For some, choosing lighting for a space is an afterthought - for us it is a bit of an obsession. Not only do the lighting choices we make in each room have a huge impact on the function and overall feel of a home, they set the mood and create an atmosphere about a space. Lighting is one of our favourite forms of functional art and is quite possibly the only object in the home which has an intimate connection to its environment.
With so many incredible designers out there both old and new, lighting can also arrive as wall art, a sculpture, or a centrepiece. Where you can choose the right glow for the space, from soft filtered light of a bedside table lamp, or a moody dimmed wall-lamp for the entryway can transform the feel of your home. To inspire your lighting choices, we’ve put together ten of our favourite designs, ranging from mid-century modern to contemporary, to just simply beautiful.
Gae Aulenti Pipistrello
A thought provoking theoretician, Gae Aulenti was unlike any designer of her time - decidedly so. Designing the iconic Pipistrello (bat) Lamp in 1965, it is considered one of the most revered objects of industrial design. With a fluted telescopic metal base that helps it transform between a table and floor lamp, and a translucent, opalescent shade that delivers a diffused light - inspired by the wings of a bat, Aulenti's signature mark always lies in multi-functionality and versatility.
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Paavo Tynell Gubi Floor Lamp
Characterised by its elegant and airy lampshade resembling a traditional Chinese hat and a slim rattan covered stem, the Gubi Floor Lamp was designed by Finnish Designer Paavo Tynell in 1935 for Hotel Aulanko. Creating a gentle ambience, this timeless design still resonates within a modern setting.
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Uchiwa Fan Light by Ingo Maurer
When pictured on its own, the Uchiwa Fan Light looks like a small wall light, but its lightweight materials are misleading, the true size of an Uchiwa is a towering 86 inches high. It’s a large floor lamp connected to the wall with rope for stability. Inspired by Japanese fan, the rare handmade lamp originated in 1977 and is made from bamboo, wicker and Japanese rice paper.
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'Chiara' Lamp by Mario Bellini
The sculptural 'Chiara' Lamp was created by one of Italy's most distinguished designers Mario Bellini in 1967. Manufactured by Floss, the design effectively sculpts a single flat sheet of folded stainless steel into a column and diffusing hood. Seen here in the work of interior trailblazer Kelly Wearstler.
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SONIAH by FAINA
'SONIAH' which translates to 'sunflower' in Ukrainian and is one of the symbols of Ukrainian land. Designed by designer/architect Victoria Yakusha - FAINA is founded upon a mutual respect for nature, sustainable design and interiors that connect humans on a deeper level. The Soniah series is made from a material invented by FAINA called 'Ztista', made of a blend of up-cycled steel, flax rubber, wood chips, cellulose, and clay all with biopolymer cover.
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The Reverse Lamp by MENU
In his search for simple and clever solution in any given space, Danish designer Aleksandar Laziv looked to Italian marble tables from the 1970s when creating the Reverse Lamp. Inspired by the play on structure created by geometric constraints. the conical travertine base and curved, bronzed aluminium shade define the lamp's perfectly balanced expression.
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UFO pendant by Oi Soi Oi
A Danish design, handmade in Vietnam, the result is a perfect bridge between the two. The Oi Soi Oi pendants are a collection represent clean and minimal Scandinavian design, emitting a soft glow and the elegant sheen of silk.
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Mads Caprani Caprani Floor Lamp
First produced in 1971, this Mid-Century Modern floor lamp was designed by Mads Caprani for Danish Manufacturer Caprani Light AS. With an anthropomorphic quality created by its elegant curve, it features a cast iron crescent base, a sculptural bent plywood stand, and an accordion pleated linen shade. Seen here in the home of our Byron Bay neighbour, Olive Cooke.
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Le Klint model 349 floor lamp by Aage Petersen
Created by Aage Petersen in the 1946, the Le Klint model 349 is a beautifully sleek mid-century Danish floor lamp made from brass and black lacquered metal with telescopic stem, adjustable shade holder, and pleated shade. The length and height of the transverse piece are adjustable and the lampshade can be tilted at the top, making it practical and ideal for use as a reading lamp.
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Marta Bonilla Dona Lamp
Hand sculptured by Barcelona based ceramicist Marta Bonilla, the Dona Lamp has an organic and simplistic nature with an intriguing biomorphic quality. With nuances found in every piece, it is completed with a raffia lampshade made in the traditional way.
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