Brass Sputnik Glass Globe Flush Mount

The sputnik shape usually needs height: arms radiating outward from a central hub, hanging well below the ceiling. This is the compact version of it, built as a semi-flush mount, which brings the whole arrangement up close to the ceiling and makes the mid-century atomic silhouette usable in a room that could never take a full-size chandelier.

Brass arms carry glass globes at their ends, and the two materials split the work between them. The brass gives the fixture its geometry and its warmth by day; the globes give it the light by night, each one a separate small source rather than a single central bulb, which is why the shadows it casts are soft and multiple.

Three heads is the restrained version and suits a hallway, a bedroom or a small dining room. Five fills more of the ceiling and works better in a living room or over a table. Both come hardwired or plug-in at the same price, so the choice is only about the room and the wiring you have. Bulbs are not included; warm white LEDs suit brass and clear glass. Indoor use. Wipe the globes and polish the brass with a soft dry cloth.

• Materials: brass and iron arms with glass globes
• Fitting: semi-flush mount, suits standard and low ceilings
• Configurations: 3 heads or 5 heads
• Wiring: hardwired or plug in
• Style: mid-century, space age, Nordic modern
• Bulbs: not included, warm white LED recommended
• Voltage: 110V-240V
• Use: indoor
• Care: wipe the globes and polish the brass with a soft, dry cloth