FontanaArte Bis and Tris Table Lamp, Stacked Glass Discs, Brass or Chrome, 16.9 in

The FontanaArte Bis and Tris table lamp is a 1954 design of two shallow glass discs floating one above the other on a slender metal stem. The upper disc shades, the lower disc catches and spreads the light, so the lamp throws a broad, direct pool of light onto a desk, a console or a side table while the discs glow softly at their edges. At 16.9 in tall and 15 in across, it is a compact, elegant work and reading lamp, offered in brass with black glass or chrome with white glass.

Quick facts

• Product: Bis and Tris table lamp
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item numbers (MPN): Brass/Black F228005150TNN1; Chrome/White F228005150CBN1
• Type: Plug-in desk and table lamp, direct light
• Best for: desks, consoles, side tables, studies, living rooms, hotel rooms, offices and restaurants
• Height: 16.9 in (43 cm)
• Diameter: 15 in (38 cm)
• Light source: 4 x E12 bulbs, 30W maximum each (bulbs not included)
• Light: Direct light, on/off switch on the cord (not dimmable)
• Power: 110 V plug-in; black power cable with switch and plug
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations
• Materials: Chrome-plated brass frame; sandblasted glass discs, upper disc internally painted
• Finishes available: Brass/Black, Chrome/White
• Certification: UL pending
• Designer: FontanaArte Historical Archive (1954)
• Styles: Classic, Retro, Transitional, Contemporary

UL certification for the U.S. market is in progress for this lamp.

Light quality and how it performs

Bis and Tris is a direct-light lamp. Four small E12 bulbs sit between the two glass discs; the upper disc, painted on the inside, blocks upward glare and reflects the light down, while the sandblasted lower disc softens it before it reaches the table. The result is a wide, even circle of light, ideal for writing, reading or lighting a display of objects on a console, with a gentle glow at the edges of the glass.

With four sockets up to 30W each, the lamp can be bright enough for real desk work. Choose warm 2700K LED candelabra bulbs for a living room, or 3000K for a study. It has a simple on/off switch on the cord and is not dimmable, so set the mood with your choice of bulb.

Size and placement

At 16.9 in (43 cm) tall with 15 in (38 cm) discs, Bis and Tris fits a standard desk, a side table of 16 in or more, or a console. On a desk, place it to the side opposite your writing hand so the light falls across the work without shadow. On a side table beside a sofa, the discs sit just below eye level, which keeps the light useful for reading without glare.

Its low, horizontal silhouette also suits window ledges and deep sills, as the maker's photography shows, where it frames the view at night.

Where it works

Studies and home offices. A classic desk lamp with real task light and a timeless form.

Living rooms. On a side table or console it gives a focused pool of light for reading and sets off books, ceramics and art.

Hotels, offices and restaurants. Guest-room desks, executive offices, reception counters and restaurant host stands benefit from its direct light and mid-century elegance. It plugs in, so no wiring is needed.

Style and pairing

Bis and Tris was designed in 1954 and comes from the FontanaArte Historical Archive, the company's collection of mid-century designs. Brass with black glass is warm and dramatic, at home in Classic and Retro rooms with walnut, leather and dark walls. Chrome with white glass is lighter and crisper, suited to Transitional and Contemporary rooms with pale wood and linen.

Why choose Bis and Tris

• A 1954 design from the FontanaArte Historical Archive.
• Direct, glare-free task light from two stacked glass discs.
• Four bulbs for genuinely useful desk light.
• Two finishes: brass with black glass or chrome with white glass.
• Compact 16.9 in height fits desks and side tables.

Care

Unplug and let the bulbs cool before cleaning. Wipe the glass discs with a soft, lint-free cloth; dust the metal frame with a dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the brass or chrome. Dry indoor locations only.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bis and Tris a good desk lamp? Yes. It gives direct light from four bulbs between two glass discs, which suits reading and writing.

How big is it? 16.9 in (43 cm) tall with 15 in (38 cm) discs.

What bulbs does it take? Four E12 bulbs, up to 30W each. Bulbs are not included.

Is it dimmable? No. It has an on/off switch on the cord.

Which finish should I choose? Brass/Black for warm, dramatic rooms; Chrome/White for lighter, contemporary rooms.

Will the light glare? The upper disc is painted on the inside, so it blocks upward glare and sends the light down.

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

Is it suitable for hotel rooms or offices? Yes. It is a plug-in desk lamp that works well on guest-room desks and in offices.

Is Bis and Tris UL certified? UL certification for the U.S. market is pending.

Can it be used outdoors? No. It is rated IP20 for dry interiors 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.