Each type of luminaire was developed to meet a specific need. The arc lamp was created to project light onto a table. Of course, ceiling lights and pendant lights are able to do this. However, the arc light should fulfill this task without having to use the power connection on the ceiling or even set up another one.
Today, this type of luminaire, which was made famous by the Castiglioni brothers in 1962 with the design icon Arco, is used for much more than lighting the table. Arc lights illuminate the reading chair, the living area and more. From above like a pendant light. And in such a targeted way that a wonderful island of light is created in which you can read and relax, for example.
Installing arc lights is splendidly simple (and usually quicker than installing a ceiling light). Each arc light comes with assembly instructions. This explains quickly and simply which parts are plugged or screwed together and how. The plug is then inserted into the socket. The new luminaire is ready.
However, if you now realize that there is not enough space for the luminaire (arc lamps can sometimes be very expansive), it would be time for a return. Unpleasant for you, unpleasant for us! So here are some tips that you should pay attention to before you buy:
The fact that permanently installed LEDs make the lighting completely maintenance-free and require 90 % less energy than an incandescent lamp is one of the standard properties of an LED. However, another property of LED lamps is also relevant for arc lights: their compactness. LEDs are tiny, are integrated into the frame and therefore enable very flat and slim shapes.
A bulb-shaped light source and a large, downward-opening shade can therefore be dispensed with.
Note: With LED arc lamps, however, it is particularly important to pay attention to the light color and color rendering. The light color should be warm white, i.e. less than 3,300 Kelvin. The color rendering is particularly important if you use the arc light as a pendant light replacement above the dining table. Only from Ra 80 food is displayed well in color. However, high-quality LED products easily achieve these values.
Yes, of course. You will find these pre-filtered in the store. You will notice that there are also many LED products among them. Taking advantage of this lighting technology and at the same time enjoying dimmable light for an always individual lighting mood are therefore not mutually exclusive.
Please note, however, that the dimmer is usually installed in a foot switch. Simply reaching next to the armchair and turning down the brightness on the frame, as you would do with the [ceiling washer](/c/inside/floor lamps/ceiling washer), is of course not possible.
The Arco by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, available in the designer brand FLOS range, is a true classic. In fact, we owe the arc light category to the development of these two gentlemen in the first place. The Arco model with its Carrara marble base and elegant frame is just as popular today as it was when it was developed in 1962. The designers already understood the principle of timelessness back then!
The first arched luminaire, the Arco, was designed for precisely this purpose.
They didn't want another pendant light or ceiling light for which they would have to provide another power connection on the ceiling. And if the aim was to illuminate a table with a floor lamp from above, as is otherwise only possible with a pendant lamp, then the floor lamp should not get in the way. In other words, you had to be able to walk around the table without having to avoid the light. This was only possible thanks to a curved, high and projecting luminaire: the arc luminaire. A great invention!
If you want to replicate this, but do not opt for the Arco, your luminaire will always need a corresponding height and projection so that you can walk comfortably under the arch.
In addition, pay attention to dining table lighting:
The strike-through prices correspond to the manufacturer's RRP.
Included in the price of LED lights/bulbs is a contribution to recycling costs of €0.05. Included in the price of CFLs/fluorescent bulbs is a contribution to recycling costs of €0.15.
All prices include 23% VAT, delivery costs excluded.