Buy Artemide Tizio – the design classic by Richard Sapper

Counterweights and hidden cables – the Tizio, a benchmark for precision and form since 1972

The Artemide Tizio is one of the most consequential lamp designs of the twentieth century. Developed in 1972 by German designer Richard Sapper for Artemide, it transformed the idea of what a desk lamp could look like and how it could work. No visible cable, no bulky covered arm – the electrical current flows through the arms themselves, and the counterweights hold the lamp in any position. The Tizio has received numerous awards, including the Compasso d'Oro, and is part of the permanent collections of major museums worldwide. Leuchtenland is an authorised Artemide dealer and stocks the Tizio in all essential versions.

The Artemide Tizio at a glance

Tizio Tavolo – the original desk lamp

The Tizio Tavolo (also known as Tizio 50) is the original table lamp: a slender ABS base, two aluminium arms in a geometric arrangement, a counterweight at the end of each arm – and not a single visible cable. The transformer sits in the base; the current flows through the arms themselves. The head rotates; the arm pivots in any direction. Available in black and white.

Tizio 35 Tavolo – the more compact table version

The Tizio 35 Tavolo is the smaller table lamp in the family: the same formal language, the same principle of current-carrying arms and counterweights, but with a 35-watt low-voltage halogen system instead of the 50-watt original. It is slightly more compact and particularly suited to smaller work surfaces or as a second lamp alongside a monitor.

Tizio Micro Tavolo – the most compact table version

The Tizio Micro Tavolo is the smallest version in the Tizio family: the same mechanics, the same design language, even more compact dimensions. Ideal for desks with limited space, as a bedside lamp, or as a complement to a larger lamp in a small area.

Tizio Terra and Tizio 35 Terra – the floor lamp

The Tizio Terra brings the Tizio design to standing height: the iconic lamp head is mounted on a steel floor rod, turning it into a floor lamp – as a functional reading and ambient lamp in the living room, study or library. Like the table lamp, the Terra is also available as the Tizio 35 Terra in the smaller 35-watt version.

Tizio LED Tavolo and Tizio LED Terra – the LED versions

With the LED variants, Artemide has brought the Tizio up to date technologically: the integrated LED consumes just 8 watts – with an identical appearance, identical mechanics and identical design language. The LED versions are available as Tavolo (table lamp) and Terra (floor lamp). Low-maintenance, long-lasting, energy-efficient – without altering the character of the Tizio.

The heart of the Tizio: counterweights and current-carrying arms

What has set the Tizio apart from other lamps since its introduction in 1972 is the combination of two innovations that no other product has implemented as consistently to this day:

• Current-carrying arms – the electrical current flows through the aluminium arms themselves, so no cable is visible. The result is a lamp free of any clutter – only form, function, and light
• Counterweight system – gently rounded counterweights at the ends of both arms hold the lamp in any position. No spring balance, no screws – pure physical equilibrium
• Low-voltage transformer in the base – the transformer is invisibly integrated in the base; the arms remain free of electronics and look correspondingly clean
• Rotating lamp head – the light can be directed in any direction; the head rotates 360 degrees
• Black and white – the Tizio is available in both finishes; black is the iconic variant, white the more elegant alternative for light-coloured rooms

Lighting concept with the Tizio

The Tizio Tavolo on the desk, the Tizio Terra beside the reading chair – the Tizio family is cohesive enough to create a consistent lighting concept with just a few lamps. Combining both products gives a home in which the same design language runs from the work surface into the living area. Which size suits your desk, whether halogen or LED is the better choice, and how you can combine the Tizio with other Artemide lamps – we are happy to advise: by phone, WhatsApp or chat.

Richard Sapper – a designer who makes functions visible

Richard Sapper (1932–2015) was one of the most influential industrial designers of the twentieth century. Born in Munich and working in Milan, he designed not only the Tizio but also the IBM ThinkPad and numerous other products that consistently brought form and function into harmony. The Tizio is his best-known lamp design – and proof that design and engineering are not opposites. Artemide has been producing the Tizio virtually unchanged since 1972 – which is the most convincing form of quality endorsement there is.

Artemide – lighting design from Milan since 1960

Artemide was founded in Milan in 1960 and has since been one of the world's most influential lighting manufacturers. The company has collaborated with designers including Richard Sapper, Michele De Lucchi, Vico Magistretti and Gae Aulenti – creating a portfolio that is represented in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Tizio and the Tolomeo are the most famous products of this house – two lamps that arrive at the same ambition by different paths: function and form, uncompromised.

Buy Artemide Tizio from Leuchtenland

As an authorised Artemide dealer, Leuchtenland stocks the Tizio in all essential versions – Tizio Tavolo, Tizio 35 Tavolo, Tizio Micro Tavolo, Tizio Terra, Tizio 35 Terra, Tizio LED Tavolo and Tizio LED Terra – in black and white. Ready to ship within 24 hours, free delivery within Germany, 100-day return policy. We are happy to advise you personally – by phone on 02594 78 22 80, by WhatsApp or by chat.

Frequently asked questions about the Artemide Tizio

What is the Artemide Tizio?

The Artemide Tizio is a lamp family designed in 1972 by German designer Richard Sapper for Artemide. It is regarded as one of the most significant lamp designs in design history and is known for two groundbreaking innovations: the electrical current flows through the arms themselves (no visible cable), and counterweights at the ends of the arms hold the lamp in any position. The Tizio has been awarded the Compasso d'Oro and is part of the collections of major museums worldwide.

What is the difference between the Tizio 35 and the Tizio 50?

The designations refer to the low-voltage halogen system used: the Tizio 50 (the original Tizio Tavolo) uses a 50-watt halogen system, the Tizio 35 a 35-watt system. The Tizio 35 is accordingly somewhat more compact and better suited to smaller desks or placement areas. The mechanics, design language and materiality are identical in both.

How does the counterweight system of the Tizio work?

Gently rounded counterweights at the ends of both articulated arms balance the weight of the lamp head and the arms – similar to a beam balance. This allows the lamp to hold any set position without tightening screws. A light touch is enough to move the arm; the counterweight automatically establishes the new equilibrium.

Why does the Tizio have no visible cable?

The electrical current flows through the aluminium arms of the Tizio themselves – the arms act simultaneously as current conductors. This was a technical sensation in 1972 and remains a unique feature of the Tizio to this day. The transformer for the low-voltage supply is invisibly integrated in the base. The result: a lamp with no visible wiring whatsoever.

Is the Tizio also available as a floor lamp?

Yes. The Tizio Terra and the Tizio 35 Terra are floor lamps: the iconic Tizio lamp head is mounted on a steel floor rod and can be used as a reading and ambient lamp in the living room, study or library. Both Terra variants are also available as LED versions.

Is the Tizio LED worth it compared to the halogen version?

Yes – the Tizio LED consumes just 8 watts (compared to 35 or 50 watts for the halogen versions), is low-maintenance and longer-lasting. The appearance and mechanics are identical to the classic version. For new purchases, the LED variant is generally the more practical choice; those who prefer the classic Tizio with halogen will find both versions available from us.

Is Leuchtenland an authorised Artemide dealer?

Yes. Leuchtenland is an authorised Artemide dealer and sources all lamps directly from the manufacturer. You are guaranteed to receive original products with full manufacturer's warranty and personal expert advice.