Paris Lightens Up

01/20/2017

You can’t help but be reminded of a butcher shop when you see So-sage from Petite Friture — each LED pendant looks like a sausage hanging in a butcher’s window. Use different sizes of these clear glass lights in threes, fives or individually. Lighthearted, So-sage is particularly clever for casual dining environments. Designed by Sam Baron. www.petitefriture.com

Whether seen as book paper layers in contemporary wall art, papier-mâché Easter rabbits, tissue paper blossoms or garland party decorations, paper’s status as a trend material has been rising for over a year. Andbros created desk, pendant and wall lamps using cardboard shades because the material is lightweight (making shipping less costly); recyclable (disposal is guilt-free); collapsible (easy to move); and inexpensive (great for Millennial budgets). After success with a range of solid colors, Andbros branched out into contemporary stripes and circus-tent geometrics that debuted in Paris. www.andbros.fi

Bubbles from Faïencerie de Charolles — Bubbles is the perfect name for Faïencerie de Charolles’ newest light. Orbs of different sizes are the focal point of each table or floor lamp, and their collective form feels naturally occurring, as if the bubbles had been blown into the air with one breath. Light emanates from two of the orbs, while others are ceramic. When illuminated, Bubbles gives the impression of light floating through the air. www.fdcfrance.com

As living in homes with a smaller footprint grows in popularity, so do space-saving devices. This includes lamps that attach to the wall, taking up no room on a floor or table. LEAN, designed by Swedish architectural partnership Claesson Koivisto Rune, is full of character. It walks a fine line between being minimalistic and playful as it almost peeps out from the wall. Available in black, gray, white or Dusty Green. www.claessonkoivistorune.se

When it comes to Ring from Vanessa Mitrani, the choice is all yours. Oversized glass shades come in two sizes and seven colors. They hang from the ceiling on chains of polished brass rings. Use one short length, or let it dangle in loops like jewelry. Clip on glass shades wherever the light is needed to complete the charm-bracelet metaphor. www.vanessamitrani.com

Bomma’s Phenomena Collection of pendants created by DECHEM studio — Bomma’s Phenomena Collection of pendants, created by DECHEM studio, was inspired by basic forms — a ball, oval or triangle. Shades are made of double-layered glass in a range of colors that drift in a gradient effect from the top of the shade to the bottom. The light source, which emanates from a cylinder at the center of each shape, helps to create an ethereal glow through amber, green, black or pink glass. Pendants can be used individually, but they become playful (and even more interesting) when shapes and colors combine in a single area. www.bomma.cz

Wesley and Widnes floor lamps from Un Autre Regard — The design of Un Autre Regard’s Zig & Zag pendant and Wesley and Widnes floor lamps (shown) are decidedly 1950s-inspired. Black or white pole and paper clip bases are made of thin tubular metal, and the shades are shallow drums. But the shades also have an unexpected twist: Each one is made from an outer layer of brightly colored, thin plastic tubing (cobalt, orange, yellow, gray, red or white), which is laced around a metal frame in a zigzag pattern with an inner layer of white fabric. www.unautregard.com

If you’ve ever used jumper cables for your car, you’ll recognize Monsieur Kacha’s Croco lamp in an instant. It’s made from upcycled jumper cable clamps that recall their original function: a conduit for direct transmission of electricity. A vintage bulb sits inside the open jaw of each clamp, confirming the electrical charge. Croco is painted in one of seven colors. www.monsieurkacha.com

Bolleke from Fatboy is cordless, portable, water-resistant and rechargeable. It’s a 20-centimeter-diameter ball attached to a silicone loop, which was inspired by hair bands. You can tie Bolleke to a boat, under a garden umbrella or on a branch beside an outdoor barbecue. Or, let one of its three light settings illuminate your workspace or create ambiance on the dining table. Recharge this LED light using the supplied micro USB and charger cable. www.fatboyusa.com

Normann Copenhagen’s Stage floor lamp was inspired by professional spotlights used in film production and photo shoots. It has an adjustable, tilting LED light and a tripod base. The switch, which is located on the handle, allows the lamp to be turned on and positioned with a single hand movement. www.normann-copenhagen.com

Casarialto Milano's Arizona and Tequila cactus lamps — Cactus plants are popping up everywhere in decor — at Casarialto Milano, they’re part of the lighting scene. The Arizona and Tequila cactus lamps are made of handcrafted glass, using traditional blowing techniques so each piece is unique. A single vintage bulb on the galvanized-metal base can be seen through the transparent glass. Every cactus lamp is signed and numbered. www.casarialto.it

A new, fun-loving mood was at the heart of many lighting introductions at September’s Maison & Objet show in Paris. Shapes were playful, materials were unexpected and design inspirations were unlike anything the market has seen so far.

Petite Friture, Andbros, Claesson Koivisto, Faïencerie de Charolles, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Vanessa Mitrani, Bomma, Monsieur Kacha, Un Autre Regard, Casarialto Milano, Normann Copenhagen, Bolleke, Maison & Objet, Michelle Lamb

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