FontanaArte Bianca Suspension Light, Etched Mouth-Blown White Glass Pendant, 2 Sizes

The FontanaArte Bianca suspension light is a mouth-blown white glass pendant for dining tables, kitchens, bedrooms, entries, cafés and hotel rooms. Its softly flattened globe is etched with rows of tiny grooves that FontanaArte likens to footprints in fresh snow, and an acid-satin finish turns the glass silky to the touch. Lit, the diffuser spreads a warm, enveloping glow in every direction with no glare, so the light flatters faces at the table as much as it lights the surface. It comes in two sizes: a Medium with dimmable integrated LED and a Large that takes a standard E26 bulb.

Quick facts

• Product: Bianca suspension light
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F430685150BILU (Medium), F430690150BINU (Large)
• Type: Hardwired glass pendant
• Best for: dining tables, kitchen islands, bedrooms, entries and landings, cafés, restaurants and hotel rooms
• Diffuser size: Medium 11.8 in diameter x 7.4 in high (30 x 19 cm); Large 19.6 in diameter x 13.7 in high (50 x 35 cm)
• Suspension: 38.7 in (98 cm), per the maker drawing
• Light source: Medium: integrated LED, 16W, 1650 lm, 2700 K, CRI above 80. Large: 1 x E26, 116W max (bulb not included)
• Light/dimming: diffused light, dimmable
• Power: 110V, hardwired with a painted ceiling canopy
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations
• Materials: mouth-blown milk-white glass with satin finish; steel suspension cable; transparent power cable; painted polycarbonate ceiling rose
• Sizes available: Medium, Large (white)
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designer: Matti Klenell (2015)
• Styles: Scandinavian, Modern, Transitional

ETL (Intertek) certification for the U.S. market is in progress for this pendant.

Light quality and how it performs

Bianca is a true diffuser: the milk-white glass hides the light source completely and glows evenly from top to bottom. Because light leaves the globe in every direction, it lights the table and the people around it while also washing the ceiling and walls, which makes a room feel warm rather than spotlit. The etched texture catches the light in fine lines, so even switched off the glass has depth.

The Medium runs on a built-in LED of 16W and about 1650 lumens at 2700 K, the warm tone of a classic incandescent bulb, with no bulb to buy or replace. The Large takes one E26 bulb up to 116W, so you can choose the brightness and colour temperature. FontanaArte lists both as dimmable; use a dimmer compatible with the LED driver or with your chosen bulb.

Size and placement

Over a dining table or island. As general guidance, hang the bottom of the globe about 30 to 34 in (76 to 86 cm) above the surface. A single Large (19.6 in) suits a round table of about 36 to 48 in; for a longer table, hang two Large or a row of three Medium spaced about 24 to 30 in apart. Mixing a Large and a Medium at slightly different heights, as in the maker's photography, gives a relaxed, collected look.

In a bedroom. Hang a Medium on each side of the bed in place of bedside lamps, with the bottom of the globe roughly 20 to 24 in above the nightstand, or a Large in the centre of the room as a soft overhead light.

In an entry, landing or stairwell. Keep at least 7 ft (213 cm) between the floor or nearest step and the bottom of the globe where people walk. A cluster of Bianca pendants at staggered heights suits a stairwell well.

Installation. Bianca is hardwired to a ceiling junction box and finished with a painted polycarbonate ceiling rose. It hangs from a steel suspension cable with a transparent power cable; the maker drawing shows a 38.7 in (98 cm) suspension. Have a licensed electrician install it and set the drop.

Where it works

Homes. Bianca's soft white globe suits kitchens, breakfast nooks, dining rooms, bedrooms and reading corners, anywhere you want gentle, flattering light rather than a bright downlight. It is also a quiet choice for a guest room or a hallway that needs a little character.

Hospitality and commercial. In cafés, restaurants and hotel rooms, Bianca gives each table or bedside its own pool of warm light, and the handmade glass adds a crafted detail guests notice. It also suits reception desks, lounges and meeting rooms where a calm, residential feel is wanted.

Style and pairing

Designed by Swedish designer Matti Klenell, Bianca brings a Scandinavian softness to Modern and Transitional rooms. The white glass works with pale oak, linen, wool and plaster, and also stands out against strong colour: terracotta, deep green or ink blue walls make the glow look even warmer. Pair it with simple timber tables, upholstered chairs and matte ceramics.

Why choose Bianca

• Mouth-blown, acid-satin white glass with a delicate etched pattern.
• Warm, glare-free light that is easy to live with.
• Two sizes for tables, islands, bedrooms and entries.
• Medium with integrated 2700 K LED; Large with a standard E26 socket.

Care

Turn off the power and let the glass cool. Dust with a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush to reach into the grooves. For fingerprints, wipe with a cloth lightly dampened with water or mild glass cleaner applied to the cloth, then dry. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which could dull the satin finish, and keep moisture away from electrical parts.

Frequently asked questions

Which Bianca size should I use over my table? A single Large (19.6 in) suits a round table of about 36 to 48 in. For longer tables or islands, use two Large or three Medium in a row.

How high should Bianca hang over a dining table? As general guidance, about 30 to 34 in from the tabletop to the bottom of the globe.

Can I use Bianca as a bedside light? Yes. Hang a Medium on each side of the bed with the globe about 20 to 24 in above the nightstand.

What is the glass like? Milk-white glass, mouth-blown and acid-finished for a silky surface, with rows of small etched grooves.

Does the Medium need a bulb? No. It has a built-in LED (16W, about 1650 lumens, 2700 K). The Large takes one E26 bulb up to 116W, not included.

Is it dimmable? Yes. Use a dimmer compatible with the LED (Medium) or with a dimmable bulb (Large).

How is it installed? It is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with a painted ceiling rose, on a steel cable with a transparent power cord. The maker drawing shows a 38.7 in suspension.

Does Bianca come in other versions? FontanaArte also makes Bianca as table, floor, wall and ceiling lamps. This page is the suspension version.

Is it certified for the U.S.? ETL (Intertek) certification is pending, according to the maker.

Can it go in a bathroom or outdoors? It is rated IP20 for dry indoor locations. It is not for outdoor or wet areas.

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.