FontanaArte Cheshire Floor Lamp, Dome Shade Reading Lamp, 57 in

The FontanaArte Cheshire floor lamp is a 57 in (145 cm) reading lamp for the side of a sofa, an armchair, a bed or a hotel lounge seat. A rounded dome shade in painted polycarbonate caps a slender metal stem, and beneath it an opal diffuser softens the light from three bulbs as it falls downward onto your book, your lap or a side table. The silhouette is simple and friendly, with the Nordic restraint its designers are known for, and it comes in black or white.

Quick facts

• Product: Cheshire floor lamp
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F425225350NENU (Black), F425225350BINU (White)
• Type: Plug-in floor reading lamp with dome shade
• Best for: beside sofas, armchairs and beds; living rooms, bedrooms, studies, hotel rooms and lounges
• Height: 57 in (145 cm)
• Shade diameter: 13.7 in (35 cm)
• Light source: 3 x E26 bulbs, 23W maximum each, 110V (bulbs not included)
• Light: downward light softened by an opal diffuser; on/off switch, not dimmable
• Power: transparent power cable with in-line switch and plug (the maker's specification lists a European two-pole plug)
• Rating: IP40, indoor use
• Materials: painted metal frame; painted polycarbonate top shade; opal polycarbonate lower diffuser
• Colors available: Black, White
• Certification: UL pending
• Designer: GamFratesi (2017)
• Styles: Scandinavian, Modern, Minimalist, Contemporary

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

Light quality and how it performs

Cheshire is built around reading. The opaque, painted dome stops light escaping upward or sideways into your eyes, so the light is directed down, and the opal polycarbonate diffuser underneath spreads it into a soft, even pool rather than a hard spot. Three E26 sockets (up to 23W each) give plenty of output for reading, knitting or working on a laptop from an armchair, and you can choose warm LED bulbs around 2700 K for a relaxing evening tone. Around the edge of the dome, a gentle glow escapes onto the shade itself, so the lamp reads as a soft, lit object from across the room. It switches on and off with a switch on the cord and is not dimmable.

Size and placement

At 57 in (145 cm) tall with a 13.7 in (35 cm) shade, Cheshire is scaled to a seated person. As general guidance:

• Beside a sofa or armchair: stand it beside or just behind the arm of the seat, so the shade sits above shoulder height and the light falls onto your lap and book.
• Beside a bed: place it next to the headboard in place of a bedside lamp, freeing up the nightstand; the dome keeps light out of the eyes of a partner.
• Footprint: the round base is compact, so the lamp fits in the gap between a sofa and side table; allow roughly the width of the shade as clearance from walls and curtains.
• Reading nooks: pair with a lounge chair and a small table to create a self-contained reading corner.

Where it works

Homes. Living rooms, dens, bedrooms and studies, wherever someone sits to read. It is particularly good in a corner beside a lounge chair or at the end of a sofa.

Hotels and commercial. Guest rooms beside armchairs or beds, hotel lounges, libraries, lobby seating and waiting rooms. Its calm, rounded shape suits hospitality interiors with a residential feel, and the plug-in design means it can be repositioned freely. Matching table and pendant versions are made in the same design.

Style and pairing

Designed by the Danish-Italian studio GamFratesi, Cheshire has a clear Scandinavian simplicity that suits Nordic, Minimalist and Modern rooms. Black gives graphic definition against pale walls, art collections and natural timber; White is softer and almost disappears in light rooms with linen, boucle and oak. It pairs well with walnut side tables, wool rugs and leather or velvet lounge chairs.

Why choose Cheshire

• A true reading lamp: light directed down and shielded from the eyes.
• Three bulbs for generous, even light.
• Compact footprint for tight spots beside a sofa or bed.
• Friendly, rounded Scandinavian silhouette in black or white.

Care

Unplug the lamp before cleaning. Dust the shade, stem and base with a soft, dry cloth. For marks on the polycarbonate shade, use a cloth lightly dampened with water and a little mild soap, then dry; avoid alcohol and solvent cleaners, which can cloud polycarbonate.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cheshire a good reading lamp? Yes. The dome directs light downward through an opal diffuser, giving soft, even reading light without glare.

How tall is it? 57 in (145 cm), with a 13.7 in (35 cm) shade.

Can I use it as a bedside lamp? Yes. Standing beside the headboard, it lights the pillow area and frees the nightstand.

What bulbs does it take? Three E26 bulbs, 23W maximum each, 110V. Bulbs are not included.

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

What plug does it have? It comes with a transparent cable, switch and plug; the maker's specification lists a European two-pole plug, so have the appropriate U.S. plug or adapter fitted by a qualified electrician if needed.

Which colour should I choose? Black for definition against light walls; White for a softer look in pale rooms.

What is it made of? A painted metal frame, painted polycarbonate dome and opal polycarbonate diffuser.

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

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.