FontanaArte Flûte Suspension Light, Clear Glass Cone with Chrome Reflector, E26

The FontanaArte Flûte suspension light is a slim glass-cone pendant for kitchen islands, dining tables, bedsides, bar counters and restaurant tables. A clear borosilicate glass cone, as fine as a champagne flute, holds a glossy chrome reflector on three slender rods; the reflector turns the bulb's light straight down into a focused pool, while the glass catches highlights and keeps the pendant almost weightless to the eye. It is a precise, dimmable task light that still reads as a piece of jewellery in the room.

Quick facts

• Product: Flûte suspension light
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F333780150TCN1
• Type: Hardwired pendant / suspension light
• Best for: kitchen islands, dining tables, bedside lighting, bar and café counters, restaurant tables, reception desks
• Dimensions: the maker drawing gives the Flûte cone as 7 to 12.2 in (18 to 31 cm) in diameter and 14.5 to 24.8 in (37 to 63 cm) high across the family; see the technical drawing
• Suspension: 78.7 in (200 cm); ceiling canopy 5.1 in (13 cm) diameter
• Light source: 1 x E26, 70W max (bulb not included)
• Light/dimming: direct, focused light; dimmable
• Power: 110V, hardwired with a chromed ceiling canopy
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations
• Materials: transparent borosilicate glass diffuser; glossy chromed aluminum reflector; chromed metal reflector support; transparent power cable; chromed thermoplastic ceiling rose
• Finish available: Transparent glass with Chrome
• Certification: UL pending
• Designer: Franco Raggi (1999)
• Styles: Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist

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

Light quality and how it performs

Flûte is built for direct light. The polished chrome reflector sits low inside the cone and bounces the bulb's output downward, so the light lands where you need it: on a worktop, a plate, a book or a bar top. Very little light escapes sideways, which keeps glare down for people seated nearby and makes a row of Flûte pendants feel calm rather than busy.

The clear borosilicate glass, the same heat-resistant glass used for lab and kitchen ware, does not diffuse the light but frames it, catching reflections along its edges. One E26 socket takes a bulb up to 70W; choose a dimmable bulb and a compatible dimmer to go from bright prep light to a low glow at dinner.

Size and placement

Over a kitchen island or counter. As general guidance, hang the bottom of the cone about 30 to 36 in (76 to 91 cm) above the counter. Flûte is slender, so use it in rows: three over a 6 to 8 ft island, spaced about 24 to 30 in apart, or more along a long bar.

Over a dining table. Keep the bottom of the cone about 28 to 34 in above the table. A cluster of three at slightly different heights works well over a round table; a straight row suits a long rectangular table.

Beside a bed. Flûte makes an elegant bedside light that frees up the nightstand. Hang it so the bottom of the cone sits roughly 18 to 24 in above the nightstand and just to the side of the headboard, so the light falls on the page.

In an entry or stairwell. Keep at least 7 ft (213 cm) clear above the floor or nearest step; a group of Flûtes at staggered heights adds sparkle to a stair void.

Installation. Flûte is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with a 5.1 in chromed ceiling rose and hangs from a transparent power cable. The maker drawing shows a 78.7 in (200 cm) suspension, set to height on site. A licensed electrician should install it.

Where it works

Homes. Kitchens, dining rooms and bedrooms are Flûte's natural territory: it gives strong, focused light without adding visual bulk, which matters in open-plan spaces where several fixtures share one view. It is equally good over a desk in a home office.

Hospitality and retail. Restaurants, wine bars, hotel rooms and cafés use Flûte in rows over counters and tables, where its clear glass reads elegant and its direct light flatters food and drink. In shops it highlights a cash desk or display table.

Style and pairing

Flûte is precise, light and glassy, a natural fit for Modern, Contemporary and Minimalist interiors. Clear glass and chrome sit well with white lacquer kitchens, stone counters, walnut panelling and black metal chairs; because the cone is transparent, it never blocks a view across a room or out of a window.

Why choose Flûte

• Focused, dimmable downlight that is genuinely useful over a worktop or table.
• Clear borosilicate glass and polished chrome: a pendant that barely interrupts the view.
• Slender enough to use in rows and clusters.
• A FontanaArte classic by architect Franco Raggi.

Care

Switch off the power and let the bulb cool. Dust the glass cone and chrome reflector with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For fingerprints on the glass, use a cloth lightly dampened with water or mild glass cleaner applied to the cloth, then dry. Wipe chrome with a dry cloth only and avoid abrasive cleaners.

Frequently asked questions

How many Flûte pendants do I need over an island? Three suit most islands of 6 to 8 ft, spaced about 24 to 30 in apart. Add more for longer bars.

How high should Flûte hang over a counter? As general guidance, about 30 to 36 in from the counter to the bottom of the cone.

Can I use it as a bedside light? Yes. Hang it beside the headboard with the cone about 18 to 24 in above the nightstand.

Does Flûte light the whole room? It gives direct, downward light, best for tables, counters and reading. Pair it with other ambient lighting in a large room.

What bulb does it take? One E26 bulb, up to 70W. The bulb is not included.

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 5.1 in chromed ceiling rose. The maker drawing shows a 78.7 in suspension.

What is the glass? Clear borosilicate glass, a heat-resistant glass, with a glossy chromed aluminum reflector inside.

Does Flûte come in other versions? FontanaArte also makes Flûte as floor and wall lamps that give indirect light. This page is the hanging version.

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

Can it be used 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.