There are many drool-worthy interiors in our latest issue, and it was hard to pick which items to feature for Object Found. I kept flipping back to page 108 and staring at these lustrous copper globes in the home of Rachel Franke, until finally I decided I simply must seek them out. There have been many knock-offs of this style over the years, and a very fortunate shopper might find one tucked away in a thrift store or estate sale. If you’re looking for the “original” copper globe lamp, however, there are actually two prominent styles available, from two very different designers working in different eras and in different mediums. Read on to find out more about these gorgeous lamps!
Designed in 1968, the Globo di Luce lamp is made from finely hand blown glass which is then given a rich copper metallic finish. Its creator Roberto Menghi was a well known Italian designer and architect whose award-winning, futuristic designs are still reproduced widely today. The lamp is available in two sizes and two finishes (silver and copper), and hangs from a nearly invisible cable to create a stunning illusion of gravity-free suspension. The official Globo di Luce is sold exclusively through Design Within Reach. At $955 for the medium and $1355 for the large, it is a significant investment, but admittedly the craftsmanship and quality of handmade glass work like this is hard to match.
If you’re looking for a slightly less expensive option, the Tom Dixon copper shade is the second well known version of this type of light. Using one of the newest forms of vacuum metallization technology, Dixon explodes the metal into the interior of a polycarbonate sphere using an electrical charge, creating a seamless, highly reflective surface of pure copper. The lamps are about 18″ in diameter and are available from YLighting for $550. Dixon also has a couple variations on the design, including a floor version and the miniature apple-shaped Void light.
Here’s a few images for inspiration: while they certainly do look amazing in clusters, or in a pair like Rachel Franke has done—just one copper globe looks stunning over a desk or dining table. If you’re saving up for a dramatic statement-making piece of decor, I would definitely consider these lovely artful lamps. If you’re a lucky owner of one already, please send us an image! We would love to see how you’ve chosen to show off the piece in your own interior.
{Images, from top: Anthology Magazine; DWR; YLighting; House to Home; Jakob Solgren for Elle Interior}
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These inspire me. Love them.
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