Show Us Your Bits // Lighting Trend.

In the last little while I’ve been noticing a trend with pendant light designs which allow end-users to add personal touches by displaying their own “bits”. These lights make me question whether we ought to be noticing the object or its contents.

Here’s a roundup of some of my favourite examples.

1. Curiosity Objects // G. Gabillet & S. Villard.

Curiosity objects by Gaëlle Gabillet & Stéphane Villard combine lighting, furniture and display windows. When turned off, the bulb and socket disappear beneath the opaque black tinted glass. The base is made of blackened oak and the bell is blown glass.

2. The Maria S.C. lamp // Pani Jurek.

The Maria S.C. light designed by Pani Jurek at a first glance appears as a crystal chandelier, but is actually made from chemistry test tubes. The design of the light was inspired by Polish scientist Maria Sklodowska-Curie, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Jurek sells these lamps on Etsy (currently sold out – more coming soon).

3. Favourite Things // Chen Karlsson.

Favourite Things light designed by Stockholm studio Chen Karlsson, spotlight owners’ treasured objects which can be accessed through an aperture in the side of the plastic shade.

4. Glasshouse // Kristýna Pojerová.

Glasshouse by Czech designer Kristýna Pojerová is a mini greenhouse that also functions as a pendant lamp. Must admit that I am slightly dubious about this concept, although it looks quite delicious.

5. The Capsule // Design Systems.

The Capsule was designed by Hong Kong-based Design Systems, taking it’s inspiration from the plastic toy capsules of vending machines.

[Image sources in order of appearance – mocoloco // design milk // great dane // designboom // the cool hunter.]