GUIDING LIGHT

Tired of staring at your same old décor? Have an urge to redecorate but want to spare the expense? Some of the best in current lighting design is malleable lights that allow you to constantly change the scenery in your space. From a hanging light that allows you to store your own personal objects in its clear base and a floor lamp that can morph into eight different versions of itself to a flower like fixture that actually open and closes like a bloom you’ll never get bored with your surroundings. Get smart with these freethinking fixtures.

If you’re having trouble finding place for some of your sentimental old chotchkes or your children’s toys that you can’t bear to let go of then look no further than Chen Karlsson’s brilliant Favourite Things lamp.  This plastic hanging lamp has a transparent tank beneath the light source with a slight opening in the side allowing you to highlight your treasured objects in the lamp. Of course, the beauty is that you can constantly change the look by changing the object inside. We love the way they suggest using old toys, but we can also imagine this fun decorative piece with a beautiful flower inside or even a favorite pair of retro sunglasses. The fun to be had with this particular lamp is endless.

For a fantastic and versatile floor piece take a peek at New York City based designer Forrest Jessee’s Push Pull Lamp which allows you to creatively mold the lamp in whatever position suits your mood. Made of wooden slats that are fashioned in different patterns, the lamp can be pushed, pulled and even twisted to create different patterns with the various slats. While the photo suggests eight different options, the possibilities are endless, thus allowing you to recreate the look and lighting of your space as often as you please.

Christian Kocx’s Flower_001 lamp however, has a mind of its own. Netherlands designer Kocx, has created this incredible lamp to mimic the way the sun affects a flower’s bloom by responding to the heat produced by the actual light. The lamp’s petals slowly fold open to bloom from a bud to a flower the longer the light stays on. We’re currently envisioning this beautiful number as the fixture for a dining room and the talk of many dinner parties to come.

While Scottish design company, Zero’s Umbrella lights don’t actually transform, they can be arranged multiple ways along the ceiling or wall allowing you to get creative with their display. The light fixtures actually follow the shape of an umbrella, but we think they ultimately look like an array of honeycombs. Either way, we’d be happy staying in on a rainy day beneath these beauties.

If you prefer to buy vintage we’re sure this 1970’s chrome adjustable table lamp from 20C Design in Dallas will have you twisting and shouting.  You can swing the arms in various directions for a new look or keep them all aligned for a more uniform way of lighting the room.

Anyway you move them, these lamps are sure to illuminate your life and your mind.

----------------------------------------------------------

This article was written by Paige Reddinger. Paige Reddinger is a freelance writer based in New York. Prior to venturing out onto her own to do freelance she worked as a writer at TIME Magazine's Style & Design issue under Kate Betts for two years. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama she graduated from Penn State University with a BA in English and French in 2005. Four the past four years she has resided in New York's East Village.