Plumen, the answer to ugly fluorescent bulbs?

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Say hello to Plumen, the compact fluorescent light bulb that may change what you think about CFLs. Two identically shaped fluorescent tubes are intertwined, taking on a different appearance depending on your vantage point. (See video below.)

Design fans might expect a wire cage fixture like the one above to have one of those old-timey Edison bulbs, the kind with the visible filaments, right? But those steampunk bulbs burn a lot of juice. Plumen, which produces the equivalent of a 55-watt glow, reduces electrical consumption by 80% and can provide 8,000 hours of light, co-owner Michael-George Hemus said.

‘Everyone knows that compact fluorescent bulbs save energy,’ he said, noting that 15,000 Plumens have already been sold in Europe. ‘The intention was to create something that will encourage people to use them because they liked them.’

Plumen will cost $29.95, well above the price of standard compact fluorescent bulbs, but the new bulb already has fans: It was added to the design collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Click on the video to see Plumen show off its curves.

Plumen bulb loop video also can be viewed on Vimeo.

Kind of makes you long for a revolving socket, doesn’t it?

Orders can be placed exclusively through the Future Perfect. Plumen can also be purchased from the Plumen online shop.

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-- David A. Keeps

Photo and video credit: Plumen