Athens, Greece
Sculptural and poetic, the Théros Orbita table lamps pair a minimalist, monochromatic aesthetic with a strong material presence. With their tall, slender silhouettes, glowing opalina glass heads, and signature straw hats, these new lighting objects appear almost alive, like figures perhaps lost in summer thoughts.
Théros Orbita is the latest chapter in the Théros collection by designer Aristotelis Barakos — a long-term project that explores Mediterranean experiences through contemporary design. At the heart of Théros lies a deep respect for artisanal know-how and an appreciation for the emotional power of objects. Rooted in personal memory and cultural tradition, Théros was born from Barakos’s recollections of summer holidays in Greece — days filled with sunlight, ease, and quiet joy. These memories take shape in the design’s instantly recognisable elements: the simple, balanced marble form; the sun-evoking globe of opalina glass; and the handwoven straw hat perched playfully on top.
The new lighting objects are co-created by Barakos and ceramicist Giannis Zois, following the success of their (now sold-out) Théros Ceramic Limited Edition. For Théros Orbita, Zois and Barakos have replaced the terracotta body with a sleek, striking dark brown stoneware base. Glazed and then engraved by hand to create horizontal rings around the body (hence their name), these objects are both elegant and bold, exuding a quiet confidence. The horizontal carvings lend the object a tactile rhythm, enhancing the contrast between the glazed and unglazed surfaces and allowing the light to dance gently across the ceramic. Like all objects in the Théros collection, these lamps are entirely handmade in Athens.
Théros Orbita is available in two sizes (45cm and 60cm), as an open edition. The neutral palette and minimalist form of these artisanal lighting objects allow them to blend seamlessly into a wide range of interiors. They will soon become available in additional stoneware colours, on the Studio Aristotelis Barakos catalogue.
About Aristotelis Barakos: An honest thinker and dedicated maker, this Athens-based product designer is known for his meticulous, hands-on approach. He crafts furniture, lighting, decorative items, and other objects for indoor and outdoor spaces that visually and emotionally enhance environments. Born in Munich in 1984 to menswear tailors, he honed a sharp eye for detail before moving to Athens at ten, blending cultural influences into his vision. After studying physics, high-tech projects in Shenzhen, and a San Francisco biotech startup, he founded Studio Aristotelis Barakos in 2020 to create timeless, functional objects that elevate daily life. The Athens studio produces its own collection and commissions, merging storytelling, craftsmanship, modern elegance, and heritage with handmade pieces from premium materials—welcoming visitors by appointment. Barakos earned the 2014 Future Talent award from Ottagono; his internationally acclaimed work is widely published.
