OLEV is an Italian designer lighting brand specializing in LED lamps that combine artisanal craftsmanship with intelligent lighting technology. Ottomano is a wall-mounted luminous handrail designed by Michele Marcon for OLEV, intended for staircase use in both indoor and outdoor settings. Made from aluminum in an eight-sided ergonomic profile, it was conceived not as a lamp adapted for use as a handrail, but as a handrail conceived from the outset around the requirements of lighting—a distinction that shapes every aspect of its form and function.
The fixture integrates two independent LED light sources that address the two primary challenges of staircase illumination simultaneously. The first, positioned in the lower section of the profile, directs light downward onto the treads, improving visibility and safety underfoot. The second, positioned on the inner face, reflects light back toward the wall to softly illuminate the full height of the stairwell without causing glare. Together, they produce layered, comfortable ambient lighting that works as well for a private residence as for a hospitality or public circulation space.
Each Ottomano is made to measure, with the length adapted to the specific dimensions of the project. Corner compositions can also be configured to follow the geometry of any staircase layout, making the system suitable for straight runs, angled flights, and more complex architectural conditions. Ottomano received an honorable mention at the European Product Design Award.