Thrift Finds: Vintage Italian Chandelier by Paolo Venini

There are few things in life that make my heart skip a beat like stumbling upon a truly special vintage piece and this time, it wasn’t a designer bag or mid-century chair, but something even more dazzling: a vintage 1960s Italian glass chandelier by Paolo Venini, found (believe it or not) on Facebook Marketplace.

When I first saw the listing, I wasn’t even looking for a chandelier. I had been casually browsing for lighting ideas to complete my dining area — something sculptural yet elegant, something that would feel timeless but not overbearing. And there it was: an image of a spiral glass chandelier, with thick, luminous glass drops hanging delicately like frozen ribbons of light. 

The seller didn’t even mention Venini at first. But the craftsmanship gave it away — the proportions, the delicate curvature, the unmistakable aura of Murano glass. I messaged them instantly.

A few messages and one spontaneous car ride later, I was holding this Paolo Venini masterpiece, an authentic 1960s relic of Italian design. It was heavier than I imagined — solid brass frame, sturdy glass, and a presence that was special. And when I learned the price, I nearly laughed in disbelief. For what these chandeliers typically sell for in galleries or auction houses, this was practically free. 

The History Behind Paolo Venini

To fully appreciate this chandelier, you have to understand Paolo Venini’s story  because every curve of glass and brass joint tells a bit of his design's history.

Paolo Venini (1895–1959) was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Italian design. A trained lawyer from Milan, he left the legal world behind to chase something far more romantic-  glass. In 1921, he partnered with Giacomo Cappellin, a Venetian antique dealer, to open a glass factory called Vetri Soffiati Muranesi Cappellin Venini & C. on the island of Murano, just off Venice.

 

Their first technical director, Andrea Rioda, died before production even began, and many of their best glassblowers defected to rival companies. But Venini reorganised, rebuilt, and rebranded, eventually turning Venini & C. into one of Murano’s most iconic glassworks.

What set Venini apart was his vision. Rather than staying trapped in tradition, he infused modern design sensibilities into Murano glassmaking. He collaborated with some of the greatest architects and designers of his era — from Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa to Ettore Sottsass and Gae Aulenti. 

He wanted to combine “the Murano tradition of glass blowing with the French fashion industry’s tradition of using designers.” That marriage of old and new, craftsmanship and modernity, gave birth to pieces that are still celebrated today — including his famous Fazzoletto (“handkerchief”) vases and, of course, his sculptural chandeliers.

The History Behind Murano Glass

Murano glass has always held a certain mystique. It’s not just the technical skill — though that’s certainly part of it — but the time that goes into each piece. These glassmakers have been perfecting their craft for centuries, passing down techniques from generation to generation.

Venini’s approach was revolutionary because he respected that tradition while daring to innovate. He brought modernist sensibilities into Murano, creating objects that were not just decorative, but architectural. His chandeliers — like the one now hanging in my home — blur the line between lighting and sculpture.

Even decades later, the artistry remains unmistakable. You can feel the human touch in every hand-blown curve. It’s an authenticity that no factory can replicate.

A Chandelier with a Soul

The chandelier I found is one of Venini’s spiral glass designs from the 1960s — small but heavy, measuring about 60 cm long and 30 cm wide, with each glass element curling gently downward like molten crystal frozen mid-sway. The pieces catch light beautifully, refracting it in soft, golden ripples that make the entire room shimmer.

Up close, the craftsmanship is extraordinary. Each glass piece feels weighty, substantial — not the thin, brittle glass you find in mass-produced fixtures. 

And the solid brass frame cam in a warm, burnished tone that only decades can create. It’s that kind of brass that glows softly and acts the perfect complement to the cool transparency of the Murano glass.

The first time I switched it on, I stood there speechless. It was like seeing a piece of jewelry come alive — like Dior couture for the ceiling. The way the light twisted through the glass, scattering reflections across my walls, instantly transformed my space. It’s glamorous but not gaudy, vintage yet timeless — the kind of design that feels effortlessly luxurious.

The Installation 

Hanging this chandelier was a feat of its own. Because of its weight (and the delicate glass), I decided not to risk doing it myself. I called in a professional electrician, and the whole job took two full hours — partly because we had to carefully clean and reattach each glass element one by one.

By the end of it, I was £150 poorer (because electricians cost a lot here) but honestly, it was completely worth it. Seeing the chandelier hanging in place, glowing softly above my dining table, I couldn’t help but smile. For something that had survived over half a century, it still looked immaculate — a testament to the enduring quality of Venini’s work.

Why I Love Thrifting Vintage Designer Lighting

This chandelier reminded me why I adore thrifting vintage furniture and decor. There’s a certain charm in giving new life to an object that has already lived through decades of stories. Unlike buying something off the shelf, finding a vintage Venini chandelier on Facebook Marketplace feels like a small miracle.

It’s also a reminder that good design doesn’t age. When something is made with integrity, it transcends time and trends. In an era when so much of what we buy feels disposable, Venini’s glasswork is the exact opposite: built to last. 

And perhaps that’s what makes vintage furniture pieces so special to me. Every piece tells a story, not just about its maker, but about its journey. My chandelier might have once hung in an Italian villa, or perhaps a chic London flat in the 1970s. 

My Own Little Piece of Design History

Now, every time I look up at my chandelier, I feel a quiet sort of pride. It’s more than just lighting, it’s a conversation starter, and a daily reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected places.

From scrolling through Facebook Marketplace on a random evening to discovering a genuine Paolo Venini masterpiece — this find has reaffirmed my love for vintage design and the thrill of the hunt.

And maybe that’s the best part: knowing that for the price of a night out and a bit of installation work, I now have a 1960s Italian glass chandelier that looks like it belongs in a Milan design gallery. It sparkles, it glows, and it fills the room with a kind of nostalgic glamour that feels utterly irreplaceable.