Skygarden by Flos: A Contemporary Classic by Marcel Wanders

 

 

Flos has long been a name synonymous with innovation and design in modern lighting. Among its celebrated pieces, the Skygarden Suspension Lamp by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders stands out as a modern icon. Sculptural yet functional, this piece blends old-world charm with contemporary design in a way that feels both surprising and timeless.

Inspiration and Design

Wanders was inspired by an antique plaster ceiling he once had in his home. Rather than leaving this detail behind when moving, he found a way to preserve it—by incorporating its decorative motifs into a modern light fixture. The result is the Skygarden: a minimalist dome on the outside, with an intricately patterned bas-relief hidden inside. The lamp’s interior features floral and botanical motifs in plaster relief, offering a striking contrast to the lamp’s sleek, painted exterior.

The Skygarden is not just a light fixture; it’s a piece of modern design history that tells a story—making it ideal for both residential and commercial interiors looking for something poetic and bold.

 

Details at a Glance

• Designer: Marcel Wanders

• Manufacturer: Flos (Italy)

• Materials: Metal dome with chalk-white plaster interior

• Finishes: Gloss White, Gloss Black, Rust, or Gold

• Light Source: Direct downward light

• Interior Feature: Laser-cut bulb cover and ornamental relief
  
  Skygarden lamps are often seen in high-end residential interiors, galleries, and modern offices. They pair especially well with minimalist architecture or spaces where lighting serves as a focal point.

 

Design Highlights

• A hidden ornamental interior adds an unexpected classical touch

• Functions both as ambient lighting and artistic installation

• Available in multiple sizes and finishes

• Recognized internationally and included in major design collections

Whether suspended above a dining table or glowing softly in a hallway, Skygarden remains one of the most expressive pendant lamps available today. Its layered design invites closer inspection—and appreciation.

Other Noteworthy Flos Designs

In addition to the Skygarden, Flos is known for other influential designs like the Taccia Table Lamp by Achille Castiglioni. Originally introduced in the 1960s, Taccia plays with light and proportion in a unique way, turning a seemingly simple form into an architectural lighting statement.

Flos continues to be a favorite among architects and interior designers for its ability to combine technical excellence with emotional resonance in lighting design.

Design in Context: City Apartments and Modern Interiors

In modern home settings—from New York apartments overlooking Central Park to sleek lofts in Chicago—Skygarden serves as both a light source and a conversation piece. Its form and functionality work equally well in minimalist environments and richly layered spaces.

Photos often highlight the way this lamp interacts with its surroundings. Whether viewed during the day or glowing at night, the play of shadow and form reveals the artistic intention behind its creation.

The Skygarden Lamp in White pictured during daytime! 

Two Skygarden Lamps are suspended in the living room of this New York City apartment! 

Flos lighting, including the Skygarden and Taccia lamps, is available in the U.S. through Stardust, a curated source for modern design.

 

Final Thoughts

The Skygarden Suspension Lamp is a testament to how storytelling, craftsmanship, and contemporary design can merge into something truly timeless. With pieces like Skygarden and Taccia, Flos continues to influence the way we think about lighting—not just as utility, but as design language.

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Note: This content is for informational and design inspiration purposes only. To explore more about these designs, visit official design sources or authorized modern lighting retailers.