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The genius of indirect light
The Taccia Olympics is inspired by a
revolutionary gesture of Italian design from the 1960s: placing an inverted glass cup over a light source to transform a lamp into a luminous sculpture. The E27 light placed inside the fluted base is
projected upwards, hits the
concave inner surface of the glass shade, then descends as controlled diffused lighting onto the table. No direct glare, just an
enveloping luminous aura. The fluted aluminum base evokes the classic columns of Greco-Roman architecture — a dialogue between industrial modernity and ancient heritage that distinguishes the best Italian designs of the 20th century.
Bulb tip. Opt for an E27 LED bulb in warm white (2700K), intensity 800 to 1200 lumens, globe or filament Edison shape. As the light is projected upwards and then reflected off the blown glass, you get an enveloping diffused light. A visible filament Edison LED is particularly enhanced by this configuration: its reflections in the glass cup create a fascinating luminous effect. Maximum power: 41W (Medium) or 50W (Large) — largely satisfied by any modern LED (8-15W consumed).
Taccia Olympics or HENG Balance / SPIRIT? The Taccia is a vertical sculptural table lamp with an imposing size (up to 64.5 cm in height), featuring a blown glass shade and a fluted aluminum base — an iconic Italian design aesthetic. HENG Balance and SPIRIT are vertical flat oval lamps with magnetic ignition, compact size (40 cm), with a minimalist Dutch design. Choose Taccia for a heritage architectural presence as a centerpiece, HENG for the discreet magic of a designer desk or bedside object.
Blown glass precautions. The blown glass shade is a noble but fragile material — handle with care during unpacking and cleaning. The Large size (D 49.5 × H 64.5 cm) is particularly imposing: provide a stable and suitable location. The heat generated by the bulb can be noticeable at the base after several hours of use: choose an LED bulb that generates little heat, rather than a classic incandescent bulb. Avoid handling the bulb immediately after turning it off (allow 10 minutes to cool down).
Which size to choose: Medium or Large?
The Medium size (D 37.3 × H 48.5 cm) is suitable for a desk, an entrance console, a bedside table, or a bookcase in a standard-sized room (15-25 m²). The Large size (D 49.5 × H 64.5 cm) becomes a true architectural centerpiece — it is designed for large living rooms, entrance halls, lofts, executive offices, or large consoles. If the dedicated space is limited (narrow coffee table, small console), stick to the Medium size. For an assured "wow" effect as a central piece, the Large is unbeatable.
Why an inverted cup shade?
This is the brilliant innovation of the original design. The light from the E27 bulb placed in the base is projected upwards, hits the concave inner surface of the glass shade, then descends as enveloping diffused light onto the table. Advantages: no direct glare (you never see the filament), soft and homogeneous light, and the creation of a luminous aura around the lamp that makes it as much a light source as a luminous sculpture. This is the principle of indirect lighting pushed to its aesthetic culmination.
Which bulb to choose to enhance the lamp?
An E27 Edison LED with a visible filament, in warm white (2700 Kelvin), intensity 800 to 1200 lumens. Why Edison? As the light is reflected off the blown glass, the decorative filament creates fascinating reflections in the glass cup. Why 2700K? The ambient warmth is the spirit of the Taccia lamp, ideal for living room, bedside, or residential office lighting. Absolutely avoid bulbs at 5000K or more, and classic incandescent bulbs that generate too much heat on the blown glass.
Do the 4 finishes have the same aesthetic?
The 4 finishes share the same silhouette but offer distinct decorative universes. Royal Silver (polished aluminum mirror effect): contemporary elegance, ideal for Scandinavian, Japandi, minimalist interiors. Ebony Black (matte black aluminum): architectural graphic presence, perfect for masculine, contemporary, industrial chic interiors. Sublime Bronze (patinated bronze aluminum): warm heritage glow, ideal for Art Deco, mid-century, contemporary interiors with a warm dominant. Ruby Red (deep red aluminum): intense vibrant accent, a bold choice for colorful or minimalist decors seeking a strong decorative pop.
Is the bulb included?
No, the E27 bulb is not included. The universal E27 socket accepts almost all LED bulbs, decorative Edison bulbs, globe bulbs, or classic bulbs on the market. This allows you to freely choose the color temperature (warm/neutral/white), intensity, and bulb shape according to your preferences. The maximum supported wattage is 41W for the Medium size and 50W for the Large size — all modern LEDs (8-15W) easily respect these limits.
What does 111-240V voltage mean?
The Taccia Olympics is compatible with all countries worldwide. It accepts both 110V (North America, Japan) and 220-240V (Europe, Asia, Africa). No voltage adapter is needed if you move internationally or equip a real estate project in a foreign country. This makes it an excellent option for professional projects (hotels, restaurants, retail chains) that can standardize their lighting on this universal reference.
How to care for blown glass and aluminum?
For the blown glass shade: use a soft microfiber cloth, dry or very slightly dampened for stubborn marks. Avoid ammonia-based cleaning sprays that could dull some finishes. For the fluted aluminum base: a soft dry cloth is sufficient for regular dusting. For colored finishes (Bronze, Red), avoid abrasive cloths that could mark the lacquer. Handle the lampshade carefully when unpacking and when replacing a bulb.