Space, with its vastness and complexity, has always captivated the human imagination. Our solar system, a celestial ballet of planets and stars, has inspired various aspects of human life and design, from ancient sundials to modern-day innovations. The COSMOOVAL lamp series is a testament to this inspiration, drawing on the phenomenal interconnectivity of our solar system to create a collection of lamps that not only illuminate spaces but also tell a cosmic story.
The designers of Cosmooval drew inspiration from the celestial bodies in our solar system, considering the way they influence our planet and the intricate dance of light and shadow they create. The lamp series incorporates key elements such as expandability, limitation, transparency, and immateriality to bring the essence of space into our living environments.
The design process began with the creation of a mood board, reflecting the tension and spatial dynamics of the universe. Simple basic figures, inspired by solar and lunar eclipses, shooting stars, and planetary movements, were arranged to evoke the mood of the cosmos. A clay mockup emphasized stability through the use of circles and triangles, laying the foundation for the lamp series’ structural elements.
Several idea sketches were explored, with the initial focus on a triangular structure within three circles. As the design evolved, proportions, details, and interactions were refined in subsequent sketches. The final design selected a form that considered materials, structure, and user interaction, resulting in three distinct types of lamps within the Cosmooval series.
Each lamp in the series offers a unique interaction with light, adding to the overall cosmic experience. The ceiling lamp, representing expandability, spreads light by adjusting the angle of an oval disk. The table lamp, embodying limitation, controls light brightness through the movement of a red sphere, mimicking the motion of a shooting star. The floor lamp, combining transparency and immateriality, simulates orbiting planets and solar eclipses, changing light intensity as the red sphere is manipulated.
Cosmooval, derived from the fusion of “Cosmo” (space) and “Oval” (ellipse), is more than just a lighting solution; it is an artistic representation of the cosmos. The series serves as a visual metaphor for planets, satellites, and shooting stars, moving in harmony with their orbits.
The ceiling lamp symbolizes the expansiveness of space, spreading light with three ovals arranged in a stable manner. By pulling the red sphere attached to a string, users can open and close the ovals, controlling the brightness and essential light in their space.
In the table lamp, a triangular structure controls the concentrated light source. Moving the red sphere along a diagonal line mimics the motion of a shooting star, allowing users to experience the fleeting brightness associated with celestial phenomena.
The floor lamp embodies transparency and immateriality, recreating the orbits of planets and solar eclipses. Pushing the red sphere sideways changes the shape and intensity of light, providing a dynamic representation of the passage of time and celestial revolutions.
The Cosmooval lamp series transcends conventional lighting, offering users an immersive experience that connects them to the wonders of our solar system. Through innovative design and thoughtful interaction, these lamps bring the cosmos into our living spaces, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the universe that surrounds us.
The young live-streaming industry has introduced a standard lighting technique to the masses, giving birth to the now popular “ring light” that’s even making its way to smartphone cameras. The literal ring of light is meant to provide more natural-looking illumination while minimizing the casting of shadows due to both its shape and its position in relation to the camera. It’s a visually interesting piece of lighting equipment, but its design is extremely focused and limited to that use case. This lamp, however, tries to take that same idea but gives it an even more interesting interpretation, generating light that doesn’t shine in just one direction but goes almost everywhere except where the lamp is facing.
Although circular lamps have been around for decades, ring lights are still a bit of a novelty to those outside the professional photography world. After all, circular lamps are often mounted on ceilings and walls, but this “halo on a stick” can be placed almost anywhere it’s needed to have a well-lit shoot or stream. It also uses LEDs versus the traditional fluorescent, though it technically can be any light source as long as it can take a circular form.
“Spot” is a concept for a lamp that is inspired by the shape of these ring lights but almost does in the opposite direction. Despite a ring light’s circular shape, it still shines its light mostly forward, with some illumination scattered around it only as a side effect. In contrast, Spot’s light comes from the structure’s side, and there is actually no light from its front or even its back.
The design shares the same basic combination of a ring on a stand, but the key difference is that an LED strip runs outside along the edges of the shape. This strip is supported by an internal structure that is sandwiched between two opaque covers, making sure the light is really projected only from the sides of the lamp. Another key design element is that Spot makes it easy to take the product apart in order to replace the LED strip, making maintenance and repair trivial.
Because of the way it illuminates from the sides rather than in a single direction, Spot functions more as a decorative lighting fixture or a night lamp at best. The contrast of the dark body and the lighting shining around it creates an almost eerie appearance, one that will easily grab attention and serve as a conversation starter, despite its seemingly simple design.
Lamps are a normal part of everyday life, giving light and creating moods anywhere, anytime, even during the day. Conventional lamp designs involve fixtures placed on walls, hanging from ceilings, or even standing up from floors and desks, all of them permanent or semi-permanent. Of course, some lamps can be carried, and there was a time when these were the only kind of lamps that lit up houses and paths as what we now call “lanterns.” Most portable lamps these days take a more practical and space-efficient shapes like cylinders and boxes, but this design concept throws convention out the window with a lamp design that looks like a cross between a traditional paper lantern and a modern bag.
Once upon a time, all sources of light were pretty much fire hazards. Metal lanterns used combustible kerosene and paper lanterns enclosed candles in, well, paper. The latter was a common design in Asia, like the Korean Chorong which used white cloth covering a wooden frame to protect the candle inside from blowing winds. Of course, we have electricity and LEDs today to make all of that safer, but there’s also a certain charm to the sight of a lantern’s fabric billowing gently in the wind.
This portable lamp design concept brings that past aesthetic to the present but with a few modern twists. The lamp, named after that same Chorong lantern, tries to capture the unique visual of the fabric-covered lighting but uses 3D-printed transparent PLA to achieve the same effect. Rather than going for a straightforward box, the shape of the container twists and bends, almost like how the cloth would have behaved in the past.
The light source itself is a white sphere with a dozen or so LEDs inside providing illumination. The lamp’s steel base not only serves as a stable foundation but also as a compartment to hide the electronics, including a rechargeable battery. This modern Chorong also deviates from the traditional design by using a handle that uses anodized aluminum and stands only on two sides of the “lantern,” namely, the front and the back. This gives the lamp an unusual appearance and experience of carrying a bag instead of a lamp.
Chorong wouldn’t be the first to try to recreate a traditional lantern design with modern materials, but it is one that isn’t too concerned about staying faithful to the original. It tries to capture the spirit of the design, one that not only illuminates but also inspires with its organic beauty, and reinterprets it in a way that shows off modern materials and techniques. That said, this design concept is more for show and might be impractical to actually use outdoors unless you’re just bringing it out to the backyard to enjoy a calm night under the stars.
There are some designs and interfaces that seem to be so intuitive that there’s almost no question about how to use them. Babies have an inborn knowledge on how to breast feed (even if they have no clue why or when), lever-type switches leave no doubt about what to do to turn something on or off, and the grooves on a screw’s body, a.k.a. its “threads,” hint that it’s something that needs to be rotated or twisted. These intuitive interfaces often have a fixed purpose and use, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be applied to something totally unrelated. This industrial-style table lamp, for example, uses not just the metaphor of a screw but even its mechanism to offer a more personal and direct way to dim or brighten your surroundings.
Even when it comes to appearances, the Set Table Lamp already sets itself apart from the crowd. Especially when its lampshade is at its lowest point, it looks nothing more than a gigantic screw standing on your table or shelf. Apart from the standard tall body and wide shade composition, it’s not exactly a design you’d expect from a lamp, even one with a striking industrial style. Unlike lamps that just let you look at it to appreciate its design, this one looks like it’s inviting you to interact with it, which is exactly the point of the design.
The lamp’s screw design isn’t just cosmetic but is actually a key part of its function. The light that comes from the lamp’s cylindrical body shines upward toward the lampshade and is bounced off to illuminate your surroundings. The shade’s shape isn’t typical either in that it’s a very flat cone with its tip facing downward instead of the umbrella-like shades of most lamps. This not only reflects light around the lamp rather than just downward, it also mimics the design of a screw head more closely as well.
Most lamps these days have a dimming feature that often requires turning the lamp on and off to cycle through different brightness levels. It’s an unintuitive and tiring method that leaves no room for finer adjustments. In contrast, the Set Table Lamp’s unique design works in its favor because you can simply turn the shade to lower or raise it, thereby dimming or brightening the light it gives off, respectively. And you do this not with a switch but with an easy motion of “screwing” the cap around the body’s grooves.
With today’s smart lighting products, such a design might seem impractical or even obsolete, but how many such smart lamps can boast of such a beautiful and “personal” lamp? The remote and indirect control of smart lamps takes out the human element in designs, somewhat ironic for products made for human living space. Set Table Lamp offers a more tactile experience that gives humans the feeling of agency and control that they are losing little by little to automation and AI.
Handsome minimalist design with a fabric-covered base
Built-in speaker in the RGB-lit base
Bright and colorful lights that can sync to music
Includes a magnetic remote control
CONS:
Speaker output quality is average
Matter support still unavailable
RATINGS:
AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
EDITOR'S QUOTE:
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro delivers a breathtaking audiovisual experience that syncs to the music while also standing proudly as a design object when the lights are off.
Most of us probably presume that lamps either hang from ceilings, stick to walls, or stand on tables. While elevated lighting is indeed necessary to provide illumination in the darkness, every inch of your room or house definitely deserves a bit of light, especially when it adds a splash of color as well. As far as ambient lighting products go, the tall, stick-like figures known as RGB floor lamps are probably the least known or appreciated. Govee might very well be changing that perception with its new Floor Lamp Pro which not only brings pro-level features deserving of its name but also looks quite sleek and elegant standing anywhere in the room, even when all its lights are turned off.
Govee has dozens of designs for different kinds of lighting solutions, but if there’s one trait they share it’s that they shine best when the lights are on, figuratively and literally. When they’re off, they tend to look unimpressive, at least for those that aren’t hidden behind TVs or stuck to wall corners. Floor lamps, however, are always visible and are, therefore, designed to be seen. Fortunately, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro is something that you’ll love seeing even if there’s no light show taking place.
Available in black and gray color options, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro’s dark silhouette cuts a rather striking figure whether it’s standing in a corner or placed somewhere in the middle of the room. The floor lamp’s shape is pretty simple: a tall, thin rod standing on top of a cylindrical base. On closer inspection, you will realize that the rod is made of sturdy aluminum that slightly wraps around a white silicone LED light strip. You’ll hardly see this color contrast unless you intentionally turn the light strip into view, which is actually easy to do since you can rotate the rod 360 degrees.
The can-shaped base is covered with a fabric-like material reminiscent of those found wrapped around smart speakers. That association isn’t by accident as the Floor Lamp Pro, unlike Govee’s other lights, actually comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. This makes the product an all-in-one light and sound system, one of the extremely few floor lamps with such a feature. The bottom of the base itself isn’t covered by this soft material as it exposes the base’s own RGB lights, yet another defining feature of this new Govee Floor Lamp Pro.
Although you can expect the Govee Floor Lamp Pro to be a dazzling sight once the psychedelic lights start to dance, what sets this design apart is how it still catches your eyes once the show is over. Unless you’re familiar with these kinds of RGB floor lamps, you might actually mistake it as some modern design object meant to add some minimalist elegance to your room. This pretty much means that the Floor Lamp Pro provides value all the time, even when you’re not actively using its bright lights.
Ergonomics
Just like any Govee product, setting up the Floor Lamp Pro is practically a breeze. Given the rod’s 67-inch height, you shouldn’t be surprised that it comes in four pieces that you can quickly join and screw together in a snap. You slip in the silicone light strip and install the rod into the base, easily connecting the wires to finally finish the process. It can be done in around 10 minutes, depending on how well-versed you are at assembling things.
You won’t be handling the Govee Floor Lamp Pro most of the time, at least not directly, which is probably for the best. After all, it’s meant to stand in a corner of the room and stay there until the next time you redecorate. And even when you do need to control it, you won’t be able to do it on the lamp itself anyway because it lacks any form of physical control. Instead, you will be operating the lamp remotely, mostly through your smartphone.
Surprisingly, Govee ships a Bluetooth-enabled remote control with the Floor Lamp Pro, which gives you quick and instant access to some of the most basic and important functions. Instead of fiddling with the app to turn down the volume, you can simply press down the button on the remote to save you the trouble and the stress. And to make sure you don’t lose that small remote, you can magnetically stick it to the lamp’s metal rod until you next need its services.
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro isn’t exactly lightweight at 7.3lbs (3.3kg), but that’s fine since you’re unlikely to move it around anyway. One trick that it does have is that you can turn the rod around, making it trivial to customize the lighting experience from bouncing off walls to directly shining the light in your direction. All in all, this Govee product is just as easy to set up just like its siblings, though there is definitely some assembly required. Operating it is also straightforward, though the Govee Home app can admittedly be a bit daunting and overwhelming for first-time users, but that is mostly because of the plethora of features available for such a simple-looking product.
Performance
When you first turn on the Govee Floor Lamp Pro, you might actually be blinded by how bright the LED lights are. It is to be expected from a flagship Govee product, but this one definitely takes it up a notch with a 2,100 ANSI lumens brightness. Govee didn’t skimp on the LED beads either. The light strip, for example, has 162 RGB units and 162 white units, while the base has 30 RGB beads and 30 white beads.
What all these numbers mean in practice is that you have a bright and unbroken beam of light wherever the Floor Lamp Pro shines. You won’t see any distinct cuts or patterns on the projected light thanks to the high density of LED beads distributed along the length of the light strip. And thanks to Govee’s RGBICWW technology, your eyes are treated to the widest range of colors, turning every moment a psychedelic experience.
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro, however, doesn’t stop there. As mentioned earlier, this is one of the extremely few floor lamps to bear a speaker inside. And not just any speaker, mind you, but a Bluetooth speaker system with two full-range and one low-frequency speaker inside. What would normally be a captivating light show becomes an immersive multimedia experience that dances to the beat of your music or even your film. That speaker, though loud, won’t exactly blow your mind with its quality. It’s decent enough for small parties and enhancing the mood of a film or soundtrack, but it isn’t going to win any awards, especially against actual speakers from audio brands.
The Floor Lamp Pro has the ability to sync its lights to music like a magical light and sound show. It can use either the built-in mic to listen to the sounds around it or, better yet, the built-in Bluetooth speaker playing your own tunes streaming from your phone. With Govee DreamView, you can even sync other Govee lights so they all dance to the same beat, whether they’re in the same room or scattered throughout the house. This Music Mode is just one of the many features you can access from the Govee Home app, of course, and there are literally a dozen others you can pick out to set the right mood at the right time, from scheduled activation to scenes for different holidays. You can even enjoy 29 preset white noise sounds to calm you down and help you focus, though not everyone might like the available selection. Fortunately, you can always use your own relaxing notes thanks to the lamp’s speaker.
As a smart lamp, you have a variety of ways you can control the lamp, though what you’ve heard so far requires your fingers to tap your way through menus and options. You can also use your voice thanks to integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Unfortunately, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro doesn’t yet support the new Matter standard that would open up compatibility with other smart home platforms and devices. That will eventually come, but there’s no timeline yet for its arrival.
Sustainability
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro is an exceptional smart lighting product, but it isn’t that too different from other brands when it comes to the materials it uses. There’s plenty of plastic to go around, especially with the silicone light strip. That said, the Floor Lamp Pro is a little unique in its use of slightly more sustainable materials like the aluminum rod and fabric-like cover for the base.
Any damage, however, would require sending the product back for repairs, which is thankfully a straightforward and painless process. It’d be impossible to repair the light strip on your own, at least not without extensive electronics experience, though you might get by with a few dents and knicks on the metal rod. Hopefully, as Govee’s business grows, so will its efforts in sustainability in order to secure a brighter future for its customers.
Value
Truth be told, a floor lamp is a harder sell compared to products like string or strip lights. The latter are more general-purpose and more flexible as they can be used in almost any situation or design. That said, they also don’t have a big effect when it comes to coloring an entire space, at least not without investing in longer strips. Not only is that not economical, it’s not very efficient either.
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro has the power to really change the atmosphere inside a space. Whether it’s bouncing off walls or shining directly, the bright and colorful lights can easily reach across the room. The magic, however, really happens when you start pairing those lights with sounds coming from the lamp’s own speaker. Best of all, it remains just as captivating as a decorative design when it’s not in use. For a floor lamp that costs $219.99, that’s quite a steal.
Verdict
Smart floor lamps are still a pretty niche market, and it might be difficult to justify one or two if you’re not a gamer or a die-hard room modder. Of course, these aren’t the only audiences that these lights serve, but most people probably can’t imagine what they’d want a vertical stick of light for. With the Floor Lamp Pro, however, Govee is pushing the envelope of what floor lamps are capable of and trying to break the mold with a smart lighting solution that can instantly change the ambiance of a room in a cost-efficient and space-saving manner.
The configurable and bright RGB lights are already impressive, but their ability to sync with the music playing from the lamp’s built-in speakers really takes the immersion up a notch. The wide variety of modes and features enables you to almost literally paint a different picture of your room every time, whether you’re having a lively party or trying to focus on work. The Govee Floor Lamp Pro’s value, however, doesn’t end when the lights go off and the music stops. With a sleek minimalist design and quality materials, it becomes a design object that adds a different kind of aesthetic, one that can speak loudly with fewer words and without the dazzling lights.
Imagine wandering through the Earth’s diverse landscapes, where lively ecosystems thrive with plants and animals perfectly suited to their surroundings. Each place has unique life forms, from dense forests to icy plains. Inspired by this rich diversity, the BIOMES lighting series brings a new idea to light. It doesn’t just brighten rooms; it adds a touch of nature’s magic. Like a beautiful song, Biomes blends usefulness and beauty, turning ordinary spaces into lively habitats full of potential. With each light, it invites you to explore nature’s wonders, where light and life dance together in a wonderful show of balance and creativity.
In a world where lighting has become universal yet often uninspired, the Biomes lighting series redefines the role of illumination by merging it with the principles of ecological diversity. Rather than simply being functional fixtures, these lights adapt and integrate with the surrounding environment, much like living organisms coexisting within a biome. Unlike conventional lighting options that prioritize functionality over environmental harmony, Biomes lighting takes a holistic approach. By considering the unique characteristics of each space, these fixtures offer not only illumination but also a seamless blend of creativity and functionality.
Biomes lighting embraces diversity in design and functionality. Each fixture is meticulously crafted to suit different environments, ensuring that every space receives the perfect lighting solution tailored to its specific needs. In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is key. This lighting series is designed to evolve alongside its users and their environments, ensuring longevity and relevance amidst shifting trends and preferences. Recognizing that one size does not fit all, Biomes Lighting offers a diverse range of fixtures optimized for various environments. From living rooms to kitchens to studies, each fixture is uniquely tailored to enhance its surroundings.
Fluffy:
Introducing Fluffy, the unique light that acts like a living organism in your home. It’s soft and coiled, blending seamlessly into your living room. When it’s curled up, it gives off a gentle glow, perfect for a cozy atmosphere. But Fluffy can also stretch out, just like a snake, to light up specific spots when you need it to. When it’s tucked away under a table, it shines a soft light on whatever’s on top. But when you pull it out, it adjusts its brightness to suit whatever you’re doing, almost like it’s alive and reacting to you. Fluffy isn’t just a light – it’s a clever mix of nature-inspired design and modern technology, making your home feel more alive and inviting.
EcoTeapot:
EcoTeapot is a smart lighting solution designed for kitchens that combines style and usefulness. It’s made to fit seamlessly with shelves or cabinets, making your kitchen look great while adding practicality. With its magnetic attachments, it stays firmly in place but is also easy to remove when needed. You can adjust it easily to suit your kitchen setup. Plus, it comes with a handy tray attachment perfect for keeping your teapot or cups nearby – that’s why it’s called EcoTeapot! It’s a simple yet clever way to light up your kitchen and keep your essentials organized, all in one neat package.
Biomy:
Biomy is a versatile light designed for places like desks and libraries. It’s not just about lighting – it’s about blending in with nature and our spaces. Biomy looks like it’s part of your desk, and it’s handy for hanging things like headphones. It lights up both the top and bottom of the desk, so you can find things easily if they fall. But remember, it’s more for creating a nice atmosphere than for focused work lighting. With Biomy, you get a cozy glow that makes your space feel calm and productive. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of nature indoors while making your workspace more functional and inviting.
As the world continues to evolve, the Biomes lighting series stands as a testament to the power of innovation inspired by nature. By embracing diversity and adaptability, these fixtures not only illuminate our spaces but also enrich them, creating dynamic ecosystems of light and life. Illuminate your world with Biomes lighting and experience the transformative power of ecological design.
Most of the lamps we have on desks and shelves take on a mostly vertical form to save space. If that isn’t an issue, however, then there’s ample opportunity for more memorable and mind-blowing designs. This ring lamp, for example, looks like a Dyson-esque product that turns the hollow space inside a circle into something like an art form. That, however, isn’t its main feature, which is a unique design that eschews almost all kinds of traditional physical controls and instead employs a seemingly magical levitating orb that not only adds an air of mystery to the product but also brings a more satisfying form of interaction every time you push down that ball to control the lamp.
Designer: Inovaxion
Levitating spheres are, of course, nothing new, and truth be told, they can be unreliable once the magnetism starts to weaken or, worse, wear off. It is still a source of fascination and the simple technology has been used to great effect in producing designs like a levitating Death Star, the Moon, or even a 360-degree speaker. The Levitos Ring Lamp isn’t as complicated as those, however, but it is able to utilize that gimmick in a more practical yet still delightful manner.
As a ring lamp, Levitos isn’t exactly that remarkable. In fact, some might feel that it’s rather limited since it only has two modes. One gives a soft yet steady white glow, while the other mode slowly cycles through different colors. The ring itself is pretty bare, connected to a similarly simple circular base, and its light is bright yet just as plain. In fact, the design is so simple that you won’t find any button, switch, or dial, and the only way you can control it is through its biggest trick.
The Assembly comes with a small metal orb that you carefully place in the middle of that base using a specially designed cork disc. Once properly oriented, you simply lift the cork and behold the metal sphere hovering and spinning in place. To turn the lamp on, you push the ball down lightly. Another light push switches the lamp to the multicolor cycling mode. Another tap switches the mode again, so you have to double-tap the ball to turn it off.
The ring lamp comes with a much larger metal ball as an alternative, one that mimics the appearance of the moon. It has the exact same function but gives the lamp a different flavor, especially when the light bounces off the small moon. The design is admittedly gimmicky and probably not that reliable in the long run, as there will be no easy way to control the lamp when the magnet starts to fail, but it’s definitely fun and mesmerizing while it lasts.
Most of the lamps we have on desks and shelves take on a mostly vertical form to save space. If that isn’t an issue, however, then there’s ample opportunity for more memorable and mind-blowing designs. This ring lamp, for example, looks like a Dyson-esque product that turns the hollow space inside a circle into something like an art form. That, however, isn’t its main feature, which is a unique design that eschews almost all kinds of traditional physical controls and instead employs a seemingly magical levitating orb that not only adds an air of mystery to the product but also brings a more satisfying form of interaction every time you push down that ball to control the lamp.
Designer: Inovaxion
Levitating spheres are, of course, nothing new, and truth be told, they can be unreliable once the magnetism starts to weaken or, worse, wear off. It is still a source of fascination and the simple technology has been used to great effect in producing designs like a levitating Death Star, the Moon, or even a 360-degree speaker. The Levitos Ring Lamp isn’t as complicated as those, however, but it is able to utilize that gimmick in a more practical yet still delightful manner.
As a ring lamp, Levitos isn’t exactly that remarkable. In fact, some might feel that it’s rather limited since it only has two modes. One gives a soft yet steady white glow, while the other mode slowly cycles through different colors. The ring itself is pretty bare, connected to a similarly simple circular base, and its light is bright yet just as plain. In fact, the design is so simple that you won’t find any button, switch, or dial, and the only way you can control it is through its biggest trick.
The Assembly comes with a small metal orb that you carefully place in the middle of that base using a specially designed cork disc. Once properly oriented, you simply lift the cork and behold the metal sphere hovering and spinning in place. To turn the lamp on, you push the ball down lightly. Another light push switches the lamp to the multicolor cycling mode. Another tap switches the mode again, so you have to double-tap the ball to turn it off.
The ring lamp comes with a much larger metal ball as an alternative, one that mimics the appearance of the moon. It has the exact same function but gives the lamp a different flavor, especially when the light bounces off the small moon. The design is admittedly gimmicky and probably not that reliable in the long run, as there will be no easy way to control the lamp when the magnet starts to fail, but it’s definitely fun and mesmerizing while it lasts.
Lamps these days come in all shapes and sizes, especially ones that are designed to elicit certain positive responses through their aesthetic. That said, most of these lamps are also designed to be used in a single manner only, especially if they’re mounted on walls or hung from ceilings. That’s why it’s interesting to come across lamp designs that offer a bit more flexibility, even if it’s just in the way they’re made to hang from ceilings. This concept, for example, tries to add a bit of whimsical fun to a room’s atmosphere by calling to mind the ethereal beauty and joy that floating bubbles bring to the air.
Designer: Begüm Kılınç
There are lamps that try to literally imitate the appearance of bubbles, and while they might be things of beauty, these chandeliers aren’t always the most practical lighting solutions. Just as bubbles convey characteristics of fragility, this kind of lamp is, more often than not, used for more delicate and posh settings. They are beautiful, yes, but they also don’t bring the kind of flexibility and fun that this lamp concept proposes.
The Bubbles pendant lamp design looks more like a toy than a luxurious crystal-clear chandelier. Bubbles, after all, tend to bring out the inner child of anyone who sees or plays around with them. The pastel colors represent some of the hues reflected off the surfaces of bubbles, though toned down a bit to be a bit more discreet with some interior designs. The cylindrical body and rounded ends are akin to bubbles that, despite normally spherical, would sometimes join with other bubbles to form a longer mass.
And just like how bubbles can float vertically or horizontally depending on how the wind blows, these lamps can hang either way as well. When it is held up by two cords, it can hang horizontally as you would expect from such a long lamp. However, it can also hang from a single cord to hang vertically, giving it a more striking presence, especially if the lamp is now at eye level. Interestingly, the clear ends of the lamp have spherical “stoppers” that let you adjust how those cords behave.
Such a simple difference can have a profound effect on the ambiance of a room. Imagine multiple Bubble lamps hanging vertically, creating an almost magical atmosphere with their collective lighting. It’s definitely not a ground-breaking feature, and there might be practical and safety issues with such a design. It’s still an interesting experiment that tries to take inspiration from the ordinary things in life that bring us joy and translate that into a product design that does the same.
Gone are the days when lighting designs were boring and typically designed objects that did nothing but add light to a living space. A well-designed lighting fixture should not only have the ability to illuminate any living space but also add that extra oomph factor! I mean, of course, we need them to see in the dark, but as highly functional as they should be, a lighting fixture also needs to be aesthetically pleasing, adding an attractive and visually soothing element to your home or office space. And if it manages to be portable – then well it’s everything you could ask for. From a Japanese lantern candle to a collapsible lighting design – these unique lighting designs are what you need to elevate your living or working space!
1. Japanese Lantern Candle
Inspired by a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this Japanese lantern candle features a billowy pillar shape and emits an ambient and ethereal-looking glow. This lantern is a lighting design that can add some peace and calm to your hectic workday and is also easily moveable from one place to another.
The lantern candle is a modern and contemporary take on an iconic Japanese design. It has a minimalist design that is portable, allowing you to carry it with you. It creates a relaxing glow and is a handcrafted piece by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan. It is a prime specimen of accurate and meticulous craftsmanship.
What we like
The candle’s wax is non-melting, which provides a beautiful clarity on the candle
What we dislike
The lantern can be a fire hazard, so you need to place it carefully around pets and children
2. The Tomori Lantern Kit
The Tomori Lantern Kit is an innovative kit that lets you build your own lantern, and then put it aside once you’re done using it! It doesn’t function as a ready-made lantern, and once it collapses, it doesn’t occupy much space. You can also snugly fit a conventional flashlight inside it!
A foldable cardboard piece functions as the base of the kit, as a flashlight holder, and as a stable structure for the lamp. The kit features an LED flashlight that you can use when it is not fitted inside the lantern. But the cardboard base can also accommodate any other cylindrical flashlight that is less than 30mm in diameter and 160mm in length.
What we like
The whole kit can be folded down into a flat A4-sized package which is ideal for stashing and packing away
A fun experience to put together and create your lantern
What we dislike
The lantern cannot withstand rain
3. Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp
Called the Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp, this quaint-looking lamp has a monolithic form that holds a fragrance diffuser in its upper half, and a well-designed ergonomic lamp in its lower half. The lamp works well for desks, but can also be used as a portable design to be carried anywhere with you.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp is made from a combination of wood, copper, and frosted acrylic glass, providing it with an earthy and warm appearance which is one of the signature features of all Gingko’s products.
What we like
A portable and dual-functional device that you can carry with you with ease
What we dislike
Some people may not prefer wood as their material of choice for diffusers
4. Harmony Flame Fireplace
Coined the Harmony Flame Fireplace, this stunning brass lamp lets you enjoy a pretty and safe fire indoors. It uses eco-friendly bioethanol to spread light and warmth throughout your home. The technique used to build musical instruments was used to build the fireplace.
The Harmony Flame Fireplace is created to uplift and enhance the mood of indoor spaces. The reflective surfaces of the fireplaces, and the vivid flames play around with shadows and light to form a decorative piece that is aesthetically appealing for your dining table or your patio!
What we like
You can enjoy a warm, pretty, and safe fire inside your home
What we dislike
The lamp is powered using bioethanol which is eco-friendly, but needs to be purchased again for refilling, which in turn creates a fuel dependency
The lamp’s fuel capacity and compact size do not support long-term extended use
5. Anywhere-Use Lamp
The Anywhere-Use Lamp is a minimalist portable table lamp that is a relief in a world populated with harsh lighting and big glaring screens. The lamp offers a touch of tranquility and elegance when placed in a living space. It has a mushroom-inspired head emitting a soft and warm ambient glow.
The lamp is powered by four AA batteries, and it has a modular modular that delivers amazing atmospheric enhancement wherever you decide to place it. The lamp features six high-color rendering LEDS, which radiates a soothing luminescence, transforming any space into an oasis of peace.
What we like
Feature 4 brightness level
Easy to disassemble, store in a bag, and carry anywhere with you
What we dislike
The lamp is not water-resistant
It utilizes four AA batteries
6. Madco Table Lamp
Dubbed the Madco Table Lamp, and designed by Italian designer Elisa Ossino for the Japanese brand Ambientec, this lamp is a subtle, minimalist, and delicate recreation of festive Japanese lanterns. They aim to bring Japanese culture to your home in a convenient and portable form.
Why is it noteworthy?
The lamp is designed to be portable, and it can be recharged using a UBC-C. The designer says that you should take the lamp outside, as it is waterproof, and will create a pretty and intriguing interplay with plants. It can be hung from its handle as well!
What we like
Features a portable and flexible form
Adds a pop of color and Japanese culture to your living space
What we dislike
The lamp seems to be a bit fragile and easily breakable, must be handled with care
7. Iyer’s Lamp Design
Designed by Shail Iyer, this sleek lamp design is an experiment on modern minimalism, to create a lighting fixture that is simple yet multifunctional. Iyer tried to present his take on modern minimalism, which entails taking up minimum space while doing maximum work – and this lighting design is the final result.
Why is it noteworthy?
The portable desk lamp looks much like a modern lamp light lantern, and it features a multi-shaped silhouette. The body has a large cylindrical shape, with a sturdy bottom for stability. What makes the lamp interesting is that it can be hung from a hook, or even rested on top of a flat surface.
What we like
Compact, easy-to-carry form
Multifunctional design that can be hooked or placed on a flat surface
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
8. Stella
Called Stella, this exquisite-looking lighting design was created as a part of the 2023 New Collection lighting products by COG Design Studio x Bonakia. The ethereal-esque lighting design was built through a mix of multiple techniques – repetition and transforming, and by employing various geometric shapes.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features an interesting triangular intaglio shape and is built using acrylic material. The goal behind the design was to observe the sensibility of light when it is transmitted to a detailed intaglio pattern.
What we like
Stella radiates an ambient and seductive glow
Portable design that can be placed wherever you like
What we dislike
The lamp should be carefully cleaned and maintained, as it looks quite fragile
You should move the lamp around with caution, as it could fall and break
9. Z-Lamp
Dubbed the Z-lamp, this innovative lamp has a collapsible feature that makes it easy to carry around. It features a ridged silicone shade that lets the lamp expand or contract, letting you control the lamp’s overall brightness as well. It is equipped with a collapsible silicon clad that sits over the LED base.
Why is it noteworthy?
Once you expand the entire silicone cover, it functions as a large diffuser, that scatters more light in all directions. Once you compact it, the diffuser’s size reduces and dims the LED’s intensity. The lamp is simple, smart, and engaging!
What we like
Unique collapsible feature that converts it into an easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
10. Float
Called Float, this cute battery-powered design can create ambient restaurant lighting wherever you like. Designed by the Italian brand Axolight, this lighting design is a versatile product that can be placed on a desk, used as a lamp, or even fixed on a wall.
Why is it noteworthy?
Float has a minimal shape and form, that allows it to easily merge with both indoor and outdoor spaces – whether it is a home or a restaurant patio. You could also place the lighting design over an empty bottle, and create your own pretend-restaurant experience.
What we like
Battery lasts for 9 hours, you can use it wirelessly as well
Features a 5-step touch dimmer, allowing you to adjust the lighting
