Cover photo: Davide Groppi, Moon
Simple and timeless, sphere-shaped lamps are a constant in the history of design. With their classic and always current allure, they have spanned the decades, evolving in size and materials. From exquisite hand-blown glass spheres crafted in the Murano furnaces to minimalist opal glass globes, by way of blocks of marble expertly carved by artisans, rotationally molded plastics and rice paper, sphere-shaped lamps are (and likely always will be) a staple in every brand’s catalog.
IC Lights by Flos
IC Lights is a complete family of lamps designed by Michael Anastassiades for Flos. Available as table lamps, wall sconces, floor lamps, and chandeliers, the collection reinterprets the most classic and minimalist of opal blown-glass sphere lamps; the glass element is attached to a brass frame and always appears to be in a precarious balance.
Model 2042/9 by Astep
Designed by Gino Sarfatti in 1963 and brought back into production in 2023, this imposing ceiling light from the Danish brand Astep consists of nine opal blown-glass spheres, supported by a frame and a steel structure finished in black or champagne. Each element is held in place by a metal bar that seems to gently embrace it.
Melt by Tom Dixon
It is an imperfect sphere—melted, as the name suggests—created by Tom Dixon. The pendant, beautiful on its own—stunning when hung in a group—is made of copper-colored polycarbonate and resembles blown glass when lit, and metal when unlit.
Urano by Salvatori
Designed by the highly refined Elisa Ossino, this floor lamp by Salvatori is a sphere carved from a block of white Carrara marble. Each piece is unique; every vein and every shade is one-of-a-kind.
Luna pura by Occhio
Designed by Axel Meise, founder of Occhio, this small rechargeable lamp incorporates the brand’s patented Fireball technology—a revolutionary light source that produces a soft, direct, intense, glare-free light that seems to “float” in space. The lamp also features color tune, which allows you to adjust the color temperature, ranging from a cool, moonlike glow to a warm, romantic candlelight effect.
Turbo Pendant by Gubi
Designed in 1965 by Louis Weisdorf for Gubi, it is inspired by Japanese rice-paper lamps. The lampshade consists of twelve slats arranged in a spiral, forming a globe.
Bilia by FontanaArte
The clean lines of this FontanaArte lamp are characteristic of Gio Ponti, who designed it in 1932. The composition is simple: it consists of a glass sphere resting, in seemingly impossible balance, on a metal cone that serves as its base. “The juxtaposition of two elementary geometric shapes,” reads the company’s website, “gives rise to an original object with perfect proportions.”
Gullsudare by IKEA
Made of hand-crafted rice paper, this 60-cm-diameter lampshade is an iconic piece from IKEA.
Dioscuri by Artemide
Michele De Lucchi, too, has succumbed to the allure of the sphere, creating the Dioscuri collection for Artemide. Opal glass globes in various sizes, available as floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, pendant lights, and ceiling lights.
Globo by Slide
Also ideal for outdoor use—even by the pool—this luminous sphere made of rotationally molded polyethylene is one of Slide’s most recognizable products.
