In the 1960s, Achille Castiglioni and his brothers emerged as innovators in interior design. With a flair for eccentricity, their products usually founds themselves sprung forth from humble beginnings. Castiglioni created his pieces with a purpose--most often to combine useful elements of ordinary objects in order to solve a problem. His name has become synonymous with great Italian design and ingenuity; his inventions live on in infamy even five decades later thanks, in part, to his invention, the Snoopy table light.

In his 1967 creation, the Snoopy, the artist sought to make the common table top lamp more efficient in its dispersion of light. The downward angle of the trigonal shade diffuses light across a desk of working surface, lighting it evenly and pleasantly. It's modern shade was reminiscent of the beloved cartoon Peanuts pup, earning it its widely recognizable name.

No longer exclusively manufactured for Flos, the Snoopy table light is highly desirable for any decorator looking to streamline accessory furniture in his or her home. Occupying an area of approximately forty centimeters by forty centimeters by thirty-seven centimeters, it is designed to take up minimal space on your table top.

The beautiful original design takes full advantage of the Italian elements available to the artist at the time. The sound base is carved from white Carrara marble, taken from quarries in the Italian Alps--one of the artist's most used materials. Additionally, a white powder coated metal forms the glossy black shade that is universally appealing in design. Inside, a glass diffuser spreads light downward and outward, allowing you to make the most of your light source. Every minute detail was considered in production, down to the rotary style dimmer switch. Although Castiglioni focused on utility, he certainly never forsook appearance.

Like his numerous inventions before the Snoopy, and the many, many that came after it, it was all about taking the minimum amount of materials and molding it into a strikingly beautiful yet extraordinarily useful furnishing. It is quite clear that Castiglioni and his brothers succeeded in their mission as their pieces are still respected today for setting the bar high.

Most popular in Europe, the continent from which the Italian designer hailed, these designs are beginning to move their way west, into the hearts and homes of American families. Perhaps this is a result of their minimalistic appearance, quality materials, or unique personalities. But, overwhelmingly, it would seem that their popularity can be boiled down to the most basic of answers: they solve problems. The Snoopy table light offers more light in less space--a genius solution.

Admirers of the unique Castiglioni furnishings will immediately recognize the Snoopy table light as a creation of the quirky Italian designer, and should act quickly to add it to their own collection. The unlucky few who have yet to experience the joy of owning your own Castiglioni lamp should act even faster! Young or old, classic or modern, minimalist or eccentric, all tastes and styles will appreciate what the Snoopy table light brings to a room!

Achille Castiglioni creations, though dating back to the nineteen fifties and sixties, will always live on as classics in interior design.