FontanaArte Parola Floor Lamp, Blown Glass Globe on Crystal Stem by Gae Aulenti, 61 in

The FontanaArte Parola floor lamp is a 61 in lamp of glass from top to bottom: a softly glowing blown-glass globe, a clear glass stem and a transparent bevelled glass base. It brings a gentle, diffused light to the end of a sofa, a bedroom corner, a window seat or a hotel lounge, and because the stem and base are clear, it looks almost weightless, as if the lit globe were floating. It dims with a sliding switch and simply plugs in.

Quick facts

• Product: Parola floor lamp
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F265925100BIN1 (White), F265925100AMN1 (Amber)
• Type: Plug-in floor lamp in glass
• Best for: sofa ends, bedroom corners, beside windows and armchairs, living rooms, hotel suites and lounges, galleries
• Height: 61 in (155 cm)
• Base diameter: 9.4 in (24 cm)
• Light source: 1 x E12 bulb, 46W maximum (bulb not included)
• Light: diffused; dimmable with the sliding switch on the cord
• Power: 110V, plug-in, braided fabric cable with black dimmer
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations only
• Materials: glossy, coloured blown glass diffuser; borosilicate glass stem with chromed metal base connection; transparent bevelled glass base
• Finishes available: White, Amber
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designers: Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni (1980)
• Styles: Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist

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

Light quality and how it performs

The only part of Parola that glows is the blown-glass globe at the top. It is made from glossy, coloured glass paste, so it spreads the light of a single small bulb into a soft, rounded glow with no hard edges. White gives a clean, neutral light; Amber casts a warm, honeyed glow that makes a room feel instantly cosier in the evening.

Parola is a mood and accent lamp rather than a bright task light. It takes one E12 bulb up to 46W, and the sliding switch on the cord dims it down to a quiet glow. Choose a warm white bulb for the most flattering effect, especially with the Amber glass.

Size and placement

At 61 in (155 cm) tall on a 9.4 in (24 cm) base, Parola is a slim, medium-height floor lamp. The globe sits around shoulder height when you are standing and just above head height when you are seated, which keeps its glow close and intimate.

• Beside a sofa or armchair: set it at the end of the seat, where its small glass base fits beside a side table.
• Windows: placed by a window, the clear stem and base almost disappear against the view, leaving only the glowing globe.
• Bedroom corners: a soft evening light that does not dominate the room.
• Clearance: as general guidance, keep the glass base away from busy walkways, pets and door swings.

Where it works

Living rooms. Add a soft second layer of light beside the sofa, especially in rooms where a heavy lamp would feel out of place.

Bedrooms and dressing rooms. Dimmed low, the globe gives a calm, warm glow for the end of the day.

Reading nooks and window seats. A quiet companion to a chair by the window, paired with a stronger reading lamp if needed.

Hotels, galleries and lounges. In hotel suites, lounges, bars and gallery spaces, Parola's all-glass build and design pedigree add a refined, light touch. It needs only an outlet.

Style and pairing

Designed by architect Gae Aulenti and lighting designer Piero Castiglioni, Parola combines three ways of working glass: blown glass for the globe, natural glass and natural crystal for the stem and base. The result is pure and architectural, at home in Modern, Contemporary and Minimalist interiors. White suits pale, airy rooms and cool colour schemes; Amber brings warmth to deep blues, greens, leather and walnut. Pair it with sculptural sofas, lacquered pieces and simple, open rooms where its transparent silhouette can be appreciated.

Why choose Parola

• An all-glass lamp: blown-glass globe, clear stem and bevelled glass base.
• Soft, diffused light that is dimmable on the cord.
• White or Amber glass for a cool or warm glow.
• Slim 9.4 in base for tight spots beside sofas and chairs.
• Designed by Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni.

Care

Switch off and let the bulb and glass cool before cleaning. Wipe the globe, stem and base with a soft cloth and mild glass cleaner applied to the cloth, and dry with a lint-free cloth to avoid streaks on the clear glass. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Handle the glass globe carefully when relamping. For dry indoor rooms only.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FontanaArte Parola floor lamp made of? Almost entirely glass: a blown-glass globe, a borosilicate glass stem with a chromed metal connection, and a transparent bevelled glass base.

How tall is Parola? It is 61 in (155 cm) tall on a 9.4 in (24 cm) base.

White or Amber: which should I choose? White gives a clean, neutral glow; Amber casts a warm, golden light and adds colour when the lamp is off.

Is it bright enough to read by? It is a soft accent light. For reading, add a table lamp or a directional floor lamp.

Can I dim it? Yes, with the sliding switch on the cord.

What bulb does it use? One E12 bulb up to 46W, not included.

What voltage is it? It is rated 110V and plugs in on a braided fabric cable.

Who designed Parola? Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni, in 1980.

Is Parola certified? ETL (Intertek) certification for the U.S. market is pending.

Can it be used outdoors or in a bathroom? No. It is rated IP20 for dry indoor rooms 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.