Artemide Tolomeo Table Lamp with Shade | De Lucchi & Fassina | Silver Fiber or Parchment

The Tolomeo Table Lamp with Shade by Artemide is one of the most recognized desk lamps in the world — designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina in 1987 and still in continuous production because nothing has meaningfully improved on it. The articulated aluminum arm system uses tension-controlled stainless steel cables to hold any position, giving it a mechanical precision that feels satisfying in a way that friction-pivot competitors don't. The inset pivot mechanism is the key detail that separates this version from the bare-bulb Tolomeo: the shade remains vertical as the arm rotates through its range, maintaining consistent light direction regardless of how you reposition it. This makes it a genuinely functional reading and task lamp rather than a sculptural one that happens to have a bulb.

The shade comes in two materials: Silver Fiber, a modern brushed fabric with a clean contemporary finish, and Parchment, the classic warm paper shade that gives the Tolomeo its warm residential character. Both diffuse the E26/A19 bulb (not included, max 8W LED recommended) into soft, focused task light with a gentle upward ambient component from the top of the shade. Extruded aluminum arms, die-cast joints, stainless steel cables — manufactured in Italy, UL listed. This is the definitive modern desk lamp; if you need one, this is the one to buy. Free shipping at MetropolitanDecor.com.

Brand: Artemide | Designers: Michele De Lucchi & Giancarlo Fassina | Distributed by Visual Comfort & Co.

Specifications

• Lamp: E26/A19, max 8W LED (not included)
• Dimensions: 7.1"W × 29.5"H × 42.5"D
• Voltage: 120V
• Switch: On/off at lampholder
• Construction: Extruded aluminum arm, die-cast aluminum joints, stainless steel cables
• Shade Materials: Silver Fiber or Parchment
• Pivot: Inset pivot — shade stays vertical at all arm positions
• Origin: Italy
• Weight: 2.18 lbs
• Certification: UL Listed
• Warranty: Manufacturer warranty (Artemide)
• SKU(s): MD-VCC-LM-ART-TLS0010 (Silver Fiber), MD-VCC-LM-ART-TLS0004 (Parchment)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb does the Tolomeo take?
A: An E26/A19 base bulb, maximum 8W LED. Any standard A19 LED in that base works — Artemide recommends an LED for both efficiency and heat management in the shade housing. The bulb is not included.

Q: Silver Fiber vs. Parchment — which shade should I choose?
A: Silver Fiber produces a cooler, more modern light quality with a brushed contemporary finish. Parchment is warmer, softer, and more residential in character — the classic Tolomeo look. Both use identical mechanics; the choice is purely aesthetic and depends on your interior palette.

Q: How does the inset pivot work?
A: A standard pivoting shade tilts as you move the arm, which means the light direction changes unpredictably. The Tolomeo's inset pivot keeps the shade perpendicular to gravity regardless of arm angle — so when you reposition the arm, the shade stays vertical and the light continues pointing straight down. It makes the lamp genuinely more useful as a task light.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.