognot
By Serge Mouille
Located in London, GB
This specific model in black and white was made by Serge Mouile at the request of Louis Sognot. For years Mouille resisted to paint his "Machine a eclair" in anything else but black....
Aluminum
Serge Mouille - Spider Ceiling Lamp 5 Falling Arms in Black 39" Drop
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: A chandelier as inspired as it is impressive, this new design departs significantly from the original Spider ceiling lamp, with five fixed arms of different lengths dro...
Metal, Aluminum
Serge Mouille - Spider Ceiling Lamp with 3 Arms in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A slight angle at the end of each arm allows this classic design to be equally at home on the ceiling. With rotating heads on fixed arms, the versatility is only rivaled by its beaut...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Serge Mouille - Spider Ceiling Lamp with 7 Arms in White or Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
This lamp with rotating heads on seven fixed arms is a statement as much as it is a ceiling lamp - one that will command the conversation. Available in white or black. Brass swivels...
Aluminum, Brass
Serge Mouille White Three Fixed Arms Spider Ceiling Lamp Re-Edition
By Serge Mouille
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wall ceiling lamp model 'Three Fixed Arms Spider Ceiling Lamp' designed by Serge Mouille in 1952. Manufactured by Editions Serge Mouille in France. The production of lamps, wall lig...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Serge Mouille - Black or White Spider Ceiling Lamp with Three Arms
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A slight angle at the end of each arm allows this classic design to be equally at home on the ceiling. With rotating heads on fixed arms, the versatility is only rivaled by its beaut...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Serge Mouille - Library Ceiling Lamp in White - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Originally designed to illuminate bookshelves in a library, this unique lamp may also light works of art or highlight a particular area in a room. The pivoting and tilting lamp shade...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille Mid-Century Modern Black Three Rotating Arms Ceiling Lamp
By Editions Serge Mouille, Serge Mouille
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model 'Three rotating arms ceiling lamp' designed by Serge Mouille in 1958. Manufactured by Editions Serge Mouille in France. The production of lamps, wall lights and f...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Serge Mouille Mid-Century Modern Black Three Rotating Arms Ceiling Lamp
By Serge Mouille, Editions Serge Mouille
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model 'Three rotating arms ceiling lamp' designed by Serge Mouille in 1958. Manufactured by Editions Serge Mouille in France. The production of lamps, wall lights and f...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Serge Mouille - Large Snail Ceiling Lamp in White or Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A snail shell inspires this lamp, with its swirling cutout in the circular shade. Light projects downward through the opening, while the shade reflects light from the ceiling. Custo...
Steel
Serge Mouille Mid-Century Modern White Three Rotating Arms Ceiling Lamp
By Editions Serge Mouille, Serge Mouille
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model 'Three Rotating Arms Ceiling Lamp' designed by Serge Mouille in 1958. Manufactured by Editions Serge Mouille in France. The production of lamps, wall lights and f...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Serge Mouille - Small Snail Ceiling Lamp in White - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A snail shell inspires this lamp, with its swirling cutout in the circular shade. Light projects downward through the opening, while the shade reflects light from the ceiling. Custo...
Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 6 Rotating Arms in Black - UL Listed!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Impressively large, this six-arm ceiling lamp is a Mouille classic. Its tilting and rotating heads, with rotating arms of 31 and 54 inches, make this fixture a spectacular statement ...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Medium Snail Ceiling Lamp in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A snail shell inspires this lamp, with its swirling cutout in the circular shade. Light projects downward through the opening, while the shade reflects light from the ceiling. Custo...
Steel
Serge Mouille - Library Ceiling Lamp in White - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Here is your chance to win a certified Serge Mouille Library Ceiling lamp. Its serial number is 14-0439. Made in 2014, it has been used as a display model; however, like all ceiling ...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in Black - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and t...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Library Ceiling Lamp in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Originally designed to illuminate bookshelves in a library, this unique lamp may also light works of art or highlight a particular area in a room. The pivoting lampshade works well a...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille Mid-Century Modern White Three Rotating Arms Ceiling Lamp
By Serge Mouille
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model 'three rotating arms ceiling lamp' designed by Serge Mouille in 1958. Manufactured by Editions Serge Mouille in France. The production of lamps, wall lights and f...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Serge Mouille - Spider Ceiling Lamp with 5 Arms in Black or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Elegance in form and function is a hallmark of a Serge Mouille lamp. This ceiling lamp, with adjustable shades on five fixed arms, is at once old and practical, working well as a pri...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 6 Rotating Arms in Black and White - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Impressively large, this six-arm ceiling lamp is a Mouille classic. Tilting and rotating heads with 31- and 54-inch arms make this fixture a truly spectacular statement in a large ro...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille Modern Black Three Fixed Arms Spider Ceiling Sconce Lamp
By Serge Mouille, Editions Serge Mouille
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling sconce lamp model 'Three Fixed Arms Spider Ceiling Lamp' designed by Serge Mouille in 1955. Manufactured by Editions Serge Mouille in France. The production of lamps, wall l...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Serge Mouille - Library Ceiling Lamp in White - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Originally designed to illuminate bookshelves in a library, this unique lamp may also light works of art or highlight a particular area in a room. The pivoting lampshade works well b...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Spider Ceiling Lamp 5 Falling Arms in Black 53" Drop - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: A chandelier as inspired as it is impressive, this new design departs significantly from the original Spider ceiling lamp. Five fixed arms of different lengths drop fro...
Metal, Aluminum
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in White or Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of varying lengths and heads that swivel and til...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 6 Rotating Arms in Black
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
Impressively large, this six arm ceiling lamp is a Mouille classic. Tilting and rotating heads with rotating arms of 31 and 54 inches make this fixture a truly spectacular statement ...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp 3 Rotating Arms - Back or White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and t...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille 'Escargot' Ceiling Lamp
By Serge Mouille, Editions Serge Mouille
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serge Mouille 'Escargot' ceiling lamp. Originally designed in 1955, this iconic lamp is still made by Editions Serge Mouille in France using many of the o...
Brass, Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Black Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms - IN STOCK!.
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to various room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and tilt, ...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Small Snail Ceiling Lamp in White
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
A snail shell provides the inspiration for this lamp with its swirling cut out in the circular shade. Light projects downward through the opening while the shade causes light to refl...
Steel
Serge Mouille - Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms in Black - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and t...
Aluminum, Steel
Serge Mouille - Black or White Ceiling Lamp with 3 Rotating Arms
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: Simple and elegant, this ceiling lamp makes a dramatic addition to a variety of room settings. With three rotating arms of differing lengths and heads that swivel and t...
Aluminum, Steel