Sonora 438 Suspension Lamp by Oluce

Sonora is a dome-shaped suspension lamp built from one pure geometric shape, designed in 1976 by Vico Magistretti for Oluce.

It comes in one finish: opaline blown glass.

The Design Story

Oluce, founded in Milan in 1945, calls Sonora the story of a pure geometrical shape that Magistretti pursued throughout his career, with simplification as his constant source of inspiration. The lamp has been in the Oluce catalog for decades and remains one of the most appreciated lamps by the public, and by Magistretti himself.

The Designer

Vico Magistretti (1920 to 2006) was born and died in Milan. He earned his architecture degree in 1945 and joined his father’s firm. During the war he met Gio Ponti and Ernesto N. Rogers, and after the war he worked on reconstruction projects. His architecture includes the Torre al Parco and the Faculty of Biology in Milan, and he also designed furniture and lamps for companies such as Cassina, Artemide, De Padova, Fritz Hansen and Kartell. For Oluce he designed the Atollo, Lyndon, Pascal and Sonora lamps. He taught as a visiting professor at the Royal College of Art in London.

“icons that communicate across the generations”

Oluce, on its lamps

How It Was Made

Sonora 438 is made of metal and blown opaline glass with an opaque finish, the smallest size in the Sonora family. It takes 1 E26 bulb up to 100W and gives direct and diffused light.

Downloads

• Technical sheet (PDF)
• Assembly instructions (PDF)

Why You’ll Love It

Sonora 438 is a small glowing dome, easy to hang in multiples or on its own. The opaline glass gives a soft, even light, and its compact size suits a nightstand pendant, a small kitchen or a reading nook.

Made for Real Life

The lamp takes 1 E26 bulb up to 100W. The bulb is not included, so you can choose the warmth and brightness you like. It is not dimmable and mounts to the ceiling; the assembly instructions are linked in Downloads. Dust the glass with a soft dry cloth and avoid abrasive or solvent cleaners.

Product Details

Where It Shines

Hang it over a dining table, a kitchen island or in an entryway where its glowing dome can be the focal point. It suits modern, mid-century and Italian-design rooms.

Questions We Hear Most

How big is the Sonora 438?

It is 7.4 in (19 cm) tall and 14.9 in (38 cm) in diameter, the smallest size in the Sonora family.

What bulb does the Sonora 438 use?

It takes 1 E26 bulb up to 100W. The bulb is not included.

Can I dim the Sonora 438?

No. The sheet lists it as not dimmable.

Is there a larger Sonora suspension lamp?

Yes. Sonora 411 is a larger two-bulb version in the same opaline glass, and Sonora 490 and 493 are larger still, in PMMA and additional finishes.

Who designed the Sonora suspension lamp?

Vico Magistretti designed Sonora for Oluce in 1976, pursuing a pure geometrical shape throughout his career.

Why We Love It

Sonora 438 brings the same quiet geometry as the rest of the family into a smaller space. It is an easy way to add warm, even light to a compact room.

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