Early 20th Century Opaline Glass Plafonnier Ceiling Light

£395.00

A beautiful GEC opaline bowl plafonnier light. c.1920

Made in England by GEC, the light features a simple, elegant opaline glass bowl held within a finely cast brass ring decorated with a crisp reed‑and‑ribbon motif. Three brass chains rise to a neat ceiling hook, giving the piece a balanced, understated presence typical of early 20th‑century English fittings.

Rewired with black twisted flex.

Worldwide shipping available, get in touch for a quote.

A beautiful GEC opaline bowl plafonnier light. c.1920

Made in England by GEC, the light features a simple, elegant opaline glass bowl held within a finely cast brass ring decorated with a crisp reed‑and‑ribbon motif. Three brass chains rise to a neat ceiling hook, giving the piece a balanced, understated presence typical of early 20th‑century English fittings.

Rewired with black twisted flex.

Worldwide shipping available, get in touch for a quote.

Opaline glass emerged in France in the early nineteenth century and quickly became prized for its soft, milky translucence. Made by adding bone ash and other minerals to white glass, it produced a gentle, diffused glow that suited both domestic and ecclesiastical lighting. By the mid‑1800s, French makers were producing opaline in a wide range of forms, from table lamps and shades to decorative vessels, often in pure white or subtle pastel tones.

Its popularity carried well into the early twentieth century, when opaline shades became a staple of European and American lighting design. In pendant lights and plafonniers, the material offered an elegant balance: bright enough to illuminate a room, yet mellow enough to avoid glare. Hand‑blown and rolled examples from the 1920s–40s remain especially sought after today, valued for their even colour, fine weight, and the calm, atmospheric light they produce.

Opaline continues to be associated with quality, craftsmanship and timeless simplicity - a material that feels at home in both period and contemporary interiors.

Dimensions
Width: 300mm
Height: 500mm
Weight: 1kg