Bulbs Behind Bars: Design House Stockholm’s <br>Work Lamp and Diesel’s Cage light

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

We’ve put a number of caged lamps in the spotlight recently, but not all of the models flooding the market have an austere industrial appearance.

The Work Lamp, above left, may at first appear to be a literal interpretation of the hardware store variety -- but the cage has the silhouette of a faceted gemstone and shiny finishes in chrome ($100) or gold plate ($120). It is available from the lighting department of Design House Stockholm.

The Cage, above right, by Successful Living from Diesel (a venture between the Italian designer denim label and the lighting manufacturer Foscarini) is a bottle-shaped wire cocoon that can be used as a pendant, $472, or paired with a stand that makes it resemble an old-fashioned microphone, $697. The line can be purchased at select Diesel stores, including the Los Angeles flagship at 8401 Melrose Ave.

Both pay homage to the past while also suggesting a futuristic look, says Beverly Hills-based Sean O’Connor, a lighting designer for diverse clients, including WIlliams-Sonoma, FedEx and jeweler Fred Leighton.

‘These are a bit of a tongue-in-cheek reference to old work lights whose designs have evolved to accommodate pared-down luxury,’ says O’Connor, who suggests maximizing their eye appeal by hanging them in unexpected places, rather than just above a table or in a hall.

-- David A. Keeps

Photo (left): Design House Stockholm

Photo (right): Successful Living from Diesel