Last week I wrote about the growing popularity of concrete as a material for interiors, particularly lighting. We showcased the extremely stylish Foscarini Aplomb concrete lights which showed just how elegant and refined concrete can look in the hands of skilled artisans. I I promised a follow up, so true to my word here’s our round up of the Top 10 best contemporary concrete lights including pendant lamps, floor lights and table lamps.
Top 10: contemporary concrete lights
1. The striking Rota Concrete Pendant Lamp by Urbi et Orbi from Clippings, above, is an international affair, being cast by hand by a team of specialised artisans in Athens working with a unique raw material called GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) from Italy.
Made by combining a mixture of fine sand, cement, polymer, water, and glass fibers, GFRC has a relative density similar to concrete but is much lighter and can be used to make thinner and more delicate structures. Delivery is free to the UK, and the Rota Lamp comes with either a 1m or 2m black and white striped cable.
2. Another minimal concrete pendant light, this time from John Lewis. With sinuous, elegant curves and polished chrome fittings the Emile Concrete Pendant Lamp is the epitome of industrial-luxe. On a practical note, it has an adjustable drop of 30-95 cm, making it suitable for many different parts of the home – fabulous over a dining table or kitchen island, perhaps?
3. The Ira Concrete Pendant Light from Made.com has simple, clean lines and some lovely detailing. The contrasting chrome spokes keep the shade in place whilst the matching ceiling rose has a decorative concrete plate to complete the look – see below.
4. Part of the same collection, the Ira Floor and Table Lamps have neat concrete bases that showcase the material beautifully. Their small footprint, elegant metal stem and narrow, tapered fabric shades work together to create a slim profile that makes them ideal for small rooms where space is at a premium. That said, they’ll work just as well in larger rooms too.
5. We love the combination of concrete, smooth frosted glass and warm, burnished brass in the JDWA Concrete Lamp by Menu, above. The large bulb gives out a golden glow – perfect for a side table or bedside night stand.
6. Dutch designer Renate Vos has combined concrete with silicone rubber to stunning effect in her series of concrete lamps, above and below. The jagged meeting point of these two contrasting substances celebrate the fusion of soft and hard, and the lamps emit a golden, warm light that’s at odds with their industrial appearance.
7. More mixed materials above, with a juxtaposition of delicate glass and concrete in the stunning Leimu table lamp. Inspired by architecture, it’s designed by Magnus Pettersen for Iittala and will add real industrial-luxe to any room.
8. Who said concrete needs to be grey? These neat Cement Wood Pendants mix and match grey or coloured concrete with the natural texture and warmth of wood. By Specimen Editions at Made in Design
9. Keep it neat with the Bristol Pendant Light in concrete from Heal’s. Perfect for adding a subtle industrial vibe to smaller spaces and showing off a contemporary, decorative bulb. (Also available in marble and metallic finishes).
10. The Orion Concrete Table Lamp, designed by Erdem Akan has a crystal glass shade resting on a solid concrete base. Refined and elegant, with a slightly space-age retro vibe, the brushed surface of the top of the shade diffuses the light to create a warm, ambient glow.
Images: Retailers and designers as credited above
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