FontanaArte Bolla Suspension Light, Iridescent Blown Glass Pendant, 2 Sizes

The FontanaArte Bolla suspension light is a mouth-blown glass pendant for kitchen islands, dining tables, lounges, bars and restaurants. Its soft, irregular form looks like a bubble caught mid-float, and the clear glass carries an iridescent finish that shimmers with faint rainbow tones, just like a soap bubble, which is where the name comes from. Lit, the bulb glows inside the glass and the surface throws warm reflections across nearby walls; unlit, it is a piece of glass sculpture. It comes in Medium and Large.

Quick facts

• Product: Bolla suspension light
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F354085100TRNU (Medium), F354090100TRNU (Large)
• Type: Hardwired glass pendant
• Best for: kitchen islands, dining tables, living rooms and lounges, bars, restaurants and hotel lobbies
• Width: Medium 12.9 in (33 cm); Large 20 in (51 cm), per the maker drawing
• Glass height: 12.5 in (32 cm) as shown on the maker drawing
• Suspension: 59 in (150 cm), per the maker drawing
• Light source: 1 x E26, 77W max (bulb not included)
• Light/dimming: diffused light, dimmable
• Power: 110V, hardwired with a chrome ceiling canopy
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations
• Materials: transparent mouth-blown glass with iridescent effect; steel suspension cables; blue fabric power cable; chrome thermoplastic ceiling rose
• Sizes available: Medium, Large
• Certification: UL pending
• Designer: Studio Harry-Paul (2003)
• Styles: Contemporary, Modern, Minimalist

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

Light quality and how it performs

Bolla's light is decorative first. The clear glass shows the bulb, while the iridescent coating breaks the glow into soft, shifting colour along the curves of the glass. Around the pendant, the coating throws warm reflections onto walls and ceilings, which is why Bolla looks so good in wood-panelled restaurants and dark, intimate rooms. Below, light falls freely onto a table or counter.

It takes one E26 bulb up to 77W. Because the bulb is visible, choose a decorative globe or filament LED bulb with a warm colour temperature. FontanaArte lists both sizes as dimmable; use a dimmable bulb and compatible dimmer.

Size and placement

Over a kitchen island. As general guidance, hang the bottom of the glass about 30 to 36 in (76 to 91 cm) above the counter. Two Medium pendants (12.9 in) suit an island of about 6 ft; two or three Large (20 in) suit 8 ft or more, spaced about 30 to 36 in apart.

Over a dining table. Keep the bottom of the glass about 30 to 34 in above the tabletop. One Large suits a round table of about 36 to 48 in; mix Medium and Large at slightly different heights over a longer table for a looser, organic look.

In an entry, landing or stairwell. Keep at least 7 ft (213 cm) clear between the floor or nearest step and the bottom of the glass. A cluster of Bolla pendants at varied drops suits a stair void well.

Installation. Bolla is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with a chrome ceiling rose and hangs from steel cables with a blue fabric power cable. The maker drawing shows a 59 in (150 cm) suspension. A licensed electrician should install it.

Where it works

Homes. Kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms and reading corners. Bolla's iridescence shows best against darker walls, timber panelling or deep colours, and its clear glass keeps it light in a small room.

Hospitality and commercial. Restaurants, wine bars, hotel lounges and boutiques use Bolla to add warmth and a hand-made touch. Hung in groups over tables and banquettes, the pendants create a soft, glowing ceiling of reflections.

Style and pairing

Bolla is organic and playful, suiting Contemporary, Modern and Minimalist rooms that need a softer note. Pair it with walnut and oak, slatted timber walls, velvet and leather seating, and matte stone. The blue fabric cable is a quiet detail that works with navy, teal and green schemes.

Why choose Bolla

• Mouth-blown clear glass with a shimmering, soap-bubble iridescence.
• Warm reflections that make dining rooms and lounges feel intimate.
• Two sizes that combine well in clusters.
• A FontanaArte design by Studio Harry-Paul.

Care

Switch off the power and let the bulb cool. Dust the glass with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For fingerprints, wipe with a cloth barely dampened with water, then buff dry; avoid glass cleaners, solvents and abrasives, which can damage the iridescent finish.

Frequently asked questions

What makes the glass iridescent? The clear blown glass has an iridescent effect that gives a soap-bubble shimmer, which is where the name Bolla (bubble) comes from.

Which size should I choose? Medium (12.9 in) suits islands and small tables, usually in pairs. Large (20 in) suits a round dining table or a bigger room.

How high should Bolla hang over an island? As general guidance, about 30 to 36 in from the counter to the bottom of the glass.

Can I mix sizes? Yes. Medium and Large at slightly different heights make a natural-looking cluster.

What bulb should I use? One E26 bulb up to 77W, not included. Because the bulb shows, choose a warm decorative globe or filament bulb.

Is it dimmable? Yes, with a dimmable bulb and a compatible dimmer.

How is it installed? It is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with a chrome ceiling rose. The maker drawing shows a 59 in suspension.

Is every piece identical? Each diffuser is mouth-blown, so small variations in shape and sheen are part of the character of the glass.

Is it UL certified? UL certification for the U.S. market is pending.

Can it go outdoors or in a bathroom? It is rated IP20 for dry indoor locations 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.