bltd

The Cage lighting collection designed by Arik Levy for Forestier combines the industrial aspect of protective cage light fixtures with traditional paper lanterns (a more obvious iteration is found in the In & Out Lamp small and large). This opposites-attract formula results in a successful pairing that is surprisingly elegant, and as a result this collection has moved to the top of the wish-this-was-available-statside list.
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Say what you will about synthetic paper, but don’t knock its affordability in the lighting department. Designer Amanda Betz was inspired by the Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, and, as you can see, she created a honeycomb-like pattern to mimic the design on the mosque’s dome. Be sure to take a look at the shadows cast by this light, for you’ll not be short on ambience if you get one. The description states that you can adjust the shape of the Shayk light with your hands, so there could be a little wiggle room if you want it to be less/more of an oblong sphere.
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These aren’t new, but they are affordable and pretty lovely for the price- definitely worth keeping in mind if you need something eye catching that doesn’t break the bank. Designed by Paula Arntzen and named after the palace of King Louis XIV. Post-consumer coated Tyvek makes for a lightweight material and allows a soft glow through the folded slits.

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You’ve no excuse for bare bulbs, especially after being reminded that Droog has this shade. In a few seconds, cover your bare bulb with the Hang On Easy Diffuser and then step back and bask in the soft glow of your lovely new light source. This was one of the earlier posts (c. 2006?) here on BLTD, and it’s nice to see that it remains such an easy and elegant solution.
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These pendants get top points in the lighting-made-from-scraps category; both lights are made from the cutoff forms left over from the Merkeled Coat Rack. Each shade is made of powder-coated aluminum panels that are folded and fastened together, and you can hang them either straight down or slightly askew.
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What a show stopper. The new Etch Light Web by Tom Dixon casts a lovely angular pattern when lit, showing off an elegant result of geometry applied to design. An irregular pentagon is repeated 60 times to create a total sphere approximately 65cm wide, and despite the size, the sphere remains lightweight at just over 2 pounds. It’s available for pre-order now through The Lollipop Shoppe in the UK, available September 2012.
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Marble has long been a luxurious product, but how about using it as a pendant shade? These hand-turned pendant lights by Benjamin Hubert are pretty spectacular, as they show off the translucent properties of thin-walled marble. By using an LED, the large internal cavity remains open in order to appreciate the rough cuts in direct contrast to the smooth exterior. Here’s hoping they’re in your budget (and if they are, you’re one lucky duck).
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Take a look at this new pendant light from Erich Ginder. It’s made from die cut fabric, so there’s a soft texture to begin with, and with a little assembly (it ships flat), you’ll have a lovely geometric light to call your own. Made in in the United States.

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We posted about Seattle-based Graypants‘ Scrap Lights back in 2008, and we’re quite happy to say that they are not only still available to purchase, but a few new models have been released. Scrap Lights are pendant lamps laser-cut from repurposed cardboard boxes, hand assembled in Seattle. Sizes and prices range from $129 for the 8” Moon, to the monstrous room-filling 36” Drum, which sells for  $1399. Each one is made to order. Available with a black or white cord.
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As you’ve ascertained from the title, these lamps are made from spent fire extinguisher canisters. By using either the top or bottom of the canister the shape is cylindrical or rounded, and each one is hand painted with a slight black/grey effect. Not a bad way to make use of an otherwise discarded item, and it certainly lends itself to a nice ‘guess what this used to be’ discussion at your next dinner party.

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The Noir Pendant lamp, which is a powdercoated black matte metal shade with a beech wood cap has a weighty, architectural look to it. With its large scale, the fixture would be most suited as an anchor for a dining table or perhaps a kitchen island.

If you like Tom Dixon’s Void Pendant Light, you’ll be happy to see there’s a new mini version. Whether you mix the sizes or just use the mini to fit smaller areas (powder or dressing room perhaps?), you’ll have a polished metal gem that won’t go out of style (ever – that’s a promise).
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This is just about the perfect holiday decoration, mostly because it’s not an in-your-face sort of thing, and it would give off a nice glow. If I had to choose between spending $85 on a nice paper lantern that looked like a snowflake and one free horrible singing Santa, I’d shell out $85 so fast that you’d think (insert idiom here*). There’s also a Star Lantern, shown below.

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Whoa, these two Peter Lights from John Beck Paper & Steel are priced at $124 over on Fab.com today, down from a regular price of $185. Each light is handcrafted by the Illinois craftspeople of John Beck Paper & Steel. Also be sure to check out the larger Brown or Black Light Three for $488 (reg. $750).

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Check out this lamp by designer Pavel Eekra. There’s no internal frame, just the 56 plates and screws configured in the pinecone form. Natural birch veneer is slightly transparent, which gives off a nice warm glow while also allowing light to be directed downwards. The lamp does arrive flat packed, so be prepared for a little assembly. To purchase, email pavel(at)eekra.com.

Designer: Pavel Eekra
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