As we'll be rigorously rationing our time spent outside and with other humans over the coming months, we need to take a long hard look at our homes. We'll spending a lot more time within these four walls, so let's make them as nice as possible. One of the quickest and most effective ways to make your house feel like a home is lighting: when the lights dim outside, it’s time to switch them on inside. We’ve picked lights that work as design objects even when not switched on. Brands like Menu, Design House Stockholm, FLOS, Anglepoise and more show that lighting really is the key to enjoying the foreseeable future.
Desk lamps
Menu Marble JWDA Table Lamp
A staple feature in our interior rundowns and a guaranteed win for home lighting, Menu’s JWDA Lamp is formed of a marble base and a frosted glass lampshade to mirror the shapes of traditional oil lamps. Although inspired by oil lamps, Jonas Wagell’s design features flowing, organic shapes to give the design a modern feel.
Design House Stockholm Black Block Lamp
Released in 1997, Harri Koskinen’s Block Lamp has been part of MoMA’s permanent collection since 2000. Koskinen is now considered one of Finland’s most well-known designers thanks to his search for austerity and simplicity in his work – values that are deeply rooted in Finnish design tradition. Block Lamp is an experimental take on the traditional desk lamp and, even when turned off, is sure to catch the eye and spark a conversation.
Pendant lights
FLOS Brass IC Pendant Light
Striking and memorable, every item in FLOS’ IC range is an instant classic. A spherical lamp appears to float in an ethereal display which, when all other lights are off, makes a magical statement. The IC range lends itself to the pendant style thanks to the minimal structure and warm, glass-blown lamp.
Menu Opal Bank Pendant
Characterised by a light that’s elegantly diffused through a 360-degree opaque glass shade, Menu’s Bank Pendant is stylish and effective. Glass paired with fine metal lends the minimal pendant light longevity as well as intrigue in the subtle material contrast. Perfect for illuminating your tasks or providing mood lighting.
Floor Lamps
Northern Black Balancer Floor Lamp
One of our favourite designs in the OPUMO office comes from Northern. The Balancer Floor Lamp is a masterclass in understated, functional design. Composed of as few components as possible, the minimal floor lamp revolves around a counterweight mechanism that allows you to lever the shade to cast more or less light on your surroundings.
Wall lights
Fritz Hansen White Kaiser Idyll Wall Lamp
Known as the scissor lamp, Fritz Hansen’s Kaiser Idell Wall Lamp is a great example of a design that’s completely functional while maintaining a stylish edge. This mechanism was traditionally used in industrial settings thanks to its functionality but Fritz Hansen’s understated style has elevated it so it’s more than ready to be welcomed into the home.
Shop all lighting at OPUMO.
Find out the main themes of the London Design Fair 2019 with our highlight rundown.
