Lighting – When Fab Meets Function

“I just I need a pair of lamps” . . . said the client to the designer.  At first thought, and rightly so, addressing the functional need is the client’s request and the designer’s charge, but when you lay your eyes on this bejeweled, rock crystal duet . . . it less about need and all about desire. 

Oh, they had me at “hello!”

1950’s Carol Stupell Rock Crystal Lamps (From:  Galere as shown on 1st Dibs $9,900 – pair) 

Come a little closer for the love of crystal.

The original shades are still intact.  Just look at the pleating.  So feminine.

Getting back to reality . . .

Not everyone might decide to delve into as deep of a lighting investment in order to add some luminosity to end tables.  In fact, there might have been a simultaneous gasp at the beauty of these pieces, as well as the price tag! 

The point I’m making is that lamps can be beautifully structured additions to your interior space, while offering great functionality.  The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive of one another.  I’m always amazed when an investment has been made in a gorgeous rug or a stupendous sofa and then some languid lamps are expected to live up to the expectations set by the afore mentioned.  Just think of some times where extra accessories had to be brought in order to jazz up the room.  Great lamps can eliminate some of the excess clutter.

Did I mention these were from the 1950’s?  It just goes to show, good taste remains!

Have a brilliant day! ~ Wanda

Pen Lamps

How amazing is this lampshade? My love of recycling everyday objects into interesting and useable objects has been ignited with this ingenious lampshade made from black biro pens.

I love the contemporary and stylish look it provides. It appears the pens are carefully suspended by there covers by thin pieces of metal at equidistant spaces which sway and move gently, similar to a glass or crystal chandelier.

The simplicity of such great design concept is great. Circular shaping offers the opportunity of this shade to fit onto a number of different lamp bases, with possibilities different sizes, including floor lamps. Red and black pens have also been utilised into variations of the lampshade, designed by the Madrid based design studio enPieza.

Yellow Bic pen casings with black lids offer a delightful orange glow and a gentle diffused light effect in both the single and four tied chandelier shades available. I assume pens of any colour could be used just as successfully. Original coordinating coloured end caps add to the overall visual effect beautifully.

This lampshade is stylish and very functional in my opinion. The transparent casing reflects the light beautifully and although these pens to appear to be full of ink I can see no reason why old used pens cannot be successfully substituted, as long as they haven’t been thrown around and scratched or the end caps chewed! Ink at various levels may add an interesting option, a great way to recycle pens in a positive and practical way!

Image source: www.reubenmiller.typepad.com