Tag Archives: lamp

Peculiar mood light is inspired by light pillar phenomenon

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When I see pillars of light from the sky, my mind immediately goes to alien abductions, thanks to sci-fi movies and shows that show people being kidnapped by aliens on their ships. But light pillars are actually beautiful optical phenomenon that some are privileged to see in real life and not scary at all. To see it replicated in every day objects is pretty cool.

Designer: O_1 Design

The Fila Night Mood Light by Auge Light takes its inspiration from light pillars to give an atmospheric and aesthetic lamp. Using a magnetic suction filament, they’re able to somehow connect “the sky and the ground” at least inside the lamp. They also use a magnetic suction ball to represent the “floating heart of a human being”.

Basically you have a linear pillar of light shining inside this structure. You can control the brightness on three levels, with level 1 being 10%, level 2 at 50%, and if you want the full effect, you get 100% in level 3. It uses magnetic absorption LED to give you the lighting magic. You can also shake it to degauss (remove unwanted magnetism) the filament and invert the lamp body magnetic suction so the filament becomes vertical.

The mood lamp does look pretty especially when placed in dark areas as it adds a certain futuristic look to your space. I still feel like a UFO will pluck me from my house though especially as the top suction part looks like the entrance to an alien spaceship.

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Concrete-like lampshades are actually made from mushroom mycelium

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We’ve come across a wide variety of lamp designs with an even wider assortment of lampshades made from different materials using different methods. Of course, the most common are made of metal, plastic, or glass, as these are easy to come by and manufacture in this day and age. They’re not exactly sustainable in the long run, though, even if some are considered to be such. They might not be easily renewable or they take a lot of energy to produce, generating carbon emissions and waste in the process. This particular lighting collection, however, really takes eco-friendliness to heart by using a material that’s not only sustainable, biodegradable, and renewable, it can also be easily grown in a lab rather than manufactured in a factory.

Designer: Danielle Trofe, Lujah Brown (MushLume)

Mycelium is becoming quite a star in the design industry despite its modest and literally down-to-earth roots. They are practically mushroom roots consisting of a complex branching network that, in the natural world, are used to distribute water and nutrients to plants while themselves also serving as food for organisms living in the same soil. Recently, mycelium has become the focus of many research and design experiments that use it as an alternative to typical materials like fabric or even concrete.

MushLume, and obvious wordplay on its origins, harnesses the properties of mycelium to create lamp designs that are not only striking but also friendly to both the Earth and humans as well. But rather than take the painstaking work of gathering mushroom roots from the wild, the fungi are instead grown into a hemp substrate that eventually solidifies inside a mold. Once matured, the new structure is removed from the mold heated, and dried to become practically any lamp form you can think of.

The result is a material that checks all the sustainability boxes. It uses very little water and energy to make, significantly reducing carbon emissions and waste. The material is also biodegradable, which means you can eventually throw it out into a backyard compost or landfill and it will safely decompose over time. That said, they are expected to last for years so you won’t need to do that any time soon.

MushLume lamps also bring a distinctive aesthetic to any space. Their raw and rough surfaces almost resemble concrete from a distance but are incredibly lightweight in reality. The texture and patterns, which are unique to every lamp, also add some character to the design, while also giving the diffused light a warm tone. MushLume definitely challenges the conventions of designing and producing products, though there still needs to be more testing to see if mycelium can really scale up to be the mass-grown foundations of future products.

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German-engineered Elegance Redefines Portable LED Lighting And Brings The Sun’s Hues Into Your Home

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Step into the realm of illumination innovation with the GRAU Salt Lamp, a veritable titan in the world of portable lighting solutions. From the meticulous craftsmanship of German engineering emerges a luminary that transcends mere functionality, becoming a beacon of elegance and innovation that redefines the very essence of lighting.

Designer: GRAU

At first glance, the Salt Lamp presents a sleek silhouette, crafted from the finest powder-coated aluminum, with a base that whispers of luxury with its rubberized touch. However, beneath its stark exterior lies a wealth of innovative features designed to elevate your lighting experience to new heights.

You can effortlessly control your lighting experience with just a touch, as the Salt Lamp’s touch-sensitive top responds to your every whim, offering a radiant glow of up to 450 lumens. But wait, there’s more. Dive into the subtleties of sunset with GRAU’s ingenious sunset-dimming feature, painting your space with hues that mimic the warmth of the setting sun. From the golden embrace of dusk to the fiery hues of twilight, three distinct light curves—Sunset Orange Light, Golden Light, and Neutral Light—beckon you to curate your ambiance with finesse.

Powered by USB-C rechargeable batteries, the Salt Lamp boasts an impressive runtime of 150 hours on a single charge, extending to a remarkable 500 hours when set to the dimmest setting. GRAU has engineered the lamp with easily replaceable battery units in a nod to sustainability, ensuring longevity and minimizing environmental impact.

Navigating the lamp’s features is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design elements. The inclusion of a smart LED battery indicator keeps users informed of the remaining battery life, while the innovative “Magic button” enables seamless operation and effortless color adjustments.

Adding to its allure, the Salt Lamp is available in four chic colors—black, yellow, white, and red—inviting you to choose the hue that speaks to your soul, complements your style, and becomes an extension of your aesthetic narrative. Priced at €399 (USD $426), the Salt Lamp represents a worthwhile investment in both functionality and design excellence.

The GRAU Salt Lamp stands out as a beacon of innovation and sophistication. Whether illuminating your workspace, enhancing your home ambiance, or accompanying you on outdoor adventures, this portable luminary is poised to redefine your lighting experience, one radiant moment at a time.

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Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture

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It might be a foreign concept to those born in the age of the Internet and smartphones, but libraries were once the only place where you could get voluminous amounts of correct information. Of course, these institutions still do exist, especially in schools and universities, but the image of a quiet room with shelf after shelf of books might seem odd and even eerie to some. There are aspects of this imagery that have almost become iconic over the decades, such as the archetypal metal-encased lamp used not just in libraries but even in banks. Those lamps would naturally look antiquated on modern desks, so this design reinterprets that classic concept into something that pays homage to the past while also embracing the aesthetics of the present.

Designers: Ben Kicic, Emilio Halperin

The Library Lamp or Banker’s Lamp had a singular purpose: to illuminate the reading material or papers in front of the user without disturbing or distracting others nearby. As such, it often has a softer, less glaring glow than most desk lamps would have today, while still offering enough brightness, especially at night. Of course, these lamps reflected the design trends of that period, which were often more ornate than practical. It would make for a good decorative desk piece, but would still look out of place in today’s workplaces.

This redesign takes the spirit of the library lamp and inserts it in a form that embodies more modern industrial aesthetics, particularly the use of simple shapes and curves as well as unpainted milled aluminum. Instead of a single elaborate stand, the trapezoidal lamp shade is held aloft by two slim arms that also serve to hide the lamp’s internal wiring from plain sight. These parts stand on a horizontal block of metal that has a subtly concave surface that serves not only to diffuse the light but also to hold small objects like keys, pens, and other knickknacks.

In addition to its sleek modern appearance, the Library Lamp also incorporates modern technological conveniences. In particular, the base, arms, and even the lampshade itself are touch-sensitive, providing physical controls without the need for disruptive buttons and switches. Just like its forebear, the lamp gets the job done with minimal fuss and confusion. It also looks quite striking as a representative of the dominant design trend of its period, adding a touch of beautiful minimalism and industrial design to any desk, workspace, or shelf.

The post Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture

Posted on by

It might be a foreign concept to those born in the age of the Internet and smartphones, but libraries were once the only place where you could get voluminous amounts of correct information. Of course, these institutions still do exist, especially in schools and universities, but the image of a quiet room with shelf after shelf of books might seem odd and even eerie to some. There are aspects of this imagery that have almost become iconic over the decades, such as the archetypal metal-encased lamp used not just in libraries but even in banks. Those lamps would naturally look antiquated on modern desks, so this design reinterprets that classic concept into something that pays homage to the past while also embracing the aesthetics of the present.

Designers: Ben Kicic, Emilio Halperin

The Library Lamp or Banker’s Lamp had a singular purpose: to illuminate the reading material or papers in front of the user without disturbing or distracting others nearby. As such, it often has a softer, less glaring glow than most desk lamps would have today, while still offering enough brightness, especially at night. Of course, these lamps reflected the design trends of that period, which were often more ornate than practical. It would make for a good decorative desk piece, but would still look out of place in today’s workplaces.

This redesign takes the spirit of the library lamp and inserts it in a form that embodies more modern industrial aesthetics, particularly the use of simple shapes and curves as well as unpainted milled aluminum. Instead of a single elaborate stand, the trapezoidal lamp shade is held aloft by two slim arms that also serve to hide the lamp’s internal wiring from plain sight. These parts stand on a horizontal block of metal that has a subtly concave surface that serves not only to diffuse the light but also to hold small objects like keys, pens, and other knickknacks.

In addition to its sleek modern appearance, the Library Lamp also incorporates modern technological conveniences. In particular, the base, arms, and even the lampshade itself are touch-sensitive, providing physical controls without the need for disruptive buttons and switches. Just like its forebear, the lamp gets the job done with minimal fuss and confusion. It also looks quite striking as a representative of the dominant design trend of its period, adding a touch of beautiful minimalism and industrial design to any desk, workspace, or shelf.

The post Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Algae-based material and traditional Korean braiding turn into striking lights, vases

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The world is filled with many things that have the potential to become materials for creating products, and yet we still prefer typical materials like plastics, metal, or wood. Not all of these are sustainable, and those that are sustainable aren’t always easily renewable or require a lot of energy to process or recycle. Admittedly, looking for alternative sources of materials isn’t an easy task, but once in a while, we come across a promising solution both in terms of sustainability and beauty. This rope light and Ikebana vase, for example, are already quite striking in their unique shapes, but they are made even more significant by the fact that they are made using a biodegradable material based on one of the most common and simplest kind of plant on the planet: algae.

Designer: Su Yang Choi

One of the problems with supposedly more sustainable or recyclable materials is that the process of making or treating them isn’t always sustainable, requiring more energy and water than usual. In contrast, this algae-based material isn’t treated with harmful chemicals, has reduced energy consumption during manufacturing, and can easily be shaped using heat. Even better, leftover scraps from the production process can be collected and recycled to reduce material waste at every step.

While the material itself is quite impressive, putting it to good use is the real test. For this purpose, a pair of everyday objects were made not just to demonstrate the usability of this algae-based material but also to show off the complicated designs that can be made with it. And nothing can perhaps be more complicated than knots, especially the beautiful traditional Korean knots known as Maedeup.

This knotting is best exemplified in this Ikebana vase that loops around itself a couple of times in an almost random fashion, symbolizing the unpredictability and cyclical nature of life. In addition to this rather intriguing structure, the biodegradable material used here is mixed with coffee grounds, another sustainable material, to give it that earthy brown color.

On the opposite end of the color spectrum is a long string lamp that uses the algae-based material in a four-faced linear braid that wraps around a flexible LED strip. This segmented structure was inspired by Korean stone pagodas that rise in majesty and grandeur, characteristics carried by this string lamp. These two objects, part of the Slow series of artworks, embody the ingenuity and creativity that spring from combining modern material science and traditional craftsmanship to produce breathtaking designs that do no harm to the planet in return.

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Vacuum-sealed flat pack lamp unfolds into a Japanese inspired lamp

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Lamps are some of the things that you either look for functionality or design. Well, you can always go for both as well but sometimes other considerations like budget, space, and aesthetics will make you choose either or. Portability is not something that you really think about when it comes to this kind of accessories but it is something that’s nice to have. And as we’ve been seeing a lot of flat pack products lately, we knew we would get something like this for lamps.

Designer: Kazuhiro Yamanaka

Tsubomi, named after the Japanese word for bud, is a vacuum-sealed flat pack that opens up and becomes a lamp. It is inspired by a couple of Japanese traditional cultural things: paper-folding and the Shoji screens that we see in doors, windows, and room dividers. It’s basically like a crumpled piece of paper put into a vacuum-packed flat rectangle package that “magically” becomes a source of light once it is unfolded.

What’s interesting about this is that even when unfolded, the paper still shows the wrinkles and creases and that is intentional. The designer actually wants this product to challenge the idea that only those items that are “perfect” in form are considered beautiful. With this lamp, the plain white or grid pattern are able to highlight the wrinkled, imperfect appearance of the lamp. If you choose the grid, you even get a tinted lighting that will illuminate the surface that is lighted by the lamp.

The material used for the lamp is actually a special plastic compound that is used in the aforementioned Shoji screens that we see in traditional Japanese establishments. So with the Tsubomi lamp, you get the best combination of traditional materials and practices but with a contemporary functionality because of its flat-packed form. And you get a portable, pretty lamp of course.

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Illuminated brick redefines what it means to be a wall lamp

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As their name plainly points out, wall lamps are lights that we stick to walls, permanently or sometimes temporarily. Most wall lamps are installed indoors to infuse a space with a specific ambiance, but some are also left outdoors to give illumination at night. There is some degree of flexibility and freedom in the way these lamps can be added, removed, and moved when necessary, but it also makes them look out of place sometimes or a superficial part of the wall. Another design strategy would be to discreetly embed the lights into the wall itself, which is what these odd-looking lamps offer in what could be considered a literal interpretation of a wall lamp.

Designer: Omar Gandhi Architects, Filo Timo, Aaline

It would definitely be a magical experience to touch a brick on a wall and suddenly have it light up with a warm glow. While doing that for every brick is impractical and expensive, having a few select spots turn into lamps can definitely level up the ambiance of a space with very little effort. Yes, you could just dig a hole into the wall to install some regular old lights, but the OG Brick makes the lighting look like an integral part of the wall rather than an afterthought.

Technically, they are part of the wall, as these are supposed to be layered alongside other bricks while the masonry wall is being set up. They’re also designed to blend in with the rest of the wall during the day when the lights are off, though they probably won’t match every wall color you can come up with. Variations include stainless steel, black powder-coated, and electroplated brown to cover the majority of brick wall hues.

The bricks aren’t made from clay or cement, of course, but have a hard metal frame to withstand the weight of the real bricks above it. A color-matching mesh covers the actual light element and makes the OG Brick “disappear” into its surroundings in the daytime. Since they are designed to be used in masonry walls, the lamps can be used both indoors as well as outdoors.

The visual effect these illuminated bricks give is both subtle yet also endearing, especially thanks to the warm glow of the lights. Despite blending with its surroundings, the OG Brick creates a pleasing juxtaposition between the rough simplicity of regular bricks and the fine craftsmanship of metalwork. Whether outdoors or indoors, the end result is a charming composition on a wall where a few bricks light up like magic.

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Floating lamp illusion brings an air of mystery to your living space

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Lamps come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is that most of them come in a single piece and are anchored to the ceiling, wall, or even the floor. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with that, there’s also room for improvement when it comes to simplifying not only the design but also their installation and maintenance. Many lamps involve complicated wiring or installing fixtures in places that can clutter the space, physically and visually. This intriguing lamp design solves that in a peculiar way that ends up making the lamp look like it’s floating in midair, creating an atmosphere of magic and mystery in any space it’s in.

Designer: Paul Cocksedge

The most critical part of a lamp is, of course, the light source, but many lamps also need a way to direct or diffuse the light to make it less blinding. While most designs have these pieces in a single form, there’s no rule they have to be on a single body. Shade, whose name might not reflect its mesmerizing appearance, deconstructs and separates the design of a lamp into its two most basic parts, creating what is probably the most minimalist lamp design of all.

When lit up, Shade looks like a white conical lampshade eerily floating in the air, almost like a stereotypical ghost. Of course, it’s not literally floating but suspended by “capillary-thin” wires that are practically invisible unless you see them up close. But that’s only half the magic because the lampshade itself doesn’t have a light source. Instead, that comes from a small, can-shaped directional spotlight shining upward into the lampshade, creating the illusion of a floating lamp.

In essence, Shade separates the lamp into the shade and the actual light source, and neither is physically connected to the other. More than just creating this bewildering sight, this design also simplifies the installation of the lamp. No need for complicated wiring since the lamp can be set anywhere on the floor where the shade can be hung. You can also place the lamp anywhere as well, though you might want to put it somewhere safe and hidden, just to heighten the sense of mystery.

The construction of Shade itself is pretty simple, with the lampshade made of soft yet durably Japanese paper. This material not only gives the shade an almost pure white surface but also gently diffuses the light to a soft glow. The crumpled paper also gives it a unique visual texture that creates a subtle play of light and shadows, enhancing the lamp’s distinctive appeal even when the lights are off.

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An Interactive Lamp Series That Brings The Cosmic Moments Into Interiors

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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.

Designer: LFD Official – Seohyun Nam, Nam Woo Kim, Doyoon Kim

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 post An Interactive Lamp Series That Brings The Cosmic Moments Into Interiors first appeared on Yanko Design.