Alderworth Medium 3 Light Tiffany Inverted Pendant - Blue

The Alderworth medium inverted pendant holds its Tiffany-style shade mouth-up, so the leaded glass forms an open bowl 410mm across and light lifts to the ceiling as well as falling into the room. The dragonfly motif runs across the glass in blue, with the wings picked out in cut pieces leaded into a metal frame. Three E27 GLS bulbs up to 60W each sit down inside the bowl, so there is no glare at eye level. The drop adjusts from 600mm to 1000mm and it weighs 3.4kg, with bulbs supplied separately.

We find an inverted bowl suits a dining table, a round kitchen table or a hallway where you want light without a bright source in your line of sight. Because the light bounces off the ceiling first, it spreads further and feels softer than a downward pendant, which makes it a good main ceiling light for a room used in the evening. The blue glass glows from within when it is lit. It suits period houses and traditional rooms, and gives a plain ceiling in a modern flat something worth looking at.

Each bowl is assembled by hand from individual pieces of glass, leaded and set into the frame, then hung on three chains, so the pattern varies slightly between fittings. The metalwork carries a warm finish that keeps the glass to the front. An upward-facing shade collects dust, so lift it out with a dry soft cloth or soft brush every few weeks and use a barely damp cloth for marks, keeping sprays off the leading. It is dimmable, IP20 for dry indoor rooms, and a Class 1 fitting needing an earth. Alderworth floor lamps, table lamps and a wall light share the glass.

What does inverted mean?

The shade hangs as an open bowl with the mouth facing up, rather than covering the bulbs from above. Light reflects off the ceiling for a softer spread, and the bulbs stay out of your line of sight.

What is on the glass?

A dragonfly motif in blue, made from cut pieces of glass leaded into a metal frame in the Tiffany-style method. The hand assembly means each bowl differs a little.

How do I clean the bowl?

Dust settles inside an upward-facing shade, so check it every few weeks and lift dust out with a dry soft cloth or soft brush. A barely damp cloth handles marks; keep sprays and solvents off the leading.

How many bulbs does it need?

Three E27 screw bulbs in a GLS shape, up to 60W each, not included. Use matching bulbs in all three lamps so the bowl lights evenly.

What height does it hang at?

The drop adjusts between 600mm and 1000mm, and the bowl is 410mm across. Over a dining table, allow roughly 750mm to 900mm from the table top to the base of the bowl.

Is it dimmable?

Yes. Fit dimmable bulbs in all three lamps, and use an LED-rated dimmer switch if you are running LED.