Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. We sell honest replicas of iconic designs; this article covers the Caboche’s design origins, what to look for in a replica, and how to order from Decomica.
The Foscarini Caboche pendant replica recreates Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto’s 2005 design — a globe of transparent PMMA spheres that scatter light in every direction — at a price that reflects construction cost rather than licensed Italian brand value. If you want the crystalline, multi-directional sparkle of the Caboche in your dining room or living space, a well-made replica delivers it honestly.
The Caboche is a different kind of pendant to the PH Artichoke or the Tom Dixon Beat. Where those lamps use solid metal to control light direction, the Caboche does the opposite: it maximises light scatter. Every PMMA sphere acts as a small lens, refracting and dispersing light outward. The effect in a room is closer to a chandelier than a traditional pendant — ambient, multidirectional, and distinctly glamorous without being ornate.
The Original Caboche Design
Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto designed the Caboche for Foscarini in 2005. Urquiola is one of the most widely published furniture and product designers working today; the Caboche is among her most recognisable lighting pieces. The name references the French word for “head,” and the form — a dense globe of transparent bubbles — recalls both soap foam and the refraction patterns of crystal.
The construction logic is straightforward but labour-intensive: dozens of individually injection-moulded PMMA spheres are each mounted on a short arm and arranged in concentric rings around a central lamp holder. Each sphere is slightly convex, so light from the source refracts outward rather than passing straight through. The result is a pendant that glows from within but also lights its surroundings, rather than throwing a focused downward beam.
Foscarini’s licensed original is manufactured in Italy with cast metal components and higher-grade PMMA. The replica uses the same optical principle with comparable PMMA and a steel or aluminium frame. The visual effect at room distance is nearly indistinguishable.
Sizes Available
| Size | Diameter | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 35 cm | Bedrooms, reading nooks, small dining tables (under 100 cm), clustered installations |
| Medium | 50 cm | Standard dining rooms, living room focal point, over kitchen islands |
| Large | 65 cm | Open-plan spaces, double-height rooms, hospitality settings |
A single 50 cm Caboche over a dining table is a confident choice for most domestic spaces. In larger rooms or open-plan areas, a cluster of two or three 35 cm units hung at staggered heights can be more effective than a single large pendant. The Caboche’s all-round glow means clusters do not create competing shadow zones the way directional pendants can.
What the Replica Is Made From
The replica uses PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) acrylic for the spheres — the same material as the original. PMMA has the optical clarity and refraction index required for the lamp to work as designed. Substituting cheaper polystyrene or PVC would compromise the visual effect, and any reputable replica will specify PMMA.
The frame is steel or aluminium, finished in chrome or brushed nickel. The central lamp holder takes a standard E27 bulb. There are no fabric components; cleaning is a matter of wiping individual spheres with a dry microfibre cloth. Avoid solvent-based cleaners, which can craze the PMMA surface.
Finishes and Colour Options
The original Foscarini Caboche is available in transparent and amber versions (the amber spheres warm the light output significantly). Decomica’s replica is available in transparent. The transparent version is the more versatile of the two: it takes on the warmth or coolness of whatever bulb you pair it with, so you have full control over the atmosphere with bulb choice.
Bulb recommendation: a 2700K E27 LED in the 8–12W range will give the Caboche its warmest and most flattering look. The spheres will appear slightly golden. A 3000K LED is a good middle ground for kitchens or spaces used for both dining and working. Avoid cool-white bulbs (4000K+) unless the rest of the space is deliberately clinical.
Why Choose a Replica Over the Licensed Original?
The licensed Foscarini Caboche starts at around €1,500 for the medium size. As with all iconic design pieces, that price includes the brand’s Italian manufacturing standards, quality assurance, and licensed production. There is no deception in that price.
A replica is for buyers who want the optical and aesthetic qualities of the Caboche design without the licensed brand premium. Decomica sells replicas openly. We do not describe our Caboche as a Foscarini product or imply any connection to the brand. Buyers know what they are purchasing.
See our full designer lighting replica range to compare the Caboche alongside other iconic pendants.
Shipping, Returns and Warranty
Free delivery to the UK, EU, Norway, and Switzerland. VAT is included; there is nothing extra on delivery. Exceptions: Bulgaria, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus — contact us before ordering.
Handling: 1–2 working days. Delivery: 5–7 working days via DPD once dispatched. You receive a tracking link by email at dispatch.
Returns: 14 days from receipt. Defect returns are free — we arrange DPD pickup. Change-of-mind returns: €40–50 return shipping cost applies. Original packaging required, item must be inspected on arrival. Refunds processed within 30 days of us receiving the return.
2-year manufacturer’s warranty on all orders, covering defects in materials and construction.
Payment: credit/debit cards and PayPal. We do not accept Klarna.
Support: support@decomica.com or live chat. No phone line. Response within 24–48 hours.
How to Install the Caboche Replica
Installation follows the same process as any pendant light. The lamp ships with a ceiling canopy, suspension cable (typically 150–200 cm, adjustable), and E27 lamp holder. If you do not have an existing pendant rose, you will need an electrician. Connecting to an existing rose is straightforward — 20–30 minutes for anyone comfortable with basic wiring.
One installation note specific to the Caboche: the lamp is heavier than it looks, because of the PMMA sphere count. The 65 cm version in particular should be hung from a ceiling joist or a properly rated ceiling anchor, not just a plasterboard fixing. Check the weight specification on the product page and match it to your fixing hardware.
Where Does the Caboche Work Best?
The Caboche’s omnidirectional scatter makes it less suited to spaces where directed task lighting is the priority. It is at its best in:
- Dining rooms — the sphere cluster creates a visual centrepiece that also lights the full room rather than just the table surface.
- Living rooms — as a primary or secondary ambient light, the warm scatter creates a lounge-like atmosphere.
- Hotel bars and restaurant waiting areas — the chandelier-adjacent effect works well in hospitality without the cost or fragility of glass crystal.
- Bedrooms — the 35 cm version over a bedside or vanity table provides soft, flattering ambient light.
The Caboche does not work well as a reading light or task light over a desk. If you need directional focus, the PH Artichoke or Beat pendants are better choices. For a comparison of all three designs, see our Artichoke buying guide, which also covers when other pendant styles make more sense.
Caboche Replica vs. Artichoke Replica: Which Is Right for You?
| Caboche replica | PH Artichoke replica | |
|---|---|---|
| Light quality | Omnidirectional scatter, sparkle effect | 360° glare-free, warm and focused |
| Material | PMMA acrylic spheres, steel/chrome frame | Pressed steel leaves, powder-coat or plated |
| Best ceiling height | 250 cm+ (sphere weight needs clearance) | 240 cm+ (leaf span needs clearance) |
| Statement level | Glamorous, chandelier-like | Architectural, mid-century |
| Maintenance | Individual sphere wiping | Leaf dusting |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the spheres on the Caboche replica real glass?
No — they are PMMA acrylic, the same material used in the licensed Foscarini original. PMMA has better impact resistance than glass and the same optical clarity. The refraction effect is identical at room viewing distances.
Can I use a dimmable LED with the Caboche?
Yes, provided the dimmer switch is compatible with the LED bulb you choose. Most modern trailing-edge dimmers work with standard E27 LED bulbs. Check compatibility with your specific dimmer and bulb brand before purchase.
Does the replica come with a bulb?
No. We recommend a 2700K E27 LED (8–12W) for the warmest effect.
What if my lamp arrives damaged?
Contact us at support@decomica.com within 14 days with photos of the damage. We will arrange a free DPD return collection and replacement or refund.
Is the Caboche replica available with a gold finish?
Our current stock is transparent. For custom finish requests, contact support@decomica.com.
How long does delivery take?
1–2 working days handling plus 5–7 working days in transit. Typical total: 6–9 working days from order to door within the EU.
