This one is a real coup — the first photos in the blogosphere of Practical Props’ new spaghetti globe and orb lights — in fact, they took the photos at our urging. Yes, Practical Props, makers of some of our favorite reproduction cone and sputnik lights, has just added a colorful galaxy of spun acrylic globe and ellipse pendant lights to their lineup. These shades are made by a local artist who handcrafts them using the same techniques used to craft the 1960s and 70s originals. Vintage spaghetti lights are relatively difficult to find vintage — and they can be quite expensive — so having authentic reproductions so easy at hand is groovy to the max!
Currently, Practical Props is the only place we know of that sells new spun acrylic spaghetti lights. Pam spotted one lonely example on the website… and asked me to reach out to Practical Props to get the low down on these new lights. The company told us:
Our elliptical acrylic pendants are handmade by a local artist who uses the same techniques as the vintage ‘spaghetti lights’, spinning acrylic in different shapes and sizes. We then custom-make these pieces into pendants for our customers with chrome or brass hardware. Our pendants can be made with rod hardware like our Sputniks, or with chain and cord wired to plug in, the vintage ’swag’ style. The most popular version is the ellipse shape, but they are also available in fully-round globe shapes and in custom colors.
Spun acrylic globes in orange, gray, clear, and yellow.
Spun acrylic ellipses in orange, gray, clear, and yellow.
Chain Hardware is available in Polished Brass, Chrome, and Vintage Bronze finishes – Includes 36″ of chain and ceiling mount hardware.
Rod Hardware is available in Satin Brass, Chrome, and Satin Nickel finishes – Includes a custom rod up to 24” and ceiling mount hardware.
Each fixture takes a single bulb, 60 watt maximum – we recommend using clear bulbs to increase the sparkling effect of the spun acrylic!
Other colors are available for special order. Each fixture is handmade, so colors may vary slightly.
Above, from left: 12” orange globe with brass chain , 24” gray elipse with satin nickel rod, 18” red elipse with brass rod, 18” orange elipse with brass chain, 12” clear globe with chrome rod hardware.
Above: 15” yellow globe pendant with retro bronze swag hardware.. Designed with a plug and switch to be hung as a swag in the retro style. Any of Practical Prop’s fixtures can be made with a chrome or brass swag for an additional fee.
YELLOW! Our 2015 Retro Renovation Color of the Year!
Above: 18” Ellipse pendant in orange with polished brass chain hardware.
Above: 24” Elipse pendant in gray, shown with satin nickel hardware.
Above: details of spun acrylic texture – handmade retro pendants.
I neeeeeed to get at least one of these when I build my home tiki bar! Pam also asked me to remind everyone that these globe lights are not to be placed under stepladders, as she learned after the bone-breaking Tiki Decorating Incident of 2014.
Who else is in?
Which color and shape will you buy?
Disclosure: Practical Props has just signed on as an advertiser on the blog — but this story is not “part of the deal.” They sold so many double cones when we wrote this round-up story that they got a taste of “the Retro Renovation bump” and signed right up! 🙂
CJ says
I’m lucky enough to be in SoCal, and we have one of their satin brass sputniks already. Their prices are fantastic compared to other reproductions. They also have a great selection of vintage pieces. On top of that, we found them to be super helpful in person – changing out a rod easily while we waited. They can make a lot of adjustments to customize the light right in the back of the shop. The mom & pop feel is what I especially appreciate.
susie Q. says
I wish there were turquoise or avocado green ones–or a combination of both, wow!!
pam kueber says
susie Q., if you are serious about ordering in these colors, you should contact them and ask them if they can make them for you. Note, on their FB page, I see bright blue as well….not sure if that was a test, or what. Does not hurt to ask!
Yinzerella says
I just got my hands on an authentic avocado green spaghetti lamp that is shaped like a genie-bottle. I have to take pictures of it to share.
Kate says
Sounds AWESOME, please do!
Joan says
Ohhh! I’ll have my request for Mother’s Day or my birthday ready! Re,d, orange, yellow? I need time!
Robin, NV says
Just started the process to order the 18″ ellipse in orange! The retro gods responded to my lamp wishes!
pam kueber says
I’m pretty darned PSYCHED about these new lights!!!
Robin, NV says
Just finalized my order with Practical Props! My lamp should be delivered early next week. How exciting! I went with the 18″ ellipse in yellow. I was going to order orange but then realized it would be up against the orange-y paneling in my living room, which might be too much orange. I can’t wait to see it hanging in all its glory.
vegebrarian says
Hooray ~ finally, a source for the elusive spaghetti light! I will definitely be getting one of these for the corner of my living room.
Lynne says
These are SO incredible! Great to just give a nice warm glow to a dark corner. I wonder if they have given any thought to making an avocado green one??
Robin, NV says
This is so timely! My living room lamp just bit the dust and I’ve been looking for a swag lamp to replace it. One of the 12″ globe lamps would be perfect!
Jennifer Kepesh says
Love these! Had I not recently plumped for a double-layer atomic-style pendant, I would be buying this instead! And maybe, there’s a floor lamp adaptation that could be figured out…
Jeneta says
Very groovy! They are beautiful. And the colors are on spot! I’m sure people will appreciate the hard work and effort that is put into making them look so great. The prices look very reasonable.
P.s. Thanks for the advice 😉