Moaré XL Pendant Light by Antoni Arola for Santa & Cole

Moaré XL is the largest of Antoni Arola's double-shade pendants: a cylinder Ø83 cm (32.7 in) wide holding a second cylinder inside it. Where the two textures overlap, the surface ripples with a soft moiré shimmer.

The Design Story

Antoni Arola designed Moaré in 2003, the same year he received Spain's National Design Prize. The series takes its name from the moiré effect: the textured polyester cylinders shimmer and seem to shift as light moves through them. Inside, three bulbs sit within a cylindrical methacrylate diffuser that evens out the glow before it reaches the shade. Arola, whose work runs from perfume bottles to large interiors, kept the construction simple so color and texture do the work. In the XL, the X and L shades are nested, so the two layers create the strongest optical play of the family. Each shade comes in white, red, grey or black, which allows sixteen pairings from tonal to graphic.

About the Designer

Barcelona designer Antoni Arola treats light as his raw material. Winner of Spain’s National Design Prize in 2003, he has created some of Santa & Cole’s most recognisable families, from the porcelain Cirio to Lámina, Nimba, Moaré and the Shiro lanterns.

Why You'll Love It

• Largest double-shade Moaré, Ø83 cm (32.7 in) across
• Moiré shimmer created by two layered polyester cylinders
• 16 outer and inner color pairings
• Three-bulb design behind an inner diffuser for even light
• Ready for a standard junction box

Made for Real Life

The diffuser and two shades soften three bulbs into a calm, even column of light without glare. Polyester is light and stable, and the shades keep their shape for years. A soft brush keeps the texture clean. Dust the shades with a soft, dry brush or a vacuum on low with a brush tip. Do not wet the polyester.

Product Details

Where It Shines

In a double-height living room, a stairwell or above a large round table, it holds the space like a piece of sculpture. White on white reads airy and Nordic; black over red is bold and graphic.

Who This Is Not For

At 81 cm (31.9 in) tall and Ø83 cm (32.7 in) wide it overwhelms low ceilings and small rooms. Bulbs are not included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What creates the moiré effect?

Light passing through two layered textured cylinders makes the surface appear to ripple and shift.

Which color combinations are offered?

The outer X shade and the inner L shade each come in white, red, grey or black, for 16 pairings.

Who designed Moaré?

Antoni Arola, in 2003.

How does XL differ from Moaré X?

XL adds the L shade inside the X shade; Moaré X uses the X shade on its own.

What canopy finish does it have?

A square canopy in metallic graphite black.

How long until it ships?

It is made to order in Spain with a production lead time of 4–6 weeks, then shipped directly to you.

Shipping