FontanaArte Thor Table Lamp, Opal Glass Arch, 2 Sizes

The FontanaArte Thor table lamp is a low arch of white opal glass that sits on a shelf, desk or nightstand like a small glowing bridge. It is built for the places a tall lamp cannot go: under wall-hung cabinets, on deep bookshelves, along a window ledge or beside a bed where you want light at mattress height rather than in your eyes. At 7.8 to 9.8 in tall depending on size, it gives a soft, even glow from end to end and works as much as a light object as a source of light.

Quick facts

• Product: Thor table lamp
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item numbers (MPN): Small F329500100BIN1; Medium F329505100BIN1
• Type: Low plug-in accent table lamp
• Best for: shelves, bookcases, nightstands, desks, window ledges, children's rooms, hotel rooms and retail displays
• Small: 12.9 in (33 cm) wide, 7.8 in (20 cm) high
• Medium: 15.3 in (39 cm) wide, 9.8 in (25 cm) high
• Light source: Small: 1 x E12 bulb, 30W maximum; Medium: 1 x E26 bulb, 30W maximum (bulbs not included)
• Light: Diffused, on/off switch on the cord (not dimmable)
• Power: 110 V plug-in; transparent power cable with switch and plug
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations
• Materials: Satin-finish white opal blown glass
• Sizes available: Small, Medium
• Certification: ETL pending
• Designer: Pagani Perversi Architects (2000)
• Styles: Modern, Minimalist, Contemporary, Scandinavian

ETL certification for the U.S. and Canadian markets is in progress for this lamp.

Light quality and how it performs

Thor is all diffuser: the bulb sits inside a single piece of satin-finished opal glass, and the whole arch lights up evenly. The result is a soft, low glow that washes the surface it stands on and the wall behind it, with no visible bulb and no glare at any angle. It is gentle enough to leave on as a night light in a hallway or a child's room, and warm enough to make a shelf of books or ceramics feel lived-in after dark.

Both sizes are rated for a 30W maximum bulb: the small takes an E12 candelabra base and the medium a standard E26. A 2700K LED bulb gives the warmest look in the opal glass. Thor has a simple on/off switch on its transparent cord and is not dimmable, so choose the bulb's brightness to suit the room.

Size and placement

Small (12.9 in wide, 7.8 in high). Fits a bookshelf with a 9 in clear height, a narrow window sill, a bathroom vanity shelf or the corner of a desk.

Medium (15.3 in wide, 9.8 in high). Better on a nightstand, a sideboard or a hall console, where it gives a wider pool of light.

Because the arch is open underneath, Thor reads as light and airy even on a crowded surface. Place it toward the back of a shelf so the glow reflects off the back panel, or center it under a picture so the light washes up the wall. On a nightstand, its low height keeps light at pillow level for reading in bed without shining into your eyes.

Where it works

Homes. Bookcases, shelving walls, nightstands, desks, entry consoles and kitchen open shelves all suit Thor. It is also a favourite for children's rooms, where a soft, rounded glass shape and a cord switch make a friendly night light.

Hospitality and retail. In hotel rooms Thor works as a low bedside or desk light; in restaurants and bars it makes a glowing accent on back-bar shelving or a reception ledge; in shops it lights display shelving and vitrines without the glare of spotlights. It is plug-in and needs no installation.

Style and pairing

Designed by Pagani Perversi Architects in 2000, Thor has the clean, slightly playful geometry of Contemporary Italian design. Its single white arch suits Minimalist and Scandinavian rooms in oak, linen and plaster, and lifts a Modern scheme of dark wood, stone or lacquer. Use a pair at each end of a long shelf for symmetry, or mix the two sizes on a console for a staggered, sculptural look.

Why choose Thor

• Low profile lights shelves, ledges and nightstands that a tall lamp cannot.
• Satin opal glass gives a soft, even, glare-free glow.
• Two sizes to fit compact and standard surfaces.
• Simple cord switch and plug-in power; no installation.
• Distinctive arch form that works as a light object by day.

Care

Switch off and let the glass cool before cleaning. Wipe with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners that can dull the satin finish. Lift the lamp by the glass body with both hands. Dry indoor locations only.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Thor lamp work best? On low or shallow surfaces: bookshelves, window ledges, nightstands, desks and consoles, where a tall lamp would be too big.

Will Thor fit inside a bookcase? The small size is 7.8 in high and fits most shelves with 9 in of clear height; the medium is 9.8 in high.

Can Thor be dimmed? No. It has an on/off switch on the cord and is not dimmable.

What bulb does each size use? The small uses one E12 bulb and the medium one E26 bulb, both 30W maximum. Bulbs are not included.

Is it good as a night light? Yes. Its soft, low glow from the opal glass makes it a good night light for hallways, nurseries and guest rooms.

Is the glass hot to touch? Like any glass lamp it warms up with use; an LED bulb keeps the glass much cooler than an incandescent bulb.

Which size should I choose for a nightstand? The medium, at 15.3 in wide, gives a wider pool of light on a standard nightstand.

Does it need to be installed? No. It plugs into a standard outlet; the cord is transparent so it disappears against most surfaces.

Can it be used in a bathroom? Only on a dry shelf away from water. It is rated IP20 for dry interiors.

Is Thor certified for the U.S.? ETL certification for the U.S. and Canadian markets 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.