FontanaArte Pallina Wall/Ceiling Light, Opal Glass Globe, 4.7 in

The FontanaArte Pallina wall/ceiling light is a small opal glass globe on a polished metal ring, a hardwired fixture for bathroom mirrors' dry zones, bedsides, hallways, closets and hotel rooms. Mounted on a wall or flush to a ceiling, the satin-finished sphere glows evenly all round, like a single theatre dressing-room bulb made elegant, and it dims for evening. Choose polished brass, polished nickel or glossy black for the ring to match taps, hardware or picture frames.

Quick facts

• Product: Pallina wall/ceiling light
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F443060150OTNU (Polished Brass); see each finish for its own number
• Type: Hardwired globe wall light and ceiling light, dual mount
• Best for: vanity mirrors, bedsides, hallways, closets, small bedrooms, hotel bathrooms and corridors, bars and restaurants
• Globe diameter: 4.7 in (12 cm)
• Depth (projection): 5.1 in (13 cm)
• Light source: 1 x G9 bulb, 6W maximum, 110V (bulb not included)
• Light/dimming: diffused, dimmable
• Installation: hardwired to a wall or ceiling junction box
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations
• Materials: opal blown glass with a satin finish; galvanized (electroplated) metal frame
• Finishes available: Polished Brass, Polished Nickel, Glossy Black
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designer: FontanaArte Design Lab (2019)
• Styles: Modern, Contemporary, Transitional, Minimalist

ETL (Intertek) listing for this light is in progress.

Light quality and how it performs

Pallina is a pure sphere of opal blown glass with a satin finish, so it glows uniformly with no hot spot and no visible bulb. A small G9 lamp (6W maximum, LED recommended) sits inside, giving a soft decorative light rather than strong task light: it is the glow that frames a mirror, marks a doorway or keeps a hallway gently lit at night. Because the light leaves the globe in every direction, a pair either side of a mirror lights the face evenly from both sides, the classic dressing-room effect that inspired the design. It is dimmable, so the same fixture can be bright for getting ready and low for evenings.

Size and placement

The globe is 4.7 in (12 cm) across and the light projects 5.1 in (13 cm) from the wall or drops 5.1 in from the ceiling. As general guidance:

• Beside a mirror: one on each side, centred roughly at eye level, about 5 to 5.5 ft (1.5 to 1.7 m) from the floor and 2 to 4 in (5 to 10 cm) outside the mirror edge. Above a wide mirror, a row of three spaced evenly works well.
• Beside a bed: one either side of the headboard at about 4 to 4.5 ft (1.2 to 1.4 m), for a soft bedside glow that frees up the nightstand.
• Corridors and stairs: about 5.5 to 6 ft (1.7 to 1.8 m) to centre, every 5 to 6 ft (1.5 to 1.8 m), or stacked vertically in pairs as a small composition.
• On a ceiling: in closets, powder rooms and small hallways, or in clusters across a larger ceiling.

Where it works

Homes. Bathrooms (in the dry zone, beside or above the mirror), powder rooms, dressing areas, bedside walls, entry halls and staircases.

Hotels and hospitality. Guest bathrooms and vanity walls, corridors, lift lobbies, bars and restaurant banquettes. The three finishes let a designer tie the light to the project's hardware, and the compact globe repeats beautifully along a long wall.

Retail. Fitting rooms and mirror walls, where flattering, even light on the face matters.

Style and pairing

Pallina's simple globe-and-ring form suits Modern and Minimalist rooms and has enough polish to sit in Transitional and classic interiors. Polished Brass warms marble, green tile and walnut and pairs with brass taps; Polished Nickel matches chrome or nickel fittings and cool stone; Glossy Black gives graphic contrast on white tile or pale plaster. The design is part of a family that includes pendant and table versions in the same glass.

Why choose Pallina

• A perfect opal glass sphere with an even, glare-free glow.
• Works on a wall or a ceiling.
• Compact enough to flank any mirror or headboard.
• Three polished finishes to match hardware.
• Dimmable for day and night use.

Care

Turn off the power and let the globe cool. Wipe the glass with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water or a mild glass cleaner applied to the cloth, then dry. Polish brass and nickel rings with a dry, soft cloth only; avoid abrasive and ammonia-based cleaners, which can mark plated finishes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put Pallina beside a bathroom mirror? Yes, in the dry zone away from the shower and bath. It is rated IP20, so it must not be splashed.

Does it work on the ceiling as well as the wall? Yes. It is designed for both positions.

What bulb does it use? One G9 bulb, 6W maximum, 110V. The bulb is not included; a warm-white dimmable G9 LED is a good choice.

Is it bright enough to light a whole bathroom? It is a decorative, mirror-framing light. In a larger bathroom combine it with ceiling lighting.

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

How big is it? The globe is 4.7 in (12 cm) in diameter and the fixture projects 5.1 in (13 cm).

Which finish should I choose? Match your taps and hardware: Polished Brass for warm schemes, Polished Nickel for chrome and nickel, Glossy Black for contrast.

How many do I need beside a mirror? Two, one on each side, give even light on the face; a wide mirror can take three above it.

Does it need an electrician? Yes. It is hardwired to a junction box.

Is it certified? ETL (Intertek) listing 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.