Since 1923 · Brooklyn to Venice Beach

Nova of California

Arc lamps, table lamps, pendants and wall lights from one of North America’s oldest lighting houses. Made for rooms where the light is also the furniture, and sold here with a real person to answer your questions.

Shop the collectionWhich bulb to buy
Luna Bella 75"H Chairside Arc Lamp by Nova of California, White/Gold shade, Weathered Brass body – view 1
Ships in 3 to 5 business days1-year limited warrantyTrade accounts for designersDimmable options available

Shop by type

Pick the kind of light, then narrow by finish and shade inside each product page.

Luna Bella 75"H Chairside Arc Lamp by Nova of California, White/Gold shade, Weathered Brass body – view 1Arc and floor lamps79 stylesScallop Slimline Table Lamp by Nova of California – view 1Table lamps33 stylesBloom Pendant Lamp by Nova of California, Satin Nickel – view 1Pendants18 stylesCoronado Semi-Flush Mount by Nova of California, Weathered Brass – view 1Flush and semi-flush15 stylesRancho Mirage Wall Mounted Arc Lamp by Nova of California, Matte Black/Gold – view 1Wall lights19 stylesStarfall Vanishing Infinity LED Round Wall Mirror by Nova of California, Brushed Brass – view 1Mirrors7 styles

A hundred years of making light

Nova started in Brooklyn and kept moving west. The designs changed; the idea of a lamp that earns its place in the room did not.

1923Founded in Brooklyn, making it one of the oldest lighting companies in North America.
1956Mel Moskowitz carries the business to California, where it still designs today.
1970Peter Morelli, the design director, is known as the “King of Arc Lamps”.
TodayVenice Beach studio, with arcs, tables, pendants, sconces and mirrors.

Why we stock Nova

Honest sizing

Height, reach, shade and base sizes are listed on every page, so an arc lamp over a sofa is a measured decision.

Finishes that match the room

Brass, black, nickel, marble, linen and glass. Only the combinations Nova actually makes are shown.

Bulb advice in plain words

LED and incandescent models are marked, with our own bulb guide, finishes guide and materials guide.

Designing a project? Send us the room, the quantity and the schedule, and we will set up trade pricing and help you spec the right Nova pieces.

Talk to our team

Nova of California has been making lamps and light fixtures since 1923. Founded in Brooklyn and now based in Venice Beach, California, the company is best known for sculptural arc lamps, along with table lamps, pendants, wall lights and illuminated mirrors.

Every Nova piece in this collection shows its real dimensions, the finishes Nova actually offers, and the bulb it uses. Read our bulb guide, finishes guide and materials guide to choose with confidence.

Questions about Nova

Where does Nova of California design its lamps?

Nova is based in Venice Beach, California. The company began in Brooklyn in 1923 and moved west in 1956.

What warranty comes with a Nova lamp from Metropolitan Decor?

Nova lamps bought from a retailer carry a 1-year limited warranty. It does not cover incandescent bulbs, damage from pets, modification, or use outside the United States.

How soon will my Nova order ship?

Nova pieces ship in 3 to 5 business days.

Should I choose LED or incandescent?

Each product page says which bulb type the lamp uses. Our bulb guide explains the difference in light colour, dimming and running cost.

Do Nova arc lamps need assembly?

Most arc lamps arrive in a few parts. Where Nova publishes an instruction sheet or video, the product page links to it under Assembly and instructions.

Can designers get trade pricing on Nova?

Yes. Send us the project details through the contact page and we will set up a trade account.