One popular trend in lighting design is a pared-down aesthetic that can look organic or modern — or a combination of both. What looks like a “simple” design, however, turns out to be more complicated to execute.
We’ve all heard the adage “less is more,” but judging from the product introductions at June Lightovation, there clearly is a complex design process going on behind each “simple” piece.
Without a doubt, the small form factor of LEDs allows lighting fixtures to be more streamlined. This has led to a trend for slim, openwork cage-like designs where the familiar – and somewhat bulky – A19 bulb is absent, leading to integrated LED light sources that are either incorporated into the frame or recessed into a much smaller package. In both cases, light softly emanates from the fixture without an obvious source. What is not noticeable is the engineering challenge in accounting for heat dissipation, calculating delivered lumens and the importance of a reliable driver.
That’s just the technology side. Even a design as basic as using glass as a shade or diffuser around light sources – a practice that dates back many centuries – now has new twists thanks to the evolution in glassmaking.
Years ago, the goal for aesthetics was to have all sides of a design looking perfectly equal. Now, everyone wants asymmetrical and organic shapes. This design trait was especially noticeable at Lightovation where companies debuted fixtures in blown glass with freeflowing edges, intricate textures or subtle designs incorporated into the glass forms.
Since glass remains a material that is reasonably priced, manufacturers can create distinction through patterns and other variations to provide a more upscale look.
Below are some examples from the June show that demonstrate how interesting glass has become for lighting.
In this design from Arabela Lighting, the LED light sources are nestled into the arm of each frame, allowing the textured, organically shaped clear glass to get all of the attention. The Ainslie series from Savoy House demonstrates how LED lamping creates an ultra-slim profile that could not be accomplished with incandescent bulbs. The undulating look of each strie glass diffuser creates visual interest with organic flair. Z-Lite’s Valencia series is an example of the slim silhouette and open cage framework gaining popularity as a trend. While these fixtures are lamped with medium-base bulbs, the diffuser is crafted as a seamless part of the design. Savoy House’s Sheldon series features ice glass shades that mimic the look of frost on a window pane. Each shade design is unique yet cohesive.Don’t let the deceptively simple name “clear steel finish” fool you. Hubbardton Forge’s latest finish is only available on select products because it is that difficult of a process to bring out the unique character and depth of the naturally occurring steel pattern as it undergoes extreme heat. The textured smoked glass in Eurofase’s Grotto series is layered in overlapping sheets to evoke the idea of moving water. Arabela Lighting’s new pendants feature textured and strie glass that is purposely asymmetrical on its undulating edges for handmade authenticity. Colorful feather-shaped textured glass (left) and a molten shape (right) distinguish these new designs from Arabela Lighting. Zafferano America showcased new organically shaped shades in half-frosted half-clear glass (left) for a series of pendants and chandeliers, plus a collection of pendants in clear glass with whimsically placed copper orbs (right). A mirror finish on the Francesca sculpted glass pendant series by Phaino Lighting was a hit at Lightovation because of how the finish accentuates the pattern on the top and underneath the shade. Additional glass colors are offered.The molds for the Dulce glass sconces (bottom) are handcarved by Phaino Lighting founder Chris Berumen and are available in left- and right-facing versions. Above are examples of the highly textured Selena glass, which can be ordered as pendants, sconces (shown), and chandeliers. Phaino Lighting offers the sculptural Miguel series of glass pendants (left) in two sizes as well as an assortment of colors for the Selena glass pendants (right). The green color was trending at market.The Ostara chandelier, from SDQ Lighting, features draped textured glass pieces that are crafted to resemble melting icicles. Unique glass is a signature of Z-Lite. For its new Fortis collection of outdoor lanterns in several sizes, clear reeded glass not only looks elegant, but it also diffuses the light source for an even glow.
