Description
Product advantages: Table lamp Masters' Pieces - Nesso White
- An icon of Italian design from 1967 on display at MoMA in New York.
- An iconic Mushroom-shaped silhouette with organic, sculptural lines.
- A generous 54 cm size that makes a bold statement in any space.
- Direct and diffused light that combines comfort with decorative appeal.
Nesso Artemide, the iconic Mushroom lamp from 1967
The Nesso Artemide lamp is an iconic Mushroom-shaped lamp from 1960s Italian design. Designed in 1967 by Giancarlo Mattioli and the Gruppo Architetti Urbanisti Città Nuova, it is distinguished by a silhouette that became instantly recognizable: a flared central base topped by a wide diffuser with rounded curves.
In its white finish, the white Nesso reveals the purity of this organic design. The color highlights its generous proportions and makes it easy to integrate into contemporary, minimalist, or 1960s-inspired interiors. This white mushroom lamp makes a bold statement without overwhelming the space.
An Icon of Italian Design
Nesso was created at a time when plastic materials were opening up new formal possibilities for designers. Giancarlo Mattioli and the Gruppo Architetti Urbanisti Città Nuova harnessed the potential of molding to conceive a lamp with continuous, generous, and resolutely new lines.
Its wide, corolla-shaped diffuser, organic curves, and futuristic look place Nesso firmly within the Space Age aesthetic that defined the 1960s. More than just a light fixture, it embodies the creative optimism that characterized Italian design at the time.
Its inclusion in the permanent collections of MoMA in New York confirms its place in design history. More than half a century after its creation, Nesso retains an instantly recognizable visual identity.
A silhouette that structures the space
With a diameter of 54 cm, Nesso boasts generous proportions that allow it to fully occupy the space. Its wide diffuser forms a veritable dome of light, while its central base maintains a sense of fluidity.
The white finish accentuates this graphic interpretation. It highlights the lamp’s lines while giving it a luminous and timeless presence. Whether placed on a dark wood dresser, a stone console table, or a contemporary desk, Nesso functions as much as a light source as it does as a sculptural piece.
Light Integrated into the Design
Hidden beneath its wide diffuser are four light sources that produce both direct and diffused light. The light is distributed beneath and around the upper part of the lamp, creating a soft atmosphere while highlighting its form.
This designer table lamp can thus accompany different moments of the day. Placed in a living room, a desk, or a bookcase, it provides both comfortable lighting and a strong decorative presence.
Why is the Nesso called the “mushroom lamp”?
The Artemide Nesso lamp is called the “mushroom lamp” because of its distinctive silhouette. Its flared central base supports a wide, rounded diffuser whose shape naturally evokes the cap of a mushroom.
This organic design has become one of Nesso’s hallmarks. Combined with the generous curves and futuristic aesthetic of the 1960s, it explains why this fixture is now considered one of the most iconic examples of the “Mushroom Lamp” design.
Where should you place a Nesso mushroom lamp?
The Nesso mushroom lamp looks particularly striking on a piece of furniture capable of accommodating its 54 cm diameter. A large console table, dresser, desk, or low cabinet helps maintain the balance of its proportions and fully showcase its design.
In a living room, it can become a true focal point. In a desk or bookcase, it visually defines the space while providing soft, enveloping light.
Does the Nesso provide enough light for a room?
The Nesso produces light that is both direct and diffused thanks to the four light sources installed beneath its wide diffuser. It therefore provides more substantial lighting than a simple decorative lamp.
However, it is still a lamp. It’s perfectly suited to complement the lighting in a living room, desk area, or relaxation area, while a large room may require an additional main light source.
Why choose the white Nesso?
The white Nesso is particularly well-suited for interiors where you want to highlight the lamp’s shape without introducing a color that’s too dominant. Its light finish emphasizes its curves and accentuates its luminous presence.
It pairs easily with materials such as dark wood, chrome, stone, or colorful Textiles. In a minimalist setting, it adds depth thanks to its voluminous design. In a more eclectic interior, it creates a visual breathing space while retaining its sculptural character.
Can the bulbs in the Nesso be replaced?
Yes. The Nesso uses four LED bulbs E14 rated at up to 6 W each; bulbs are not included. The light bulbs can therefore be replaced individually when they reach the end of their lifespan.
This allows you to keep your lamp for years to come and choose a color temperature suited to the desired atmosphere.
How can you tell if an Artemide Nesso is authentic?
An original Artemide Nesso is an official edition produced by Artemide based on the design by Giancarlo Mattioli and the Gruppo Architetti Urbanisti Città Nuova. Choosing the official edition ensures you get the proportions, finishes, and build quality associated with this historic design.
For a piece that has become so instantly recognizable, the manufacturer is a key factor in its authenticity and value within the world of design.
Choosing the Artemide Nesso lamp means bringing into your home a design that has stood the test of time without losing its impact. Its mushroom-like silhouette, its light, and its generous proportions continue to blend naturally with contemporary interiors. In white, this 1967 icon fully showcases the power of its design.
In detail:
Variation : White
Brand : Artemide
Designer : Giancarlo Mattioli - Gruppo Architetti Urbanisti Città Nuova
Type : Table lamp
Colour : White
Material : Technopolymer body and diffuser
- Dimensions : H 34 cm - Shade : Ø 54 cm - Leg : Ø 21 cm
- Weight : 13.2 lb
- Characteristics : An icon of Italian design created in 1967—Official Artemide Edition—Shape: Mushroom—Generous size—Style: Italian Design / Pop / '70s - Part of MoMA’s permanent collection - Bulbs (not included): 4 x E14 LED Retrofit MAX 6W - Diffused and direct light - On-Cable switch
- Country of Manufacture : Italy
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