IC table lamps

The IC Lights table lamp by Flos, designed by Cypriot designer Michael Anastassiades, is an iconic piece that embodies both minimalist elegance and sculptural poetry. Launched in 2014, it is part of a wider collection that includes pendant, floor, wall and table lamps, all exploring the theme of balance.

Inspiration and concept

The idea behind the IC lamp comes from a fascinating observation by Michael Anastassiades. He says he was inspired by a video of a contact juggler, in which spheres appeared to float motionless, balanced on the artist's arms and fingers. This illusion of immobility and lightness was the starting point for creating a gravity-defying lamp with a luminous sphere perched delicately on a slender metal structure. The name “IC” adds a playful touch: it refers to the codes used by the British police to identify the ethnic origin of individuals (IC1, IC2, etc.), a subtle nod to the designer's multicultural identity.

Design and materials

The IC table lamp is available in several versions, including :

    •    IC T1 Low (height 38,1 cm, 20 cm diffuser),

    •    IC T1 High (height 53 cm, 20 cm diffuser),

    •    IC T2 (height 35 cm, 30 cm diffuser).

It consists of two main components:

    •    A spherical diffuser in mouth-blown opal glass that diffuses a soft, warm light, creating a cosy, glare-free ambience.

   •    A slender, angular metal structure, available in several finishes: brushed brass (clear varnish), chrome, black or burgundy red. This rod, often described as a “geometric frame”, supports the sphere in a position that seems almost unstable, reinforcing the effect of precarious equilibrium.

A dimmer integrated into the power cable allows you to adjust the light intensity, offering flexibility of use (subdued ambience or brighter lighting).

Technical specifications

    •    Bulbs (not included) :

        ◦    IC T1 : 1 x E14, max 60W (Recommended LED: 8W, 800-900 lm, 2700K for warm white light).

        ◦    IC T2 : 1 x E27, max 205W (Recommended LED: 15-18W, 1900-2000 lm).

    •    Protection class : IP20 (indoor use only).

    •    Weight: approx. 1.8 kg (T1) to 3.5 kg (T2), depending on model.

Aesthetics and use

With its revisited art deco look, the IC lamp combines sophistication and simplicity. Its clean lines and combination of geometric shapes (spheres and right angles) evoke the Bauhaus style. It is equally at home in modern and classic interiors, whether on a bedside table, a console in a hallway or a side table in a living room. Its diffused light makes it an excellent mood lamp, while its design makes it a decorative object in its own right.

Reputation

The IC collection has been widely acclaimed for its timeless design and is part of the permanent collections of museums such as MoMA in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. It reflects the philosophy of Flos, which has been collaborating with visionary designers to produce iconic lighting fixtures since 1962.
In short, the IC table lamp by Flos is much more than just a luminaire: it's a functional work of art that marries poetry, balance and contemporary design.