Sonora 493 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 2 finishes: Opal and Painted White.

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 493 is made of metal and blown PMMA, in the extra-large size of the Sonora family. The opal finish is the natural translucent material and Painted White is lacquered on the outside. It takes 2 E26 bulbs up to 150W each and gives direct and diffused light.

Downloads

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

Why You’ll Love It

Sonora 493 is the largest version of a shape Magistretti kept returning to for decades. Two bulbs glow through the opal or painted white PMMA, filling a room with soft, even light from a single, confident dome.

Made for Real Life

The lamp takes 2 E26 bulbs up to 150W each. Bulbs are not included, so you can choose the brightness you like. It is not dimmable and mounts to the ceiling; the assembly instructions are linked in Downloads. Dust with a soft dry cloth and avoid abrasive or solvent cleaners.

Product Details

Where It Shines

Hang it over a large dining table, in a double-height stairwell or a grand entryway where its scale can be the room’s centerpiece. It suits modern, mid-century and Italian-design rooms.

Questions We Hear Most

How big is the Sonora 493?

It is 24 in (61 cm) tall and 52.4 in (133 cm) in diameter, the largest size in the Sonora family.

What bulb does the Sonora 493 use?

It takes 2 E26 bulbs up to 150W each. Bulbs are not included.

Can I dim the Sonora 493?

No. The sheet lists it as not dimmable.

What is the difference between the finishes?

Opal is the natural translucent PMMA, and Painted White is lacquered on the outside. Both cost the same.

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 493 is a quiet giant, a single glowing dome with enough scale to anchor a large room.

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