Davide Groppi’s approach to lighting is simple to state and hard to do: make the light the protagonist and let the object almost disappear. His pieces — Nulla, Infinito, Sampei, TeTaTeT, Moon — are minimal by design. Used well, they make a room feel finished without ever feeling lit.
Think in layers
Good rooms combine three kinds of light. Ambient light fills the space softly. Task light falls where you read, cook or work. Accent light picks out a painting, a texture or a piece of furniture. Groppi’s range covers all three, so you can build every layer with one visual language.
Over the dining table
The dining table is where a pendant matters most. As a general rule, hang it so the light sits roughly 28 to 34 inches above the tabletop: low enough to make the table glow, high enough to keep sightlines across it open. A long linear piece like Infinito works on a rectangular table; for a round table, a single sculptural pendant is usually enough.
Almost invisible ceilings
Recessed pieces such as Nulla are designed to vanish into the ceiling, leaving only a precise beam of light. They are ideal for low New York ceilings, for washing a wall with art, or anywhere you want light without a visible fixture.
Light you can move
Portable and rechargeable lamps like TeTaTeT let you place light exactly where you need it — on a dining table, a bookshelf or a terrace — and change your mind later. They are the easiest way to add warmth to a room without new wiring.
Choose the right color temperature
Many of our pieces are available at 2700K or 3000K. 2700K is warmer and softer — the natural choice for living rooms, bedrooms and dining. 3000K is slightly crisper and suits kitchens, work areas and spaces with cooler materials. Keep the same temperature within a room so the light feels coherent.
Don’t forget the outdoors
Terraces and gardens benefit from the same restraint. Outdoor pieces such as Sampei and the Bubka bollard mark paths and seating areas with small pools of light rather than floodlighting the space.
Not sure what your room needs? Our team can put together a lighting plan as part of a project, or simply help you choose a single piece.
