Tolomeo Artemide

Tolomeo: the perfect balance between function and form

The Artemide Tolomeo, designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina in 1987 and awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1989, is the best-selling designer lamp in the history of contemporary lighting. Its articulated arm system in polished aluminium, balanced by invisible spring tension, allows the beam to be directed with millimetric precision without screws or mechanical locks: pure engineering in the service of elegance. In over thirty years since its launch, the Tolomeo has remained unchanged in form and mechanism – proof of a design that achieved perfection from its very first version.

The versions of the Tolomeo family

The Tolomeo Tavolo in standard version is the reference model: a 36 cm arm orientable in every direction, a heavy aluminium base that guarantees stability even with the arm fully extended. It is the most versatile version, equally suited to a desk, a console, or a large bedside table.

The Tolomeo Terra brings the same orientable logic to the floor lamp format: the telescopic shaft allows height adjustment between 103 and 165 cm, making it the ideal solution for reading corners in the living room and professional studies.

The Tolomeo Mega Terra is the monumental version of the family: fully extended, it reaches 218 cm and illuminates large spaces with an imposing visual presence. It is the architect's choice for prestigious environments – hotel lobbies, showrooms, lofts, reception areas.

The Tolomeo Sospensione brings the orientable mechanism to the ceiling: ideal above dining tables, kitchen islands, and work surfaces, it concentrates light on a plane with the same precision as the desk version.

How to choose the right version

The choice depends on the space and intended use. For desk and home office, the Tolomeo Tavolo offers the best balance between arm reach and base footprint. For a reading corner in the living room, the Tolomeo Terra is the natural choice: it frees the side table and positions the light exactly where needed. For large architectural spaces, the Mega Terra is the only version that maintains the correct proportion to the room. For those designing an integrated lighting scheme, the Tolomeo Sospensione pairs perfectly with the table and floor versions in the same finish.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Tolomeo Tavolo, Mini and Micro?

The standard Tavolo has a 36 cm arm and a wide base: the reference version for large desks and surfaces. The Mini reduces dimensions by approximately 30% while maintaining the same mechanism: ideal for compact desks or bedside tables. The Micro is the smallest version, designed for very tight spaces or those who want the minimum possible footprint.

Which version is right for my needs?

For the desk: Tolomeo Tavolo or Mini, depending on surface size. For reading in the living room: Tolomeo Terra, to free up the side table and direct light precisely. For large or architecturally significant spaces: Tolomeo Mega Terra. Above a dining table or kitchen island: Tolomeo Sospensione.

What is the difference between Tolomeo and Tolomeo LED?

The classic Tolomeo uses a halogen or LED source with a standard socket (R7s or E27) purchased separately – the buyer independently chooses colour temperature and intensity. The Tolomeo LED integrates the light source directly into the lamp body: ready to use out of the box and more energy efficient, but without the ability to replace the source over time.

Every purchase includes an official 2-year Artemide guarantee, certificate of authenticity, and ships internationally within 3–7 working days.