Venetian Lamps
 

We are back just a month now from Venice and how I already miss it!!

I told my husband that would be my dream place to live in another life....

Anyway, the apartment we stayed in had a great outdoor patio and a pretty wall Venetian hanging lamp - glass and ironwork.

I remember seeing them all over Venice and really liking them. If I remember correctly, they were all electrified, but I bet they would be stunning with candles as well. I could not figure out how you get inside them though (??)

I am sorry that we did not buy one while there. As it might be awhile before we are back, can anyone suggest a good source for them that might ship? We had peeked in a shop on the major street leading to Fondamente Nuove - I forget the name.

I've scoured the web and can find nothing. Would love to have one as a reminder of our trip.

p.s. For those that don't know what kind of lamp I am speaking of, it hangs on an iron hanger off the wall, and is almost grape-shaped.

http://www.venice-rentals.com/venice/v143extra.shtml

If you blow up the top picture here (this is the apartment we stayed in) it is the blue lamp on the right.

There are some that look similar on this website, but sit down before you check out the prices.

www.lightinguniverse.com

Type venezia/global in the search box on the left and hit go.

BTW, I've always had my eye on that apartment, it looks really appealing on the website.

Thanks for the website. The apartment is great and a perfect location - right off the campo and 5 min walk to the vaporetto at San Stae. Wine store, bakery, newstand, green grocer, Coop market, 4 outdoor restaurants, 2 cafes, and more right in the campo.

If you ever decide to stay, email and I will send you more info.

My first glances at that apartment were also very favorable and the terraces look great. But a one bedroom for over $300 a night by the week for walking up four floors with no lift, and extra charges for airconditioning? If you like it, that's all that's important, but it sure isn't any bargain.

Regarding the lamps, I'm not sure where you live, but most major lighting stores will have numerous Venetian/Murano fixtures, and I've seen numerous Italian imports that were like grape clusters. Have you looked at any major lighting outlets? (I'm not talking Home Depot, here). Or are you specifically looking for candle ones?

No the apartment wasn't a bargain, but given the price of hotels in Venice, we found it reasonable.

We like apartments, and justify the extra cost with the money we save by not eating out as much. We also like the extra space.

Didn't know US carried Venetian product. Must check that out. Thanks.

"We like apartments, and justify the extra cost with the money we save by not eating out as much."

Good for you. We do the apartments and still eat out just as much. Mainly refrigerators only get used to keep some juice and cheese! And sorry, I didn't mean to put down the apartment. I was just taken back a bit by the price compared to so many others I've seen, but then I don't know how you put a price on those terraces!

Regarding Venetian objects in the US: Being in the interior design business, I learned long ago that nearly anything decor wise that is worth importing from Europe -- is. There are few things you can buy in Europe that aren't also available in the states, and surprisingly often for less. My favorite story is of a huge tree and birds of Murano glass that a friend of ours almost bought in Murano while we were traveling with her. She bargained them way down, but finally decided not to do it. Within a year, she found the exact same piece by the same artist in a local jewelry store here in Naples, Florida. They were asking considerably less than the final bargained price in Murano!

Oh my God! Just checked the website and saw the Venetian lamp - similar to what we had on our patio. $431?? It was $125 in Venice. So sorry I did not buy it!

Should have ignored hubby's warnings of "We'll never get it home in one piece!""

Patrick, thanks for the info. I thought of calling the store in Venice, but now will definitely check around here first.