The Arco Lamp (Flos): the original, the vintage piece, and the imitation to avoid
The most copied arched floor lamp in the world. How to spot a real Flos Arco — the marble, the steel, the hole — against the replicas.
“arco flos imitazione”, “lampada ad arco replica”: it is one of the most searched-for lights in dupe form, above all in Italy. The Arco — the steel arc that lights a table with no ceiling fitting — exists as a genuine Flos and in a thousand copies. Here is how to tell them apart.
The original
Designed in 1962 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos: a Carrara marble base, a telescopic brushed steel rod, an adjustable reflector. A feat — casting light 2 metres from its base.
Spotting a real one
The marble
A solid block of Carrara, heavy, with a through-hole (to slide in a broom handle and carry it between two people) — an original detail. Copies use a reconstituted marble, lighter, sometimes with no hole.
The steel and the logo
Quality brushed steel rod, a clean join, the Flos marking. Replicas use a thinner, shiny chrome that scratches easily.
Vintage versus new
A documented vintage Arco (1960s–70s) is often worth more than a new one. Check the condition of the marble and the steel, and the provenance.
Seen it at someone’s place or in a shop window? Scan it on Beyit: original Flos, vintage, or imitation — and the three budgets.
Les objets, à ton budget.
Chaque pièce citée, avec ses alternatives — du vintage au dupe.
Gallery · 4 images.
