Acrilica Table Lamp by Joe Colombo and Oluce (1962)

 

A Mid-Century Design Classic in Transparent Acrylic

The Acrilica table lamp, originally designed in 1962 by Joe Colombo in collaboration with his brother Gianni Colombo, remains one of the most innovative lighting designs of the 20th century. Produced by Oluce, one of Italy’s oldest design lighting manufacturers, the lamp is notable for its groundbreaking use of acrylic and its minimalist yet sculptural form.

A Vision in Acrylic

This lamp isn’t just a lighting fixture—it’s an experiment in material and light. Featuring a clear, C-shaped acrylic body that arcs gracefully from a black metal base, the Acrilica lamp captures and bends light through its transparent form, creating an elegant glow that seems to rise through the material itself. The effect is often compared to optical fiber, as the lamp uses the thermoplastic and light-conductive properties of PMMA (acrylic) to produce soft, ambient illumination.

Its smooth curves and clear materials give it a futuristic aesthetic, while its construction embodies the design experimentation of the 1960s. It's a subtle but striking piece, ideal for modern interiors and collectors of vintage or mid-century modern design.

Design Origins and Recognition

The Acrilica lamp was conceived during a hotel project in Sardinia where Joe Colombo explored unconventional forms of indirect lighting. The result was a sculptural piece that channeled light through a single curved element—offering both artistic beauty and technical innovation.

• Awarded the Medaglia d’Oro (Gold Medal) at the XIII Triennale di Milano

• Included in the 1962 Oluce catalog

• Frequently exhibited in design museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York

Joe Colombo’s body of work has had a lasting influence on industrial design, with pieces like Spider, Combi-Center, and Mini-Kitchen cementing his reputation as a master of modern Italian design.

Materials and Dimensions

• Material: Transparent PMMA (acrylic) and black-painted metal

• Lighting: Indirect light via internal reflection

• Dimensions: Approximately 9.25" x 9.5" x 9" (23.5 x 24.1 x 22.9 cm)

The lamp's ability to function as both a light source and a sculptural object makes it suitable for use on desks, side tables, or as a conversation-starting focal point in contemporary interiors.

Design Legacy

More than sixty years after its debut, the Acrilica lamp continues to be a favorite among architects, designers, and design collectors. Its combination of material innovation, artistic vision, and functional lighting makes it an enduring symbol of the golden era of Italian design.

Whether you're exploring modernist lighting history or looking for design inspiration for a contemporary space, the Acrilica table lamp offers a brilliant example of form and function beautifully intertwined.