FontanaArte 3247 Floor Lamp, Opaline Blown Glass Shade on Brushed Nickel, 70.8 in

The FontanaArte 3247 floor lamp is a 70.8 in reading and lounge lamp for the side of a sofa, the corner behind an armchair, a bedroom or a hotel suite. A tapered shade of opaline blown glass sits on a slender brushed-nickel stem, and because the glass glows all over instead of hiding the bulb behind fabric, it gives both a soft ambient light into the room and a gentle downward light for reading. Two switches let you choose how much of that light you want, and it simply plugs in.

Quick facts

• Product: 3247 floor lamp, large
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F324730150KBN1
• Type: Plug-in floor lamp with glass diffuser
• Best for: reading chairs, sofa ends, living-room corners, bedrooms, studies, hotel rooms and lounges
• Height: 70.8 in (180 cm)
• Shade diameter: 18.5 in (47 cm)
• Light source: 1 x E26 bulb, 150W maximum (bulb not included)
• Light: diffused; dual switching, partially dimmable with a sliding switch
• Power: 110V, plug-in, black power cable with dimmer and plug
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations only
• Materials: opaline blown glass diffuser; brushed nickel-plated metal frame
• Finish: brushed nickel with white opaline glass
• Design: FontanaArte Historical Archive (1954)
• Styles: Transitional, Classic, Modern

Light quality and how it performs

Opaline glass is milky white and evenly translucent, so the whole shade lights up as one soft surface. That gives the 3247 two kinds of light at once: the open base of the shade sends a warmer pool down onto a chair arm, a side table or a book, while the glowing glass spreads a calm general light into the room with no visible hot spot. It is a far gentler light than a metal reading lamp, and more generous than a fabric drum.

The large 3247 has dual switching, with a sliding switch that dims part of the light. In practice you can run it fully on for reading and tasks, or bring it down for a low evening glow. It takes a standard E26 bulb up to 150W, so you choose your own LED or incandescent bulb and colour temperature; a warm 2700 K bulb suits the opaline glass best in living rooms and bedrooms.

Size and placement

At 70.8 in (180 cm) tall with an 18.5 in (47 cm) shade, this is the larger of the two 3247 floor heights, scaled to stand beside full-size sofas and generous lounge chairs.

• Reading chair: place it slightly behind and to the side of the chair, on the side of your reading hand, so light falls over your shoulder onto the page.
• Sofa end: stand it just beyond the sofa arm or beside an end table. The tall shade sits above seated eye level, so you see glow rather than bulb.
• Corners: in an empty corner it lifts the darkest part of the room and makes the space feel larger.
• Clearance: as general guidance, allow roughly the shade's width (about 19 in) of clear space so the glass is not knocked by doors, curtains or passing traffic.

Where it works

Living rooms and family rooms. A pair can flank a sofa or a fireplace, or one can anchor a reading corner with an armchair and a small table.

Bedrooms. Beside a lounge chair or at the side of a bed where there is no room for a nightstand, it gives a soft light for reading and winding down.

Studies and home offices. Its diffused glow cuts screen glare and makes long evenings at a desk more comfortable alongside a task lamp.

Hotels, lounges and waiting areas. In guest rooms, suites, hotel lounges, clinic waiting rooms and executive offices, the 3247 brings a residential, welcoming light. The glass and nickel are easy to wipe clean, and it needs only an outlet.

Style and pairing

First produced in 1954 and re-edited from the FontanaArte Historical Archive, the 3247 has the quiet, well-proportioned look of mid-century Italian lighting. That makes it a natural fit for Transitional and Classic rooms, and an easy note of warmth in Modern ones. Brushed nickel and white glass work with leather, bouclé and velvet upholstery, walnut and oak, and pale or panelled walls. Pair it with a tufted armchair and a stack of books, or with a clean-lined sectional and a low marble table.

Why choose the 3247

• Opaline blown glass gives soft all-round light and a gentle downward pool for reading.
• Dual switching with a sliding switch to set the level of light.
• Standard E26 bulb up to 150W: easy to replace, your choice of colour temperature.
• A 1954 design with timeless proportions that suits many styles.

Care

Switch off and let the bulb and glass cool before cleaning. Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and a mild glass cleaner applied to the cloth, not sprayed on the lamp. Dust the brushed nickel with a dry microfibre cloth and avoid abrasives, which can mark the brushed finish. Handle the glass shade with care when changing the bulb. For dry indoor rooms only.

Frequently asked questions

Is the FontanaArte 3247 a good reading lamp? Yes. The open base of the glass shade sends light down onto a book, while the glass also lights the room softly, so it is comfortable to read by for long stretches.

Where should I put it beside a chair? Slightly behind the chair and to one side, so light comes over your shoulder.

How tall is the lamp and how big is the shade? 70.8 in (180 cm) tall with an 18.5 in (47 cm) shade.

Does it dim? It has dual switching, and a sliding switch dims part of the light.

What bulb should I use? One E26 bulb up to 150W, not included. A warm white LED around 2700 K gives the most flattering glow through the opaline glass.

What voltage is it? It is rated 110V and plugs in on a black power cable.

What is the shade made of? Opaline blown glass, with a brushed nickel-plated metal frame.

Who designed the 3247? It comes from the FontanaArte Historical Archive and dates from 1954.

Does it suit a traditional room? Yes. Its mid-century proportions sit well in Classic and Transitional rooms as well as Modern ones.

Can I use it in a bathroom or outdoors? No. It is rated IP20 for dry indoor rooms only.

Trade & project orders

Interior designers, architects and hospitality buyers can join the MetropolitanDecor trade program for trade pricing. We also prepare quotes for multi-unit and project orders; contact us with your quantities.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.