FontanaArte Sillaba Wall/Ceiling Light, Small Sandblasted Glass Dome, 2 Sizes

The FontanaArte Sillaba wall/ceiling light is a small, hardwired glass dome for the places where a light should be felt more than seen: hallways, closets, stair walls, over mirrors, in guest bathrooms' dry zones and along the balconies of theatres and hotel corridors. Its sandblasted white glass gives an even, diffused glow from every angle, and at just 3.5 or 5.5 in (9 or 14 cm) across it can be repeated in rows or tucked into tight spots. It fixes to either a wall or a ceiling and is dimmable.

Quick facts

• Product: Sillaba wall/ceiling light
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F277560150BINU (Small), F277570150BINU (Large)
• Type: Hardwired compact wall and ceiling light, dual mount
• Best for: hallways, closets, stairs, mirrors and vanities, small bedrooms, hotel corridors and bathrooms (dry zones), theatres and auditoriums
• Small: 3.5 in (9 cm) diameter, 2.3 in (6 cm) deep
• Large: 5.5 in (14 cm) diameter, 3.5 in (9 cm) deep
• Light source: Small: 1 x G4 bulb, 20W maximum, 110V (bulb and transformer not included). Large: 8W maximum, 650 lm, 3000 K, 110V (bulb not included)
• Light/dimming: diffused, dimmable
• Installation: hardwired to a wall or ceiling junction box
• Materials: printed borosilicate glass diffuser, sandblasted on the outside; thermoplastic frame
• Sizes available: Small, Large (white)
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designer: Piero Castiglioni (1988)
• Styles: Minimalist, Modern, Contemporary, Scandinavian

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

Light quality and how it performs

Sillaba's dome is borosilicate glass, printed and then sandblasted on the outside, so the bulb disappears behind a soft, frosted surface and the light leaves the glass evenly in every direction. The result is a calm, glare-free glow that is pleasant to look at directly, which is why it suits mirrors and eye-level positions. The Large gives about 650 lumens of warm 3000 K light, enough to light a closet, a small hallway or a vanity when used in pairs or threes; the Small, with a low-voltage G4 lamp up to 20W, is a gentle marker light for stairs, corridors, alcoves and theatre balconies. Both dim smoothly for evening use.

Size and placement

Sillaba is tiny: the Small is 3.5 in (9 cm) across and 2.3 in (6 cm) deep; the Large is 5.5 in (14 cm) across and 3.5 in (9 cm) deep. On a wall it projects only 2.3 or 3.5 in, so it is ideal for narrow corridors. As general guidance:

• Over or beside a mirror: mount a row of two or three Large fixtures a few inches above the mirror, or one either side at about eye level, roughly 5 to 5.5 ft (1.5 to 1.7 m) from the floor, for flattering, shadow-free light on the face.
• Corridors and stairs: a line of Smalls about 6 to 7 ft (1.8 to 2.1 m) high, every 4 to 6 ft (1.2 to 1.8 m), or low on the stair wall about 12 to 18 in (30 to 45 cm) above the treads as step lights.
• Beside a bed: a Large at about 4.5 ft (1.4 m) on each side of the headboard gives a soft night-time glow.
• On a ceiling: in closets, pantries and small hallways, a single Large is a neat flush light; in a larger room, group several in a grid.

Where it works

Homes. Walk-in closets, entry halls, landings, powder rooms (away from water), reading nooks and over bathroom mirrors in the dry zone.

Hotels, restaurants and offices. Guest-room corridors, vanity walls, washroom mirrors, lift lobbies and restaurant banquettes, where repeated small points of light create rhythm without visual clutter.

Theatres and venues. Sillaba has a long record in auditoriums and opera houses, lining balcony fronts and aisles with soft, even light that never distracts from the stage.

Style and pairing

A pure white dome with no visible hardware, Sillaba is about as minimal as a light can be, so it disappears into Minimalist and Scandinavian interiors and lets materials such as mosaic, stone, timber or wallpaper take the lead. In Modern and Contemporary rooms it works as a repeated motif. Use it with other quiet pieces; it pairs naturally with white ceramic basins, matt black taps and pale oak.

Why choose Sillaba

• Tiny footprint: projects only 2.3 to 3.5 in from the wall.
• One fixture for walls or ceilings.
• Soft, even light from sandblasted borosilicate glass.
• Ideal in multiples, from a mirror wall to a theatre balcony.
• A long-standing FontanaArte design by a celebrated lighting designer.

Care

Switch off the power and let the glass cool. Wipe the dome with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth and dry it. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can polish the sandblasted surface unevenly. When replacing the Small's G4 lamp, handle it with a clean cloth.

Frequently asked questions

Can Sillaba go on both a wall and a ceiling? Yes. It is designed for either position.

Which size should I use over a bathroom mirror? The Large, usually in a row of two or three, gives more light (about 650 lumens each) for the face.

Can I use it in a bathroom? Use it in the dry zone, for example above a mirror away from the shower and bath. Keep it well clear of any spray or splashes.

What bulb does the Small take? One low-voltage G4 bulb, 20W maximum. The bulb and transformer are not included; your electrician will need to supply a suitable transformer.

What about the Large? It is rated 8W maximum, about 650 lumens at 3000 K, 110V. The bulb is not included.

Is it dimmable? Yes. Choose a dimmer compatible with the lamp and, for the Small, the transformer.

How far does it stick out? The Small projects 2.3 in (6 cm), the Large 3.5 in (9 cm).

Can I use it as a stair light? Yes. A row of Smalls set low on the stair wall makes discreet, glare-free step lighting.

Is it suitable for hotels and theatres? Yes. It is often specified in multiples for corridors, vanities and auditorium balconies.

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.