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.

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.

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.

The post Gothic Wooden Box Lamp adds a mystical touch to your desk or shelf first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

The post Mesmerizing sculptural instrument uses water for an otherworldly musical light show first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

The post Stone light sculptures use shadow play to create a more dramatic effect first appeared on Yanko Design.

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!

The post One-of-a-kind ‘Candle Disc’ tracks the passage of time by melting wax in a different way first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

The post The Sunday Light Is Designed To Bring Sunshine-like Illumination On Those Sullen Winter Days first appeared on Yanko Design.

Humanity has produced no small number of tools and objects over the course of history. Some have evolved to become the tools we use today, while others have almost faded into the background, remembered and illustrated only in history books. While these items of the past may no longer serve a practical purpose today, they could still serve as a stepping stone to inspire the designs of tomorrow. This collection of three everyday products, for example, takes a few pages from the form and even the function of these old objects, creating an atmosphere of wonder and curiosity, while also giving a few visual clues that connect us to our distant past.

Designers: Dami Seo, Dohui Kim, Dong Kyun Kim

Fire-lit lamps may have once been the only way that people could see in the dark of night, but these are not only impractical today, they’re also fire hazards. That said, there’s a certain romantic charm to the shapes and curves of these kerosene lamps, an emotion that the DIDIM_Stand Light tries to replicate with modern technology. The tall floor lamp imitates the style of a lamp dangling from a metal bar, but here the lamp is a battery-powered LED lamp that you can remove and use independently of the rest of the structure. The lamp’s two-piece stand and the wavy cantilever are meant to resemble a person holding such a lantern in olden times.

A bucket-drawn well is almost an iconic image in many historical or fictional settings that depict periods before an industrial age, and this old contraption has come to symbolize not only life that comes from water but also the routines of life in those ages. Today, we use clocks to mark those routines, and the DIDIM_Alarm Clock combines these two concepts into a miniature well that will hopefully make you feel less annoyed when it wakes you up in the morning. Instead of a basket, the “well” has a bell that rises from within when it’s time to sound the alarm. It isn’t a real bell, however, and has a speaker inside to do the work. Amusingly, you have to hit the bell in order to silence it.

A little bit more obscure is the DIDIM_Tray, inspired by old grinding stones that people used to prepare grains and beans for cooking. Instead of grinding things, however, turning the “pestle” handle deploys the fan-shaped trays that have compartments for your phone, your pens, and your earbuds. When you’re done using it and don’t want the circular tray to take up space, simply turn the handle in the opposite direction to transform it into a decorative for your desk or table.

These might be mundane objects you can find in anyone’s home, but giving them a bit of a flavor not only enhances their appearance but also changes the atmosphere around them. And you don’t even have to think hard of designs that will capture your visitors’ attention. By simply looking at our past and appreciating the designs that have come before us, we can already bring a unique visual and tactile experience to these everyday products, while also helping us make a connection with the past.

The post Antiquated tools reinterpreted as delightful everyday products first appeared on Yanko Design.

Although travel and work restrictions have mostly been lifted already, the office world is really no longer the same. It has now been proven that the work your bosses claim can only be done in the office can actually be done at home or even in a coffee shop, and so more flexible remote working conditions have started to take root in many companies. At the same time, however, the pandemic also proved that working from home is far from being the idyllic scenario that many people dreamed of in the past. Maintaining focus and motivation isn’t exactly easy to achieve, but this curious desk lamp helps develop that sense of balance between work and personal life using a very visual and tactile experience.

Designers: Pinar Aydogdu, Naren Yildirim, Nurbanu Kocak

One of the oldest productivity tricks in the book involves focusing on a single task for a certain amount of time and then taking a brief break before repeating the cycle all over again. Ironic as might sound, this technique, most popular by its “Pomodoro technique” moniker, actually helps you focus during those moments you are working. It also elevates rest to its proper place in our hectic lives, presenting it not as wasted time but as an important factor in boosting productivity.

You’d probably never think that a decorative desk lamp would be the tool to encourage that productivity practice, but the Fall concept design is exactly that. At its most basic, it is composed of a conical lamp standing on a circular base that has a rippling surface, almost like the ripples in a pond. The soft diffused light that the lamp gives isn’t going to be enough to illuminate your work, but that’s not the purpose of the lamp anyway. It works in conjunction with eight balls that magnetically attach to the top of the cone, turning this productivity practice into something like a game.

Each ball represents one hour of working time, so their total makes up an entire day’s work. At the start of your work day, you stick those balls at the top, and after an hour has passed, one ball falls down on the base. Because of the undulating surface of the base, the balls won’t roll off, but you can remove each ball as you please. In fact, you remove the ball from the base to signify that you’re taking a break and you put the ball back on the base when you’re back. If you don’t bring back the ball within a set amount of time, usually ten minutes, the lamp’s light will turn red to nudge you back to your work.

Fall is an interesting idea that encourages physical involvement in juggling those work hours, making sure you’re more mindful of your time instead of simply glancing at a clock or swiping an alarm away. The lamp itself gives a rather distinctive aesthetic, one that encourages play and interactivity instead of just looking pretty. Admittedly, it’s just a concept and one that will be rather complicated to implement in a real functioning device.

The post Tactile lamp and timer concept fosters focus and mindfulness in work-from-home arrangements first appeared on Yanko Design.

Light forms an important design element in interior design that transforms the space, creates different moods and determines the way we perceive color and texture. Natural light can come in via sources like windows or skylights while the different sources of artificial light include pendant lights, lamps, and sconces to name a few. A well-designed lighting scheme transforms the overall look and breathes life into the interiors. Additionally, lighting adds depth, highlights design features, and creates a fine balance between light and shade to create a rejuvenated atmosphere in architecture and interior design.

Designer: Brand van Egmond

What are the three elements of lighting design?

The Lighting design can be broadly classified into three layers or elements namely ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.

Image courtesy of: dit26978

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting also known as general lighting provides overall basic illumination for a room. It functions as a base layer and factors like the room size, height, aesthetics, and functionality need to be taken into consideration for the lighting design. Ambient lighting, whether from overhead lights like modern pendants or soft sources such as table lamps and wall sconces, forms an essential component of interior design. Some of the common sources of ambient light include natural light and overhead fixtures like pendants, ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, lighting panels, and so on. While essential for illumination, ambient lighting works in conjunction with other layers to create a comprehensive lighting solution. It creates a warm and soothing atmosphere that allows flexibility in illuminating fixtures and determines the room’s ambiance.

Task Lighting

Image courtesy of: CreativeNature_nl

Task lighting combines with ambient illumination to provide focused lighting while eliminating shadows and reducing eyestrain. It can be used for illuminating a kitchen countertop for food preparation, cooking, and cleaning, a study table, or an office workstation for working. Kitchen LED fixtures over the island, provide bright task lighting while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the kitchen, and this stylish yet functional lighting approach is used for bedside tables with reading lights. The different types of light fixtures that are suitable for task lighting include floor lamps, table lamps, bathroom vanity lights, and cabinet lights. The lighting intensity is more and some task lights utilize focused beams to intensify the lighting intensity so that it can cater to specific needs. The combination of ambient and task lighting not only enhances the functionality of the lighting but also provides a decorative look to the interiors.

Accent Lighting

Image courtesy of: Studio_OMG

Accent lighting is the most decorative layer as it complements other design elements and highlights specific architectural features or decorations. This layer allows for customization based on individual preferences and belongings and can be used to highlight columns, wall art, photographs, decorative vases, and sculptures to name a few. Some of the common light fixtures that are used for accent lighting include wall sconces, track lighting, LED tape, and rope lighting. The best part about accent lighting is that it creates a focal point in a room by highlighting specific features, such as a fireplace, paintings, or furniture, through adjustable spotlights and wall lights so that they create visual interest and accentuate the unique characteristics of the home decor.

Natural Light

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Natural light plays a vital role in interior design as it combines with sunlight to influence the mood and overall décor of the home. Note that bright colors are best suited for rooms that receive less natural light and it is highly recommended to go for cool and neutral tones for spaces that receive abundant sunlight.

Natural lighting enters the home through windows, skylights, or mirrors to enhance the overall look of the interiors and create a brilliant connection with the outdoors. As per studies, natural light is important for the well-being of individuals and large windows or skylights create a bright and airy environment that is perfect for relaxation. However, one must make sure to use light-filtering blinds or curtains to regulate the amount of light that enters the interiors.

Image courtesy of: archideaphoto

How to create a layered lighting scheme?

Image courtesy of: hemul75

Different layers of light combine to create a layered lighting scheme. The first layer comprises ceiling lights that provide general illumination and set the overall tone of the interiors. The second layer focuses on specific areas or activities, such as table lamps for reading or under-cabinet lighting for the kitchen countertop. The third layer of light or accent lighting highlights specific features or objects, using elements like track lighting or floor lamps. This layering technique helps to control the light intensity and create a balanced and harmonious environment within the room.

What factors should be taken into consideration in lighting design?

Image courtesy of: Satura_

Various factors should be taken into consideration when designing the lighting for any space. Some of the considerations include determining the functions and activities that will take place within the space, specifying the tasks to be performed, highlighting architectural features, the furniture placement for seating, and establishing the desired mood within the décor.

Color Temperature

Image courtesy of: esspeshal

Light Color Temperature, measured in Kelvin, is crucial for achieving the desired ambiance as lower Kelvins produce warmer light, while higher Kelvins result in cooler light. Hence if you want to achieve a warm temperature, opt for lower Kelvin lights while cooler Kelvins are highly recommended for brighter environments.

Intensity of Light

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Light intensity is as crucial as the color temperature of the lights. The intensity of lights should be adjusted based on the coverage needs to avoid spaces being too bright and unwelcoming causing eye strain, or spaces that are dim and gloomy.

Glare

It is important to manage glare for comfort in homes, offices, and commercial spaces as it might strain the eyes and reduce the overall productivity within the workspace.

Even the Distribution of Light

When lighting any space, make sure that there is an even distribution of light to avoid dark spots and shadows. Keep in mind that adequate illumination is crucial for areas connecting different spaces so that one does not trip while walking.

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How does lighting transform space?

Looks Spacious

Lighting, both natural and artificial, impacts the perceived size of space as well-lit rooms appear larger and more spacious, while darker rooms feel smaller and more confined.

Good Ambiance

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Interior lighting design shapes a room’s atmosphere by selecting from various color temperatures as lighting shapes our moods and behavior. Note that bright, cool-toned lighting boosts focus, while dimmer, warmer lighting promotes relaxation. Additionally, the cool white lighting boosts productivity in offices, while warm whites create a cozy ambiance in bedrooms and living rooms.

Accents

Lighting design also serves to emphasize specific elements within a room, whether it be a piece of furniture, artwork, or the lighting fixture itself.

Adds Depth and Dimension

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Light creates depth and dimension by highlighting areas and casting shadows. For instance, directional lighting adds drama to a room, emphasizing texture and shape in objects or artwork.

Enhances Texture and Pattern

Lighting enhances textures and patterns by strategically directing accent lights. These lights can highlight feature walls, create an interesting play of shadows, or draw attention to unique textures or patterns that are present in the interiors.

Highlight Color

Lighting significantly enhances a room’s color scheme. Cool-toned lights emphasize blues and greens, while warm-toned lighting highlights yellows, oranges, and reds.

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