FontanaArte Pallina Pendant Light, Mini Opal Glass Globe, 3 Metal Finishes

The FontanaArte Pallina pendant light is a mini globe pendant for bedsides, kitchen islands, desks, reading corners, hotel rooms and bars. A small sphere of satin opal blown glass, just 4.7 in across, sits under a slim metal stem and half-shade in Polished Brass, Polished Nickel or Glossy Black, so the lamp reads as a single bright point of light, the essential glass-and-sphere form FontanaArte describes as inspired by mid-century Italian theatre and Broadway stages. Its scale makes it easy to use in pairs, rows and clusters.

Quick facts

• Product: Pallina suspension (pendant) light
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F443080150OTNU (Polished Brass), F443080150NSNU (Polished Nickel), F443080150NENU (Glossy Black)
• Type: Hardwired mini pendant
• Best for: bedside lighting, kitchen islands and bars, desks, reading corners, entries, hotel rooms, restaurants and bars
• Globe: 4.7 in (12 cm) diameter x 5.1 in (13 cm) high, per the maker drawing
• Stem: 9.4 in (24 cm), per the maker drawing
• Suspension: 88.9 in (226 cm), per the maker drawing
• Light source: 1 x G9, 6W max (bulb not included)
• Light/dimming: diffused light, dimmable
• Power: 110V, hardwired with a painted polycarbonate ceiling canopy
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations
• Materials: satin opal blown glass diffuser; plated metal frame with double interchangeable stem; transparent power cable; painted polycarbonate ceiling rose
• Finishes available: Polished Brass, Polished Nickel, Glossy Black
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designer: FontanaArte Design Lab (2019)
• Styles: Modern, Minimalist, Retro

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

Light quality and how it performs

Pallina's satin opal glass hides the lamp completely and glows evenly, giving a soft, diffused point of light rather than a beam. The metal half-shade above the globe bounces some light downward and keeps the ceiling dark, so the eye reads one bright sphere hanging in space. It is an accent and a reading light, not a room light: a single Pallina beside a bed or over a chair is enough to read by, while a row over an island creates rhythm and sparkle.

It uses one compact G9 lamp up to 6W. FontanaArte lists Pallina as dimmable; choose a dimmable G9 LED and a compatible dimmer to bring it down to a gentle glow at night.

Size and placement

Beside a bed. Hang a Pallina on each side of the bed in place of table lamps, with the bottom of the globe about 18 to 24 in above the nightstand and slightly in front of the headboard, so the light falls on your book.

Over a kitchen island or bar. As general guidance, hang the bottom of the globes about 30 to 36 in above the counter. Because they are small, use three to five in a row, spaced about 18 to 24 in apart, or a cluster at staggered heights.

Over a dining table. A cluster of five to seven Pallina pendants at different heights, centred over the table with the lowest globe about 30 in above the top, gives a sparkling, theatrical effect.

In an entry or stairwell. Keep at least 7 ft (213 cm) between the floor or nearest step and the bottom of the globe. A vertical cascade of Pallina pendants suits a narrow stair void.

Installation. Pallina is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with a painted polycarbonate ceiling rose and hangs on a transparent power cable. The maker drawing shows an 88.9 in (226 cm) suspension, and the frame comes with two interchangeable stems. A licensed electrician should install it.

Where it works

Homes. Bedrooms, guest rooms, kitchens, home bars, home offices and reading nooks. Pallina frees up nightstands and desks, and its small scale suits apartments and rooms with lower ceilings.

Hospitality and commercial. Hotel guest rooms (as bedside pendants), restaurant banquettes, bar counters, reception desks and boutiques. Repeated in rows or clusters, Pallina gives a consistent, refined look across many rooms.

Style and pairing

Pallina's pure sphere and slim stem suit Modern and Minimalist rooms, with a Retro glamour in the polished brass version. Choose Polished Brass for warm woods, olive, ochre and velvet; Polished Nickel for cool greys, blues and marble; Glossy Black for crisp graphic contrast against white or pale walls.

Why choose Pallina

• A compact opal glass globe that works alone, in rows or in clusters.
• Soft, glare-free light ideal for bedsides and reading corners.
• Polished Brass, Polished Nickel or Glossy Black.
• Dimmable, with two interchangeable stems.

Care

Switch off the power and let the lamp cool. Dust the globe and metal with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For fingerprints on the glass, use a cloth lightly dampened with water, then dry. Clean polished brass and nickel with a dry cloth only; avoid metal polishes and abrasives, which can damage the plated finish.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Pallina as a bedside light? Yes. Hang one on each side of the bed with the globe about 18 to 24 in above the nightstand.

How many do I need over an island? Three to five in a row, spaced about 18 to 24 in apart, depending on the length of the island.

Is it bright enough to light a room? No. Pallina is an accent and reading light. Use several, or combine it with other lighting, for general room light.

Which finish should I choose? Polished Brass for warm schemes, Polished Nickel for cool schemes, Glossy Black for contrast.

What bulb does it take? One G9 lamp, up to 6W. The bulb is not included.

Is it dimmable? Yes, with a dimmable G9 LED and a compatible dimmer.

How is it installed? It is hardwired to a ceiling junction box with a painted ceiling rose. The maker drawing shows an 88.9 in suspension; two interchangeable stems are included.

What is the glass? Satin opal blown glass that diffuses the light evenly.

Are there other Pallina versions? FontanaArte also makes Pallina as a table lamp and a wall/ceiling light. This page is the pendant.

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 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.