Description
Product advantages: Table lamp Nesso Ruby
- An icon of Italian design from 1967 on display at MoMA in New York.
- An iconic Mushroom-shaped silhouette with organic and sculptural lines.
- A deep Ruby Red finish that reinterprets this icon with sophistication.
- 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 stands out for its instantly recognizable silhouette: a flared central base topped by a wide diffuser with rounded curves.
In its Ruby Red finish, the Nesso Ruby Red reveals a deep ruby red hue that highlights the elegance of its form. This intense shade offers a more sophisticated and contemporary take on its historic design. Both a light fixture and a sculptural object, this Ruby red mushroom lamp makes a warm and graphic statement in any interior.
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 sculptural silhouette with deep tones
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 Ruby Red finish enhances this sculptural presence. Its ruby red hue accentuates the lamp’s curves while lending it greater depth. Paired with travertine, dark walnut, chrome, or natural tones, the Nesso Ruby Red becomes a particularly sophisticated decorative accent.
Light Integrated into the Design
Hidden beneath its wide shade are four light sources that produce both direct and diffused light. The light is distributed beneath and around the Lamp’s upper section, creating a soft atmosphere while highlighting its form.
This designer table lamp is thus perfect for different times of the day. Placed in a living room, office, or bookcase, it provides both comfortable lighting and a strong decorative presence.
Why is the Nesso called a “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 an office or desk, 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 is perfectly suited to complement the lighting in a living room, office, or relaxation area, while a large room may require a complementary main light source.
Why choose the Nesso Ruby Red?
The Nesso Ruby Red is particularly well-suited for interiors where you’re looking for a deep color without sacrificing the elegance of the original design. Its Ruby red hue highlights the lamp’s curves while giving it a more sophisticated presence.
It pairs particularly well with dark wood, natural stone, chrome, or ecru tones. In a contemporary interior, it adds a graphic yet warm touch. In a more eclectic setting, it asserts its character while maintaining the balance of its forms.
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 bulbs can therefore be replaced individually when they reach the end of their lifespan.
This allows you to enjoy 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 iconic, the manufacturer is an essential element of its authenticity and value in the world of design.
Choosing the Artemide Nesso lamp means bringing into your home a creation that has stood the test of time without losing its impact. Its Mushroom-shaped silhouette, its light, and its generous proportions continue to blend seamlessly with contemporary interiors. In Ruby Red, this 1967 icon gains depth and reveals a more sophisticated facet of its design.
In detail:
Variation : Ruby
Brand : Artemide
Designer : Giancarlo Mattioli - Gruppo Architetti Urbanisti Città Nuova
Type : Table lamp
Colour : Ruby (Burgundy)
Material : Body and diffuser made of Technopolymer
- Dimensions : H 34 cm Lampshade: Ø 54 cm Base: 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 / Seventies - Part of MoMA’s permanent collection - Bulbs (not included): 4 x E14 LED Retrofit MAX 6W - Diffused and direct light - Switch on the Cable
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