FLOS STORIES: 265 Small – Timeless classic in a compact version

265 Small and 265 Small Chromatica are the latest versions of Paolo Rizzatto's iconic wall light, 265. Known for its weightless look and flexible design, this lamp now has a more compact format. With a shorter arm and three different colors, it retains its original style and functionality while fitting even better into different spaces and interiors. Originally designed in 1973 for Flos, Milanese architect Paolo Rizzatto created the lamp with a focus on functionality and democratic design principles. At the time it was intended for a traditional, standard-sized living room, but the new version is designed to meet today's need for flexibility and versatility.

The lamp is created with a simple construction: a wall light with an adjustable arm where the lamp head and a counterweight balance each other. The user can easily move the arm and rotate the lamp head 360 degrees to direct the light exactly where they want it.

Rizzatto has always had a rational approach to design, where colors play an important role in highlighting each component. In the original version, the lamp head was red, the weight yellow and the arm blue - a design inspired by the primary colors of the painting. This choice was not only aesthetic but also functional, as the colors helped visualize the composition of the lamp. Today, this colorful version has been reintroduced to pay homage to Rizzatto's original vision, although the lamp is also available in classic black and white shades.

According to Rizzatto, his design of the 265 was not just about creating a lamp as an object, but about creating light that enhances the human experience of a space. His first encounter with lighting design was deeply rooted in functionality and architectural needs. Inspired by simple light sources like candles, he wanted to design a lamp that could be moved and directed in any desired direction - an idea that paved the way for his career in product design.

The new, smaller version of 265 combines classic aesthetics and modern functionality. 265 Small and 265 Small Chromatica offer a flexible and stylish lighting solution that emphasizes Rizzatto's ambition to create lighting designs that not only illuminate but also enhance the human experience of space.

See the entire 265 series here!

Original text by Flos in FLOS STORIES