These Murano glass pendant lights redefine luxury living | Tatler Asia

A pair of two-tiered Crown pendant lights lends sophistication to this dining room

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Renowned for centuries for its stunning Murano glass chandeliers, Barovier & Toso continues to innovate and redefine luxury living with exquisite pendant lights

When we think of Murano glass luminaires, the word “chandelier” often comes to mind. Derived from the French word “chandelle”, meaning “candle”, the earliest chandeliers were simple wooden or metal frames that held candles, dating back to the 12th century.

Today, chandeliers are synonymous with ornate lighting fixtures featuring multiple light sources adorned with crystals that refract light. While the illustrious Italian luxury lighting brand Barovier & Toso, founded in 1295, is celebrated for its exquisite Murano glass chandeliers, it is less known for its extensive range of pendant lights that are designed to suit contemporary spaces.

Ed Ong, founder of M Luxury Asia and the exclusive distributor of Barovier & Toso in Singapore, emphasises the brand’s commitment to evolving with the times. “We want to change the perception that Barovier & Toso is just about chandeliers,” Ong states. “Our recent installations, including those for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, showcase modern pieces that reflect our contemporary collection.”

This shift towards modernity is not just about aesthetics; it’s about embracing a broader definition of luxury lighting. Ong explains that while traditional chandeliers are characterised by arms that hold candle-like lights, Barovier & Toso has expanded its offerings to include various styles of suspension lamps or pendant lights. These modern pieces can take on numerous forms, from sleek rings to intricate designs radiating outwards from a central stem.

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A single-tiered Punk in a clear finish

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Designed by Brian Rasmussen, the Crown pendant light exemplifies Barovier & Toso’s modern sophistication. This elegant piece features a single ring from which contoured rods are suspended, crafted using the unique riga mina technique.

What sets the Crown apart is its innovative lighting design; rather than emitting light from the rods themselves, the ring diffuses light downwards, creating a soft, ambient glow. Available in single, double, or triple tiers, it can grace a variety of spaces, from intimate dining rooms to stately boardrooms and expansive lobbies.

The Punk pendant light, designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, is a striking blend of art and architecture. Ong describes it as “a bit Gatsby-ish”, evoking the bold styles of the 1960s and 1970s while remaining distinctly modern. It features folded glass blades that conceal LED elements, with exposed brass or bronze metalwork adding an architectural flair.

“You can appreciate every single element separately, yet they come together beautifully,” Ong notes. Available in two colourways: crystal clear or a specific pairing of emerald and smoke hues, Punk maintains a masculine character while embracing a timeless colour palette that resonates with nature.

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A two-tiered Punk lamp in emerald and smoke tones

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The Vallonné pendant lights pay tribute to Barovier & Toso’s rich heritage while embracing modern craftsmanship. Conceptualised by sought-after Italian designer Luca Nichetto, Vallonné showcases the brand’s unparalleled glass-blowing expertise. Inspired by a traditional technique in which molten glass is blown through a metal cage to achieve geometric shapes, this sophisticated rendition creates these shapes without the cage.

Ong proudly asserts that the workmanship is so refined that “you cannot find any join lines,” a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition. This piece embodies the essence of Venetian lamps, marrying classic design with contemporary sensibilities.

These collections demonstrate that luxury lighting is not confined to grand spaces with soaring ceilings. Ong points out that many clients in Singapore have standard ceiling heights of 2.8 to 3 metres. “The Crown, Punk, and Vallonné are all designed to fit beautifully within apartment settings,” he explains, dispelling the myth that Barovier & Toso is only for high-ceilinged spaces.

As the brand continues to innovate, it remains deeply rooted in its heritage. This delicate balance of tradition and modernity ensures that each piece is not merely a light fixture but a timeless work of art that enhances contemporary luxury in homes around the world.

The geometric Vallonné lamp features a glass core that conceals the light source

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Barovier & Toso1 Nassim Road, #01-06Tel: 6735 0808barovier.com

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Courtesy of Barovier & Toso

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