FontanaArte Parola Table Lamp, Blown Glass Globe on Clear Glass Stem, 20.8 in

The FontanaArte Parola table lamp is a 20.8 in glass lamp for nightstands, desks, consoles, sideboards and hotel guest rooms. A blown-glass globe, cut at an angle like a tilted head, sits on a clear glass stem and a bevelled glass base, so the lamp seems to float on the surface and the glowing globe is all you notice. Its soft, diffused light dims on the cord, and it simply plugs in.

Quick facts

• Product: Parola table lamp
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F265805100BIN1 (White), F265805100AMN1 (Amber)
• Type: Plug-in glass table lamp
• Best for: nightstands, desks, consoles, sideboards, windowsills, bookshelves, hotel rooms, bars and boutiques
• Height: 20.8 in (53 cm)
• Base diameter: 7.8 in (20 cm)
• Light source: 1 x E12 bulb, 46W maximum (bulb not included)
• Light: diffused; dimmable with the dimmer on the cord
• Power: 110V, plug-in, braided fabric cable with black dimmer
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations only
• Materials: glossy tinted blown-glass diffuser; borosilicate glass stem; transparent bevelled glass base
• Colors 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

Parola's globe is blown from glossy tinted glass paste and cut open on one side. The glass glows evenly all over while the angled opening lets a little more light fall toward the surface beside it, which makes it pleasant for bedside reading and for lighting a desk corner or a tray of objects on a console. White gives a clean, neutral glow; Amber gives a warm golden light that softens a room in the evening.

It takes one E12 bulb up to 46W, and the dimmer on the cord lets you bring it down to a night-light glow. A warm white LED bulb suits both colours, and especially the Amber.

Size and placement

At 20.8 in (53 cm) tall on a 7.8 in (20 cm) base, Parola is a compact table lamp with a small footprint, so it fits even narrow nightstands and shelves.

• Nightstands: its small base leaves room for a book, glass and phone; the globe sits at about shoulder height when you are sitting up in bed.
• Desks: place it at the back corner for a soft ambient light alongside a screen or a dedicated task lamp.
• Consoles and sideboards: pair two at either end, or group it with books and ceramics.
• Windowsills and shelving: the clear stem and base disappear against the window, so only the glowing globe shows.

Where it works

Bedrooms. A pair of Parolas on matching nightstands gives each side of the bed a soft, dimmable light in a compact footprint.

Living rooms and studies. On a side table beside a lounge chair or on a desk, it adds a warm, glowing accent.

Entries and dining rooms. On a console or sideboard it gives a welcoming, low-level light.

Hotels, bars and boutiques. In guest rooms, hotel bars, restaurant sideboards and boutique displays, Parola's all-glass design and Aulenti pedigree add a refined, distinctive touch. It needs only an outlet.

Style and pairing

Created by Gae Aulenti with lighting designer Piero Castiglioni in 1980, Parola brings together blown glass, natural glass and crystal in one lamp. Its transparent stem and angled globe feel Modern, Contemporary and Minimalist, and they add a light, sculptural note without visual weight. White suits pale, Scandinavian-leaning rooms and white linen; Amber warms walnut, leather, copper and deep green or blue walls. Pair it with the matching Parola floor lamp for a coordinated look.

Why choose Parola

• An all-glass table lamp that seems to float on the surface.
• Soft, dimmable light from a tilted blown-glass globe.
• White or Amber for a cool or warm glow.
• Compact 7.8 in base for narrow nightstands and shelves.
• Designed by Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni; matches the Parola floor lamp.

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, then buff with a lint-free cloth so the clear glass stays streak-free. Avoid abrasive cleaners, lift the lamp by its base and handle the globe carefully when relamping. For dry indoor rooms only.

Frequently asked questions

Is the FontanaArte Parola table lamp good as a bedside lamp? Yes. Its compact 7.8 in base fits small nightstands, and the dimmable glow is soft enough for late-night reading.

How tall is the Parola table lamp? It is 20.8 in (53 cm) tall with a 7.8 in (20 cm) base.

White or Amber? White gives a clean, neutral glow; Amber gives a warm, golden light and adds colour to a room when switched off.

Can I dim it? Yes. A dimmer is on the cord.

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

Will it work on a desk? Yes, as an ambient accent. For long hours of close work, pair it with a task lamp.

Is it all glass? The globe, stem and base are glass: blown glass, borosilicate glass and bevelled glass.

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

Is there a matching floor lamp? Yes. The Parola floor lamp shares the same globe on a taller glass stem.

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

Can it be used in a bathroom or outdoors? 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.