FontanaArte Pirellone Floor Lamp, Curved Glass Column Light by Gio Ponti, 72.4 in

The FontanaArte Pirellone floor lamp is a 72.4 in column of curved glass that glows from top to bottom, made for corners, entries, beside a sofa or a window, and for hotel lobbies and lounges. Lamps hidden inside the glass light the whole column softly, while a separate bulb at the top throws light up onto the ceiling, so one slim lamp gives both a warm vertical glow and indirect room light. Designed by Gio Ponti in 1967, it plugs in and stands like a lit sculpture.

Quick facts

• Product: Pirellone floor lamp
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F275930150KBN1
• Type: Plug-in glass column floor lamp with uplight
• Best for: corners, beside sofas and windows, entries, hallways, hotel lobbies, lounges, restaurants and showrooms
• Height: 72.4 in (184 cm)
• Width: 13.3 in (34 cm)
• Light source: 10 x G9 bulbs, 4W maximum each, inside the diffuser, plus 1 x R7s bulb, 200W maximum, at the top (bulbs not included)
• Light: diffused through the glass and indirect from the top; the dimmer switches the inner lights on and off and dims the upper bulb
• Power: 110V, plug-in, black power cable with dimmer
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations only
• Materials: curved pressed glass diffuser, impact-resistant; nickel-plated metal frame
• Finish: clear-white glass with nickel-plated base and top
• Certification: UL pending
• Designer: Gio Ponti (1967)
• Styles: Modern, Minimalist, Transitional

UL certification for the U.S. market is in progress for this lamp.

Light quality and how it performs

Pirellone has two lighting layers in one body. Inside the curved glass, a row of small G9 lamps lights the column evenly from bottom to top, so it reads as a tall, softly glowing surface rather than a point of light. At the top, a single R7s bulb aims upward and bounces light off the ceiling for broad, glare-free room light.

The dimmer on the cord switches the inner lights on or off and dims the top bulb. In the evening you can run only the glowing column as a warm, sculptural accent; for entertaining or a dark afternoon, add the uplight and turn it up until the room is properly lit. Because the light is diffused and indirect, it is easy on the eyes but is not a reading light; pair it with a table or task lamp where someone reads.

Size and placement

At 72.4 in (184 cm) tall and 13.3 in (34 cm) wide, Pirellone is a slender vertical element with a small footprint, ideal where floor space is tight but you want height and presence.

• Corners: its glowing column softens the hard angle of a corner and the uplight brightens the ceiling above it.
• Beside a sofa or window: place it at the end of a sofa or between a window and a chair, as a tall counterpoint to low furniture.
• Entries and hallways: the narrow profile fits beside a door or at the end of a corridor where a wider lamp would block the way.
• Ceiling: as general guidance, a light-coloured ceiling of standard height makes the most of the uplight.

Where it works

Living rooms. Use it as a glowing vertical accent in a corner or beside the sofa, with the uplight adding gentle general light in the evening.

Entries, halls and stairwells. A lit glass column by the front door or at a landing gives a calm, welcoming light and draws the eye upward.

Dining rooms. In a corner of the dining room, it adds soft background light that complements a pendant over the table.

Hotels, lobbies, restaurants and showrooms. Pirellone's sculptural presence and indirect light suit hotel lobbies, lounges, restaurant entrances, gallery corners and retail showrooms, where it defines space and adds a recognisable piece of Italian design history.

Style and pairing

Two curved panes of glass held by a simple nickel-plated base and top: the design is minimal and architectural, with a gentle softness from the glow. It sits naturally in Modern and Minimalist rooms, and its mid-century origins make it at home in Transitional interiors with classic mouldings and parquet. Pair it with bouclé and velvet seating, warm wood, plants and tall windows; it looks especially good against plain plaster or deeply coloured walls that catch its warm light.

Why choose Pirellone

• A glowing glass column and a ceiling uplight in one slim lamp.
• Dimmer on the cord to set the mood from accent glow to full room light.
• Impact-resistant curved glass held in a simple nickel-plated frame.
• A small footprint for corners, entries and tight spaces.
• A 1967 Gio Ponti design with lasting architectural appeal.

Care

Unplug and let the bulbs cool before cleaning or relamping; halogen-type bulbs run hot. Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and a mild glass cleaner applied to the cloth, and dust the nickel-plated parts with a dry microfibre cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Follow the maker's instructions when replacing the inner bulbs. For dry indoor rooms only.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of light does the FontanaArte Pirellone give? Two kinds: a soft glow through the whole glass column from lamps inside, and indirect light from an upward-facing bulb at the top.

How tall and wide is Pirellone? It is 72.4 in (184 cm) tall and 13.3 in (34 cm) wide.

Where should I place it? In a corner, beside a sofa or window, or in an entry or hallway, where its slim column has room to be seen.

Can I dim it? Partly. The dimmer switches the lights inside the glass on and off and dims the upper bulb.

Which bulbs does it take? Ten G9 bulbs up to 4W each inside the diffuser and one R7s bulb up to 200W at the top. Bulbs are not included.

Can I use it only as a glowing accent? Yes. You can run the glass column on its own for a softer, decorative light.

Is it good for reading? It provides diffused and indirect light, so add a task lamp for reading.

What voltage is it? It is the 110V version.

Is the glass fragile? The maker uses a special impact-resistant curved glass, but treat it as glass and keep it away from heavy traffic.

Is Pirellone UL listed? UL certification for the U.S. market is pending.

Can it go 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.