FontanaArte Parola Wall Light, Blown Glass Globe Sconce with Dimmer, 11.8 in

The FontanaArte Parola wall light is a blown glass globe sconce for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms and hotel lounges, where a light should be a piece of design in its own right. A glossy glass sphere sits on a tapering satin-nickel support, so on the wall it reads like a word written in glass, and it spreads a soft, diffused glow that you can dim with the dimmer supplied. Choose milky White for calm, even light or Amber for a warm, honeyed atmosphere.

Quick facts

• Product: Parola wall light
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F268945150BIN1 (White), F268945150AMN1 (Amber)
• Type: Decorative glass wall sconce
• Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms, hotel lounges and corridors, restaurants
• Height: 11.8 in (30 cm)
• Projection from wall: 9 in (23 cm)
• Light source: 1 x E12 bulb, 46W maximum, 110V (bulb not included)
• Light/dimming: diffused; dimmer included
• Installation: wall-mounted; have a licensed electrician connect it
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations
• Materials: glossy blown glass paste diffuser (white or amber); satined nickel-plated metal wall support
• Finishes available: White, Amber
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designers: Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni (1980)
• Styles: Modern, Transitional, Contemporary, Retro/Vintage

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

Light quality and how it performs

Parola gives diffused light through its glossy blown glass globe, so you see a softly luminous sphere rather than a bulb, and the light spreads gently around it and up the wall. The White glass gives a clean, milky glow that suits reading corners and bedrooms; the Amber glass tints the light a warm honey colour, beautiful in the evening and in restaurants or bars. The supplied dimmer lets you set it from a useful reading level down to a low ambient glow. It takes a small E12 (candelabra) bulb up to 46W; a warm-white dimmable LED keeps the glass cool and the colour rich.

Size and placement

Parola is 11.8 in (30 cm) tall and projects 9 in (23 cm) from the wall. As general guidance:

• Beside a bed: mount one on each side of the headboard with the globe at about 4.5 to 5 ft (1.4 to 1.5 m) from the floor, slightly outside the headboard edge.
• Living and dining rooms: a pair flanking a fireplace, sideboard or large artwork, with the globes around 5.5 to 6 ft (1.7 to 1.8 m) high.
• Hallways: about 5.5 to 6 ft (1.7 to 1.8 m) to centre, spaced 6 to 8 ft (1.8 to 2.4 m) apart. In public corridors, check accessibility rules on how far wall fixtures may project at that height.
• Over a mirror or console: centre one a few inches above the frame, or use a pair either side.

Where it works

Homes. Bedrooms, where its soft glow replaces bedside lamps; living rooms and dining rooms as a pair around a focal point; entrance halls and landings where a sculptural light makes a first impression.

Hospitality. Hotel suites and corridors, restaurant walls, wine bars and lounges. The Amber version in particular gives the warm, intimate light that hospitality interiors look for, and the classic design signals quality without shouting.

Style and pairing

Parola is a design icon from the early 1980s, so it brings a gently Retro note to Modern and Contemporary rooms while looking completely at home in Transitional and classic interiors. White works with pale plaster, oak and linen; Amber sings against deep green, navy, aubergine or black walls, with walnut, velvet and brass. The satin nickel support pairs with nickel, chrome and steel hardware. The same design also comes as a table lamp and a floor lamp.

Why choose Parola

• A celebrated design by Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni.
• Hand-blown glass globe in White or Amber.
• Dimmer included, for reading or mood light.
• A sculptural presence on the wall, even when switched off.

Care

Switch off and let the glass cool before cleaning. Wipe the globe with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water or a mild glass cleaner applied to the cloth, then dry. Dust the nickel support with a dry cloth. Support the globe with one hand when changing the bulb.

Frequently asked questions

Which colour should I choose? White gives clean, even light for bedrooms and reading; Amber gives warm, atmospheric light for living rooms, restaurants and bars.

Is it dimmable? Yes. A dimmer is included.

What bulb does it take? One E12 (candelabra) bulb, 46W maximum, 110V. The bulb is not included.

How far does it project from the wall? About 9 in (23 cm); it is 11.8 in (30 cm) tall.

Can I use a pair beside the bed? Yes. A Parola on each side of the headboard makes elegant bedside lighting and frees up the nightstands.

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

Is the glass handmade? The diffuser is blown glass paste with a glossy finish.

Can it go in a bathroom? No. It is rated IP20 for dry interiors only.

Are there matching lamps? Yes. Parola is also made as a table lamp and a floor lamp.

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.