Terrazzo lampshade casts a refreshing glow thanks to recycled plastic

We all look to lamps and other lighting fixtures not just to illuminate but also to set an atmosphere, but most of the time it isn’t the light itself that creates this effect. More often than not, it’s the lampshade, shield, or any other material that reflects, refracts, and diffuses the light in interesting and sometimes mesmerizing ways that can dazzle and even affect our moods. Most of the time, those lamp shields are made of glass, metal, or plastic, but there are other, more interesting alternatives available. This particular design, for example, not only uses a sustainable material, it also gives it a distinctive spin that makes not only the shade but also the light it throws a sight to behold.

Designer: Fuhua Wang, Weichih Chen

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It’s not uncommon these days to see recycled plastics being used for design, and a particularly big source is ocean-bound plastic, including PET bottles, bags, and more. Most of the time, the pellets produced from breaking down plastic material are colored to match the requirements of a specific design, but the Ondina sustainable pendant lighting preserves some of the properties of the properties of plastic materials to create a more interesting appearance.

The result is a material that looks similar to terrazzo that is often used in tiles for flooring and walls. The small bits and pieces of color give the translucent blue layer some vibrancy, though it could also be a representation of the pollution that litters the oceans. Coincidentally, or perhaps intentionally, the lamp shield actually has a wavy shape, not unlike the waves of bodies of water.

The pendant lamp itself is actually pretty simple, just an LED aluminum tube hanging from a ceiling by its two ends. The lamp shade is placed some distance above the tube, giving ample space for the light to diffuse and spread rather than being reflected directly by the material. This creates a bluish glow not only around the lamp but also on the ceiling as it passes through the translucent shield. The color is soft and calming, even with a pure white LED, but it also still reflects enough of that bright light so that the lamp functions as more than just a mood lamp, sufficiently illuminating the space around it.

Every part of Ondina is designed to be sustainable and extensible, applying the lamp shade to more than just a pendant lamp. It can be used for wall or floor lamps as well, just with some modification of the design. More importantly, the simple components make it trivial to replace parts that are broken, prolonging the life of the product and preventing it from adding to the waste already swimming in our waters.

The post Terrazzo lampshade casts a refreshing glow thanks to recycled plastic first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top Ten Common Interior Lighting Problems Solved In Your Home

In interior design, lighting is a crucial element that binds the space together. It serves both a functional purpose and adds the final touch to the design. However, lighting can present various challenges in interior settings and poor lighting design can adversely affect the well-being and productivity of occupants, Here are solutions to some common lighting issues that can be present in your home.

Designer: Nat Martin and Sean Hammett

Problem 1: No Natural Light

One of the biggest lighting problems is insufficient lighting due to a lack of natural light or inadequate artificial illumination, which may result in eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. If your home lacks natural light, it is important to create a bright and airy feel with clever lighting choices. In spaces that lack natural light, opt for light-colored walls as these surfaces reflect light and create a bright and spacious atmosphere. This is achieved by bouncing light around the room. Make a note that dark walls and surfaces tend to absorb light and reduce the overall brightness of the space. It is important to use a mix of light sources to maximize brightness choose reflective materials like glass and metallics, and strategically position the mirrors to enhance the luminosity.

Image courtesy of: Mint_Images

Problem 2: Incorrect Size of Lighting Fixtures

Image courtesy of: leungchopan

When designing any space, make sure that the ceiling-mounted lights and pendant lights match the proportions of the room. Note that small fixtures might not offer enough light, while oversized ones can overpower the space. Additionally, proper spacing of recessed lighting is essential to prevent having an overly bright space. Therefore a thoughtful lighting plan is important to have a balanced lighting scheme. Consider adding a dimmer switch for flexibility in brightness adjustment to suit your needs or mood. For instance, dimming the lights during movie nights is important, and adding a dimmer switch, along with other lighting tips, will ensure that the house is illuminated perfectly.

Problem 3: A Cold Ambiance

White light or a single source of white light can create a cold and uninviting atmosphere within the home. The various types of lighting can be categorized as either “warm” or “cold.” Blueish-white light tends to feel colder and more energizing, while yellow-white light is warmer and induces relaxation. Note that lightbulbs emit light with a color temperature measured in Kelvin (K) where lower Kelvin values indicate warmer light. Choose lighting within the range of 2,500-3,000K for relaxing areas like the living room, dining room, or bedroom. Incorporate a layered lighting scheme to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. This can be achieved by integrating ambient, task, and accent lighting at different levels throughout the interiors.

Image courtesy of: LesiaScotch

• Ambient lighting combines natural light and fixtures like ceiling-mounted lights, tube lights, pendant lights, and recessed cove lighting that take care of the overall illumination of the home. Install dimmer switches to adjust the brightness and mood of different areas of the home.
• Task lighting illuminates work areas such as kitchen countertops, study tables, desks, or bathroom mirrors. Adequate task lighting and focused illumination can be achieved with table lamps, floor lamps, sconce lights, and under-cabinet lights.

Image courtesy of: LightFieldStudios

• Accent lighting is primarily used to highlight and add visual interest to decorative elements, architectural design features, wall art, and display cabinets within the home.

Image courtesy of: Studio_OMG

Problem 4: Low Ceilings

Image courtesy of: dit26978

Low ceilings can create a dark, cramped atmosphere in a room. When lighting such spaces, it is important to aim for an even and balanced distribution of light. Avoid using large or low-hanging pendant lights that draw attention to the ceiling and tend to make the room feel smaller. Note that living rooms illuminated solely by recessed downlights often feel clinical and chilly. An easy solution is to angle the recessed lights so they bounce off the walls instead of shining straight down. This softens their effect and instantly adds warmth to the room.

Problem 5: Dark Countertop

Image courtesy of: staRRush

Task lighting is very important in highly functional areas like the kitchen. However, it has been observed that the overhead cabinets cast shadows on the countertop and lead to poorly lit areas for food preparation and cooking. Therefore, it is highly recommended to install under-cabinet lighting to enhance the brightness and achieve focused lighting on the cooktop, especially for cooking tasks. Upgrading pendant lights can enhance islands, with options ranging from chic to minimalist. A combination of under-cabinet and above-cabinet lighting can enhance the overall look and ambiance of the interiors.

Problem 6: Lighting an Open-Plan Home

Open-plan spaces are fantastic but can be tricky to make feel cozy. To achieve a comfortable atmosphere, lighting can be used to demarcate the kitchen, dining area, and living area into distinct zones. The best part is that each zone has its lighting requirements. For instance, the kitchen should have adequate task lighting, while there should be mood lighting in the living and dining areas. By demarcating spaces with lighting, each area can have its purpose and personality.

Problem 7: Eliminate Shadows

Image courtesy of: Mint_Images

As shadows tend to create dark areas within the home, it is important to strategically position the lights to avoid unwanted shadows. In the kitchen, there should be adequate task lighting not only for the countertop but for work areas like the counters and sinks. In the bathroom, avoid bright overhead lights to prevent shadows and go for wall lights on either side of the mirror to provide practical light without shadows.

Problem 8: Glare

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

Glare is a common lighting issue that occurs when bright light or reflections interfere with the visibility of the object. It can cause discomfort especially if there is glare on the TV or computer screen. Note that reflected glare comes from shiny surfaces, while direct glare arises from overly bright fixtures or sunlight. To address glare, it is important to adjust the lighting fixtures, use diffusers or shades, opt for matte surfaces, position screens strategically, adjust monitor settings, control natural light with curtains or blinds, and add task lighting. These measures will effectively reduce glare and enhance comfort alongside productivity.

Problem 9: Flickering Lights

Image courtesy of: vanitjan

Flickering lights can be both irritating and potentially hazardous as it is usually caused due to loose connections, faulty switches, incompatible dimmers, or overloaded circuits. To address this issue, it is important to switch off the power and inspect the wiring for any loose or damaged connections. Make it a point to tighten or replace faulty wires, test switches, or dimmers with a multimeter, and replace any defective lights and switches if any. Additionally, make sure that the circuit load does not exceed the breaker’s capacity by reducing the number of lights or appliances on the circuit. It is important to replace or repair faulty bulbs, that cause flickering and consistent maintenance is essential for averting problems and prolonging the lifespan of the lighting fixtures.

Problem 10: Absence of Decorative Lighting

Image courtesy of: Ulyasage

Make sure that your interior spaces have character and decorate your space with decorative fixtures, such as pendant lights or chandeliers, to add visual interest and enhance the overall aesthetics of the home. Switching from energy-consuming incandescents and fluorescents to efficient LEDs can help conserve both energy and money while achieving the desired aesthetic.

The post Top Ten Common Interior Lighting Problems Solved In Your Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed Packaging Review: Elevating Your Home Theater Experience

PROS:


  • Bright and vibrant colors thanks to RGBICW LED technology

  • Superb color-matching using a future-proof camera system

  • Incredible value for its price

CONS:


  • Camera design is a bit awkward and might not fit thicker TVs

  • Wi-Fi connectivity is compatible with 2.4GHz networks only

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

With rich colors, fast color-matching, and unbeatable price value, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed packaging helps fully immerse viewers in the content they're watching.

TVs today are more than just large boxes that show moving pictures. They have also become pieces of decoration that add to the ambiance of a space, whether they’re turned on or not. The lush and vibrant colors that a TV can display can definitely light up a dark room, but that glow stops at the TV’s frame. Yes, the TV’s light can bounce off nearby walls, depending on where it’s placed, but you have absolutely no control over what happens. TV backlights were made to help better immerse you in the show or movie you’re watching by making sure that the light behind and around your TV reflects the content that’s on screen. Smart lighting expert Govee recently launched its latest contender in that category and even partnered with Warner Bros to tie in with the studio’s latest new science fiction film, Dune: Part Two. It’s the perfect time, then, to take a close look at the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite, particularly with this Dune-themed packaging, to see what value it adds to your viewing experience and if it’s tempting price tag sounds too good to be true.

Designer: Govee

Click Here to Buy Now: $74.99 $89.99 (16% off).

Aesthetics

For something you will never see again after you’ve installed it, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite has quite an interesting appearance. Of course, it’s just a flat strip of LEDS grouped into four segments that need to go around your large TV, but the transparent material that covers the LEDs and some of the circuitry that controls allows you to see some of the secrets behind the magic. It’s not unlike that trend in consumer electronics where transparent cases showed off the parts that actually made the product work. It’s not as sophisticated as those, but it still adds a bit of flavor to the design.

Of course, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite’s beauty really shines, literally, it has been installed and enabled, and boy does it shine! The light the strips produce is quite bright, especially in a dim room, and the colors are rich and vibrant. The way those colors shift almost instantly to match what’s on the screen is also magical, making it look like the TV actually goes beyond its frame. We’ll get to the technical details that make that possible in a bit, but suffice it to say, the backlight definitely delivers an enriching experience when watching any kind of content on TV.

While the backlight itself is something you won’t see, there is one part of the system that is actually always visible and, depending on your setup, always in your face. Given how the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite works, it’s necessary to have that camera hanging from the top of the TV, extending a bit forward from the frame. Depending on the design of the TV itself, this black cantilever-like part may or may not easily stand out, and it will definitely add a little blemish to more artful TV designs. Unfortunately, there is no other way to implement this kind of dynamic color-matching system, so it’s a cost that owners will have to live with. Fortunately, it might actually be the biggest cost after all.

Ergonomics

Since the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite is not something you’ll be using in your hand every time, its ergonomics mostly apply to the installation process as well as the hands-free control of the lights. In that regard, Govee’s light strip is not really unlike others in this market, which isn’t completely a good thing either. Installing the lights on the TV is a very involved process, which will be even more difficult if your TV is mounted on a wall.

In a nutshell, you attach the four segments of the strip on the four edges of the TV’s back. The exact placement of the strips will depend on the shape of that rear, with curved ones being the trickiest. The strips are attached using 3M adhesive, which will worry some owners about the permanence of the installation and the marks it will leave behind when removed. Special care must also be taken to hide the loose cables at the corners so that they don’t peek out of the frame or cast shadows when the lights are turned on.

Compared to its previous two TV backlights, Govee changed the design of the camera bracket significantly. It no longer uses an adhesive and instead relies on gravity and the weighted bracket to attach the camera to the top of the TV without sticking it with an adhesive. In theory, it works and won’t wobble too much (unless you’re constantly moving the TV), but some might worry enough to actually use the included adhesive anyway. The bigger problem, however, is that this design also limits the bracket to certain TVs, particularly thinner ones. It’s certainly possible to attach it to other TVs, but not without putting in a lot more effort as well.

Once that hard work is done, however, the rest of the setup is easy as pie. You only need to turn the control box on, connect it to the Govee app on your phone, and go through the initialization process. That will include calibrating the camera by placing removable orange markers on the front edges of the TV, and that’s pretty much it. The mobile app has tons of settings and modes you can play with, but even leaving it at the default color-matching mode is more than enough to enhance your watching experience. You don’t even need that app if you connect it to your Wi-Fi so that you can control it by voice using smart home platforms, though like any Govee product, it requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so 5GHz-only routers will be incompatible.

Performance

Without the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite

Although TV backlights are not uncommon, dynamic color-matching ones are still hard to come by, especially at the price point that the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed packaging comes with. It’s even harder to find one that works so well, which is why this Govee product is actually impressive and a dream come true for TV owners who want to take their cinematic experience to the next level.

With the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite

Govee upgrades the backlight from its usual RGBIC LEDs to a new RGBICW tech which adds a fourth color to the combination. With a dedicated white LED, the lights can cover even more colors as well as different white temperatures. The lights become more expressive and more vibrant, able to better match the colors being displayed on the screen in front.

Of course, that color-matching doesn’t happen by magic, which is where that odd protruding comes in. With improved Envisual technology and upgraded processors, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite is able to identify colors on the screen faster and adjust the lights accordingly. The new fish-eye correction also makes sure that the 180-degree field of view camera sees the edges correctly as well. Admittedly, there’s still about a split-second delay between what happens on the screen and the backlight changing, but it’s almost negligible, to say the least. An HDMI control box would have made things faster but that would only work for content coming through HDMI sources and might not support future versions of the HDMI standard. This camera-based system is, therefore, more flexible and more future-proof, making that milliseconds delay a small price to pay.

Although the color-matching feature is already incredible, the Govee app still has a lot in store for those who want to customize every detail. That includes different modes for what lights to play, even if that means not matching what goes on screen. This is where the collaboration with Warner Bros. comes in, turning the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite into a portal into the world of Dune: Part Two. There are two new lighting effects, namely Arrakis and Spice, that will make you feel like you’re actually in that fictional world. Even the app itself gets a Dune theme to match. But if you really want to be transported to Arrakis, Govee’s DreamView technology allows you to sync with other Govee lights in the room, bathing you in the warm orange glow of the planet’s environment.

From its fast responsive color-matching to its bright, vibrant colors, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite definitely delivers on its promises. It’s not a perfect solution, of course, at least not yet, but the company seems to be heading in the right direction. And with tons of customizable options, including those from the Dune: Part Two collab, the design definitely has a lot to offer, especially if you have other Govee lights in the room.

Sustainability

Sustainability in lighting can be a difficult goal to chase after. Many of the materials needed to make such electronics work are sadly not sustainable by nature. One can only do so much to offset their negative effects, like using recycled materials for packaging or using more power-efficient lights like LEDs, but those can only go so far. Making matters worse is that the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite, like any other TV backlight, isn’t exactly repairable by design. Once an LED gets busted or a part of the strip stops working, there’s no recourse possible. The whole thing becomes unusable and you either have to replace it or ship the whole thing for repairs. Either way, that means you have to pull it off the TV’s back, which will be tricky with that much adhesive used, and then go through the installation process again with the new strip.

Value

Compared to other TV backlights, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed packaging is quite a steal at $74.99 for 55-65 inches with this sweet deal for Yanko Design readers, especially when considering all you’re getting for that price. You have bright and vibrant RGBICW LEDs that can display almost any hue and color-matching capabilities that can quickly follow the action on the screen. You also have plenty of customization options for modes and effects, including immersing yourself in the desert world of Arrakis if you want to.

The camera will probably be the most contentious part of its design, but it’s a flexible solution that is guaranteed to work regardless of TV and display technologies of the future. Hopefully, Govee will be able to create a better design for the camera in future iterations, but TV owners will just have to live with something hanging at the top of their TV in exchange for a more cinematic viewing experience.

Verdict

It’s actually astounding how a little change of light can affect the atmosphere in a room, even more so when you have a dazzling burst of color to match a mood. TV backlights are one of those things you never knew you needed until you actually try it out and realize how “dead” even the most colorful TV can be without colorful lights shining behind and around it. Some TVs these days come with their own ambient backlighting system, but those come at added cost and no upgrade path for the future.

The Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed packaging brings that flood of light and color in a package that almost anyone can afford. Its upgraded Envisual color-matching technology is simply mind-blowing in its ability to keep up with the fast-paced action on the screen, and the gamut of colors provided by new RGBICW LEDs helps make the content pop out even more. The variety of customization options, including Arrakis and Spice lighting effects inspired by the Dune: Part Two makes sure that no viewing experience will be plain and boring ever again.

Click Here to Buy Now: $74.99 $89.99 (16% off).

The post Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed Packaging Review: Elevating Your Home Theater Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Kismas Glass Brick Lamps: A Fusion of Vintage Elegance and Modern Innovation

Dive into the world of cool lighting with Kismas, a Lithuanian design studio that’s turning vintage vibes into modern magic. Old-school glass blocks from the Cold War era are getting a fresh lease on life, thanks to Kismas’ playful design spirit. They’ve introduced a dreamy collection of glass brick lamps – the Vintage Line and the Modern Line. It’s like Kismas is playing matchmaker between the past and present, creating a home vibe that’s both nostalgic and cutting-edge. These lamps aren’t just illuminating; they’re time-traveling storytellers, celebrating the cool factor of vintage design. So, if you want your space to be a mix of retro charm and contemporary chic, Kismas has got the perfect lighting symphony for you!

Designer: Kismas

The Kismas Vintage Line brings forth a marriage of minimalist steel bases and reclaimed glass blocks, each with a unique history dating back to the fierce times of the Cold War. Salvaged from various Baltic countries, these original glass elements, deemed “imperfect” by the brand, find a new identity in Kismas lamps. The juxtaposition of sturdy yet subtle dark steel bases with the transparent glass blocks creates a striking visual interplay, emphasizing graphic patterns and corrugated edges.

Rich Green Lamp 01, a standout from the Vintage Line, showcases the deep green color characteristic of blocks used in brutalist buildings in the Soviet Union. Bearing marks, scratches, and small cracks, each lamp becomes a one-of-a-kind piece with a rich history. The Bigger Optical Lamp 01, another Vintage Line gem, features lighter green blocks from the ’70s-’80s in Lithuania, allowing for the use of filters that can change the color of the emitted light.

In the Kismas Modern Line, the design takes a leap forward with glass block lamps crafted by Seves Glass Blocks. Clean lines, bold patterns, and flawless clarity define this collection, paying homage to modernist architecture. The centerpiece, Doric Lamp 01, features a Doric19 glass block inspired by renowned architect Rafael Moneo, while the Linear Lamp 01 and Cross Linear Lamp 01 introduce ribbed patterns and intersecting lines for unique lighting effects. The 80s Dream Lamp 01 and Orbital Lamp 01 round out the Modern Line with a frosted surface and Maison de Verre building inspiration, respectively.

Kismas doesn’t stop at elegant design; it introduces a creative twist with light filters that can instantly transform the ambiance of a room. These easy-to-install filters come in seven hues, from the cinematic Dirty Yellow and Tokyo Blue to the subtly neon Dark Pink and Neon Green. Primary Red adds a vibrant touch perfect for lively gatherings, while Pale Rose and Aprico offer a warm and cozy glow.

The post Kismas Glass Brick Lamps: A Fusion of Vintage Elegance and Modern Innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Portable Lighting Designs To Provide Illumination Wherever You Go

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

Why is it noteworthy?

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!

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: $239

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

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

What we dislike

  • There seems to be no option for sizing

The post Top 10 Portable Lighting Designs To Provide Illumination Wherever You Go first appeared on Yanko Design.

Gothic Wooden Box Lamp adds a mystical touch to your desk or shelf

Not all lamps are made to shine brightly and quite a number are designed to be more decorative than utilitarian, enhancing a space’s aesthetic while giving a bit of illumination. Some emit a gentle glow that tries to set a certain mood, while others paint a kaleidoscopic display that liven up a room. Some might be luxurious and elegant, while others are fun and whimsical. This DIY project somewhat straddles those two worlds, bringing an unconventional box lamp with gothic-inspired patterns on every face. The end result is a stunning yet subtle light display that seems to bridge the worlds of the magical and the technological right on your very desk.

Designer: Kostiantyn Andriiuk

Programmable RGB lights are quite common these days and they come in different forms, ranging from finished lamps to LED strips you can add to any project. Of course, simply displaying lights is hardly exciting and fails to take advantage of the flexibility that these lights can offer. So why not put these seemingly magical colored lights inside a design that’s exactly meant to convey a sense of mysticism and awe?

This Gothic-inspired lamp does exactly that, not just through the lights alone but from every inch and face of the box. The walnut veneer material, polished with flaxseed oil, gives it a vintage aesthetic as if the lamp was hidden from mortal eyes for decades or even centuries. All but the bottom faces have intricate cutout patterns that not only let the light shine through from the inside but also give it an otherworldly character.

The illusion of the mystical, however, comes from mundane technology. RGB light strips line the insides of the box and can be controlled remotely through software, almost like magic. The box also has hidden touch sensors that allow you to simply tap on a surface to produce the same results, at least for the most basic controls like turning it on or off and adjusting the brightness. With light shining through the extremely thin cutouts of the gothic-inspired patterns, the Box Lamp emits an almost eerie glow that can be appreciated whether outdoors under the sun or, better yet, inside the darkness of your room.

The Gothic Wooden Desk Lamp is something you might be able to create on your own, provided you have the necessary tools available. The hardest part is actually cutting out those complex patterns, which requires a decent laser engraver that can work with thin wooden boards. Fortunately, all that information, as well as the process, is available for free so anyone can design their own magical light box and fancy themselves as a master of the mystical arts.

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Mesmerizing sculptural instrument uses water for an otherworldly musical light show

There are plenty of art installations set up around the world, but the majority of them have a “look but don’t touch” policy. After all, “art” is expected to be mostly visual and the risk of damaging a precious, one-of-a-kind masterpiece is just too high. There are, however, other art forms that require your other senses to truly have a complete experience, sometimes involving not just touch but even hearing as well. This sculptural instrument, for example, invites people to dip their hands into glowing drums of water to create a hypnotic audiovisual experience intended to raise their consciousness to higher levels.

Designer: Artur Weber

Inner Waves look nothing like any musical instrument you can think of, except probably for a drum set with too many drums arranged in an almost random fashion around the largest circle in the middle. Like their namesake, though, these are actually small container drums that can hold liquid, in this case, water. Unlike your typical water drum, however, these cylinders have a faint glow on the outside that contrasts with the darkness they hold inside.

As captivating as these eerie glowing drums might be, they’re not designed just for your eyes. After all, you can’t even appreciate the water they hold in the darkness, and so you have to make that leap of faith and plunge your hand or even just a finger inside that darkness. This act rewards you with a brighter light and an ethereal sound that is reminiscent of the tones produced by a theremin. It is also similar to the sound you make when you dip your finger inside a glass of water and then run your fingertip around the mouth of the glass.

This alien sculptural instrument is advertised to link the water inside the viewer’s body with the water within the vessel, a statement that almost has a transcendental message to it. Technically speaking, it most likely uses the vibrations caused by ripples in order to trigger the mechanism that increases the light’s intensity and produces sound. Of course, your brain might not immediately make that connection, making you think that it is indeed your body’s agency that is creating this effect. Either way, the audiovisual art installation has the intended effect of putting your mind in a more meditative state, perhaps contemplating the deeper meaning behind this intersection of art and technology.

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Stone light sculptures use shadow play to create a more dramatic effect

Lamps are designed to bring light to a space, but that doesn’t mean they need to be dazzling or blinding. In fact, some lamps emit more subdued and diffused illumination to create a specific atmosphere and enhance the ambiance of an area. Some lighting fixtures even go beyond just the light they shine, putting just as much emphasis on the form they come in or, in some cases, the effects they have on the environment around them. This collection of light sculptures, for example, are more pieces of art than just lamps, but the way it casts shadows inside and around it delivers more impact that, in turn, further enhances the effect that the warm light produces.

Designer: Alex and Henri (Frero)

It’s almost too easy to take for granted the effect that shadows have on our surroundings. Given their dark nature, they’re often regarded as “bad” or even “ugly” elements, especially when they do obscure other more important objects in a composition. That said, shadows actually create a more impactful composition, especially when they contrast with light and create interesting forms thanks to the shapes that stand between the light source and the surface the shadows are projected on.

Fuca

Fuca

Suma

Suma

The Tala Asa collection of light sculptures embraces this kind of shadow play, putting equal importance on both light and darkness to generate a more striking overall visual. Just like in art, negative space provides not only breathing room but a canvas for these contrasting elements to draw on, casting shadows inside holes while also shining light through them. The earthen aesthetic of sculptures provides additional contrast to the unearthly glow of the light shining from inside.

Coco

Coco

Anta

Anta

Each of the five sculptures has a story to tell through their different forms. Fuca’s simple frame pays homage to the beauty of square elements you might find around you, while the arching Suma is inspired by the geological wonder that is the Ring of Fire. Two squares on top of each other make Coco represent balance and equilibrium, while the interplay of Anta’s three stripes embodies both unity and individuality. Lastly, Sunda’s more complicated pairing is meant to convey the intricate structures and complex relationships of tectonic plates, cutting a powerful and imposing figure in any space it stands on.

Sunda

Sunda

Regardless of their design or inspiration, all five sculptures draw from the earth in more ways than one. They’re available in natural tone finishes, including bone, sienna, terra, olive, and lava, but they’re also made from reclaimed stone and minerals bound with resin and coated with natural plaster paint. And just like how the sun and the earth create an interesting play of light and shadow, the Tala Asa light sculptures bring that interesting dynamic to a smaller degree in your home, office, or any space that needs just a little bit of natural inspiration to bring it to life.

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One-of-a-kind ‘Candle Disc’ tracks the passage of time by melting wax in a different way

Since time immemorial, candles have been used to track time, with the burning of the wick and the disintegration of the candle being used to calculate minutes and hours. Seokoo Yeo’s ‘Candle Go’ brings back that particular feature, but in a unique format. The Candle Go is a wax-warming apparatus that uses disc-shaped candles, melting them almost like a timer. The wax melts radially, sort of like hands of a clock, while gravity allows the candle disc to rotate. The result is a candle experience that’s distinctly unique, allowing you to visually measure time passed. Yeo designed the Candle Go to help you track goals and time spent being productive (sort of like a wax-based Pomodoro timer). At the end, the disc melts away to reveal a medal that rewards you for time spent pursuing your goals.

Designer: Seokoo Yeo

What the Candle Go explores so beautifully is a new way of burning wax. Traditional candles feature a standing design, with a vertical wick that lights at the top, gradually moving downwards as the wax melts away. Historically, markings on the side of the candle would then tell how much time had passed, helping people track minutes and hours. The Candle Go doesn’t do that – instead, it mounts a flat disc of wax on an axis, quite like a vertical CD player of sorts. Rather than having a wick on fire, the Candle Go uses a warming element that melts away parts of the wax in a radial style. The melted wax creates a weight imbalance, getting the disc to rotate on its own. This clever technique uses gravity to its advantage, allowing the entire disc to melt at the end. You can easily track the time just by staring a the shape of the disc. It visually represents a pie-chart of sorts, allowing you to easily and intuitively understand ratios and fractions, therefore figuring out how much time has passed.

The melted wax gathers in a chamber at the bottom, ensuring your tabletop doesn’t get covered with melted wax (the way you’d otherwise face with regular candles). There’s no fire involved too (which could be a safety hazard), although the candle does emanate a warm light that is diffused by the natural properties of the wax.

Once you’ve exhausted your candle disc (and received the reward inside), simply load another disc to keep tracking your goals, and the amount of time dedicated towards achieving them!

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The Sunday Light Is Designed To Bring Sunshine-like Illumination On Those Sullen Winter Days

Designers Nat Martin and Sean Hammett created a unique and innovative light in a desire for more mood-boosting daylight in the sullen English winters. Dubbed the Sunday Light, this small but powerful overhead LED is suspended beneath a reflective panel. The panel is created to diffuse light in a manner similar to Earth’s atmosphere, allowing the light to evenly disperse across the room. It was designed to bring the sensation and feeling of a sunny day to your home, irrespective of the weather outside.

Designer: Nat Martin and Sean Hammett

The Sunday light is much like a SAD lamp designed to handle seasonal affective disorder. The light promises to deliver sun-like light and to successfully uplift mood, energy, and alertness. But unlike a SAD lamp, the Sunday light is intended to be pleasant to sit beneath, emitting a light that is natural and diffused without any kind of harshness.

Martin decided to create the Sunday light when he was forced to return to the UK from the US border, after spending excessive time in LA. When he returned home, he missed the warm sunny days of LA and teamed up with Hammett to create something that could fight against this lack of sunlight. “I love sunshine. Everyone to some extent needs sunlight. Some people are more affected by it than others but bright sunlight makes everyone feel better,” said Martin.

The intention behind the Sunday light was to create something that feels like a “beautiful sunny day”. The LED is supposed to be “insanely bright”, has a strength of 30,000 lumens, and delivers 10,000 lux, which is 300 times the amount of light that would hit a person standing below a typical ceiling light. He says that light this strong might sound uncomfortable and disturbing, but is in fact quite warm and comforting. The Sunday light has a CRI value of 93 which means even though it is cool in color temperature, it has a rather natural and pleasant feel to it.  Also, the light is quite indirect and is placed within a metal arm.

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