FontanaArte Globo di Luce Suspension Light, Mirrored Blown Glass Sphere, Copper or Chrome

The FontanaArte Globo di Luce suspension light is a mirrored blown-glass globe pendant for dining tables, kitchen islands, bedsides, salons and boutiques. The glass is metallized in copper or chrome, so switched off each sphere becomes a convex mirror that reflects the room; switched on, a polished aluminum reflector inside sends a clean, dimmable beam straight down from the open base. Hung singly, in pairs or as a cluster at different heights, Globo di Luce turns a ceiling into a composition.

Quick facts

• Product: Globo di Luce suspension light
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F364485150RMNU (Medium, Copper), F364485150CRNU (Medium, Chrome), F364490150RMNU (Large, Copper), F364490150CRNU (Large, Chrome)
• Type: Hardwired globe pendant
• Best for: dining tables, kitchen islands, bedside lighting, living rooms, salons, boutiques, restaurants and hotel lobbies
• Globe size: Medium 11.8 in (30 cm) diameter x 11.4 in (29 cm) high; Large 17.7 in (45 cm) diameter x 16.9 in (43 cm) high, per the maker drawing
• Suspension: up to 98.4 in (250 cm); ceiling canopy 3.9 to 4.7 in (10 to 12 cm) diameter
• Light source: Medium 1 x G9, 60W max; Large 1 x E26, 150W max (bulbs not included)
• Light/dimming: direct light, dimmable
• Installation: hardwired with a metallized ceiling canopy
• Materials: metallized blown glass diffuser; polished aluminum internal reflector; steel suspension cable; transparent power cable
• Finishes and sizes available: Copper or Chrome; Medium or Large
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designer: Roberto Menghi (1968)
• Styles: Modern, Retro, Contemporary

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

Light quality and how it performs

Globo di Luce is a direct-light pendant. The metallized glass is opaque to the bulb, so the light leaves through the open bottom of the sphere and lands in a defined circle on the table, counter or nightstand below; the polished aluminum reflector inside concentrates it. Above the light line, the outer globe stays a reflective object rather than a glowing one, mirroring the room, the people around the table and the other lamps nearby.

The Medium takes a compact G9 lamp up to 60W; the Large takes a standard E26 bulb up to 150W. FontanaArte lists both as dimmable; pair a dimmable bulb with a compatible dimmer for dinner-level light.

Size and placement

Over a dining table. As general guidance, hang the bottom of the globe about 28 to 34 in (71 to 86 cm) above the tabletop. A Large (17.7 in) suits a round table of about 36 to 48 in on its own; a trio of Medium and Large globes at staggered heights, as in the maker photography, suits a round table of 48 to 60 in.

Over a kitchen island. Use two or three Medium globes (11.8 in), spaced about 24 to 30 in apart on centre, with the bottom about 30 to 36 in above the counter.

Beside a bed. A Medium on each side of the bed, with the bottom about 18 to 24 in above the nightstand, gives focused reading light and a mirrored accent in place of table lamps.

In an entry or stairwell. Keep at least 7 ft (213 cm) between the floor or nearest step and the bottom of the globe. Clusters of three to five at different drops make a striking stairwell feature.

Installation. Globo di Luce is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with a metallized canopy, on a steel suspension cable and transparent power cable. The maker drawing shows a suspension of up to 98.4 in (250 cm), set on site. A licensed electrician should install it.

Where it works

Homes. Dining rooms, kitchens and bedrooms come alive with Globo di Luce's reflections, especially in clusters. A copper globe warms up brick, stone and timber; a chrome globe brightens a white kitchen or a monochrome bedroom.

Commercial and hospitality. Hair salons, boutiques, restaurants, bars and hotel lounges use rows and clusters of Globo di Luce to light work stations, counters and tables with a recognisable, polished signature. The direct light is practical over workstations, and the mirrored globes add sparkle without glare.

Style and pairing

Designed in 1968, Globo di Luce carries a Retro, space-age optimism that sits easily in Modern and Contemporary rooms. Copper pairs with walnut, leather, terracotta and exposed brick; chrome with marble, lacquer, glass and black steel. Mix sizes in one finish for a cohesive cluster, or set both finishes side by side for a warmer, collected look.

Why choose Globo di Luce

• Mirrored blown-glass globes that reflect the room when switched off.
• Direct, dimmable light from a polished aluminum reflector.
• Copper or Chrome, in two sizes that cluster well together.
• A 1968 FontanaArte design by Roberto Menghi, still made in Italy.

Care

Switch off the power and let the lamp cool. Dust the globe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For fingerprints, breathe on the surface or use a barely damp cloth, then buff dry; do not use glass cleaners, solvents or abrasives, which can damage the metallized finish.

Frequently asked questions

Copper or Chrome: which should I choose? Copper reads warm and works with wood, brick and earthy colours. Chrome is cooler and suits white, grey and black schemes.

Can I mix sizes in a cluster? Yes. Medium and Large globes hung at different heights make a balanced cluster over a round table or in a stairwell.

How high should it hang over a table? As general guidance, about 28 to 34 in from the tabletop to the bottom of the globe.

Does the whole globe glow? No. The metallized glass reflects the room; the light comes out of the open base as direct, downward light.

What bulbs does it take? The Medium takes one G9 lamp up to 60W; the Large takes one E26 bulb up to 150W. Bulbs are not included.

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

How long is the suspension? Up to 98.4 in (250 cm), per the maker drawing, adjusted at installation.

How is it installed? It is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with a metallized canopy. Have a licensed electrician install it.

How do I clean the mirrored glass? Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid glass cleaners and abrasives on the metallized surface.

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 designed 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.