Winter Light, Venetian Soul: Murano Glass Lighting by Piumati

When daylight dims takes on a theatrical hue, interiors do what they do best: pull us in and seek something cozy and familiar. Winter’s most convincing warmth isn’t always a cashmere throw or another candle—it’s the kind of light that doesn’t just illuminate, but sets the stage. Murano glass does this with quiet authority: illumination becomes atmosphere, and atmosphere becomes the main event.

The spotlight is on PIUMATI and its superb lineup of Murano glass chandeliers, wall sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps—pieces that read as design objects even when switched off, and as pure ambiance when lit. There’s a Venetian alchemy at play: smoky neutrals, amber glow, crystal clarity—tones that flatter both strict minimalism and rooms with a more layered, collected sensibility.

Murano Glass and Venice

Murano’s glass making history is inseparable from Venice itself. In 1291, the Venetian Republic moved glass making to the island of Murano—partly to reduce the risk of fires in the city, partly to protect techniques that had become both cultural currency and commercial power. Over time, the name Murano became synonymous for virtuoso glasswork, sustained by a guild-like ecosystem where knowledge was guarded, refined, and handed down with almost ceremonial seriousness.

In this unbroken lineage, PIUMATI’s identity is unusually literal: the brand’s very name comes from a 17th-century Murano technique. In “piumati” work, (piumati means feathered) fine threads of hot glass in a contrasting color are applied around a blown form, then combed upward and downward to create a feathered pattern—piumati, —a surface effect that reads delicate, yet is born from exacting control at high heat. It’s a technique which requires great talent, skill and accuracy.

The company’s glass masters are coordinated by Marco Seguso, an eighth-generation Maestro, and decedent of one of Murano’s oldest glass making families—an inheritance that places today’s objects on a long timeline of Venetian craftsmanship, once sought by royal households and global dynasties.

That heritage matters, because Murano is not merely a style—it’s a provenance. PIUMATI’s selection draws directly from tradition while speaking fluently in contemporary interiors. Many pieces can be customized in size, color, and finish, allowing designers and homeowners to treat lighting the way they treat tailoring: not as an afterthought, but as a decision with proportion, mood, and presence. The result is less “fixture” and more atmosphere—light that softens edges, warms surfaces, and makes winter rooms feel inhabited rather than simply styled.

For collectors and professionals who care about origin as much as aesthetics, authentic Murano production is often tied to recognized provenance systems, including the “Vetro Artistico® Murano” mark of Made in Italy/ Made in Murano origin, used to help distinguish Murano-made work from the wider sea of Murano-inspired goods.

This certification serves not only as a badge of authenticity but also as a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship that reflects the centuries-old techniques mastered by skilled artisans on the island of Murano. The intricate designs and vibrant colors of these pieces are a testament to the unique cultural heritage of the region, making them highly sought after by collectors who appreciate both the history and artistic value inherent in each creation.

Murano glass has always understood something modern life keeps rediscovering: the most luxurious rooms are not the loudest, but the most beautifully lit. The way light dances through these exquisite pieces transforms an ordinary space into an enchanting sanctuary, creating an atmosphere of warmth and elegance. In winter, when days are shorter and the air carries a chill, that truth becomes irresistible, inviting us to embrace a serene ambiance that fosters comfort and tranquility. The subtle hues and intricate designs of Murano glass reflect light in a manner that enhances every corner, making each moment spent indoors a luxurious experience that uplifts the spirit.

Featured image MICHELANGELO Chandelier by PIUMATI
Images courtesy PIUMATI

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