I really appreciate lighting designs that are well designed, functional and have aesthetic value. But in addition to these three criteria, it is also important that the light is compact and does not take up too much valuable space on your desk, bedside table or wherever you place it. In addition to that, a well designed lighting fixture should not only illuminate your living space but also add to it. Of course, it needs to be visible in the dark, but in addition to being highly functional, the lighting fixture should also look beautiful and add an attractive and visually pleasing element to your home or office space. So, we have collected a number of great compact lighting designs that will make a great accent for your home.
1. Minisphere
The Las Vegas Sphere opened to the public last year and is now one of the most recognizable structures at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. Its sheer size and the funny emojis that look around and interact with different objects have made it into something of a meme. YouTuber Carl Bugeja created a homemade version of the Sphere by combining a bunch of LEDs and some clever programming.
Why is it noteworthy?
Called the MINI Sphere, this tiny light is a cute recreation of the gigantic architectural wonder: a tiny sphere that lights up and displays different graphics, such as an eyeball, an emoji face, and even a globe. A built-in accelerometer detects when you lift the sphere off the table, causing the sphere to make a scared emoji face.
What we like
- A miniature reproduction of an impressive architectural structure
- Create cute emojis
What I Don't Like
- It is difficult to see a clear image because it is less than 1000 pixels.
2. Paper Lantern Candle
Introducing the Japanese Lantern Candle, a soft and gentle lighting design inspired by traditional Japanese lanterns. This lighting product features an undulating pillar shape that exudes a soothing atmosphere. This lighting design is made to add peace and tranquility to your living space and is easy to move around.
Click here to buy now: $69
Why is it noteworthy?
This candle design is a modern take on a beloved Japanese item. It is small and has a minimalist spirit so it won't take up much space in your home. The lantern candle gives off a magical glow that instantly puts viewers at ease.
What we like
- Meltless wax gives candles a surreal translucency
- Handmade by craftsmen in Kurashiki
What I Don't Like
- As this is a lantern candle there is a risk of fire so please keep it out of reach of children and pets.
3. A lamp that can be used anywhere
This portable lighting design is called the “Go Anywhere Lamp” and is a minimalist table lamp that offers gentle illumination in a world filled with big dazzling screens and harsh lighting. Featuring a mushroom-inspired head, this lamp casts an elegant, soft light that creates a soothing ambiance.
Click here to buy now: $149
Why is it noteworthy?
This go-anywhere lamp has a modular shape that will enhance the atmosphere wherever you place it. Equipped with six high-color rendering LEDs, it emits a soothing light that will transform any living space into an oasis of tranquility and peace.
What we like
- With 4 levels of brightness adjustment
- It can be easily disassembled and carried in a bag
What I Don't Like
- The lighting design is not waterproof
- Requires 4 AA batteries to operate
4. Great Pre
Called AwesomePre, the reading light was designed for LED technology startup MemsLux. It's designed to foster an emotional connection between the reader and the book after the sun goes down. It's shaped like a large window that can be positioned over the page you're reading.
Why is it noteworthy?
AwesomePre utilizes MemsLux LED technology to emit light wavelengths that allow you to read in the dark, creating a private reading experience, and creating a compact portal into your favorite fictional world.
What we like
- Portable design that allows you to read anywhere, even in the dark
What I Don't Like
- It is not very ergonomic for readers who like to read in a relaxed, comfortable position.
5. Harmony Flame Fireplace
Called the Harmony Flame Fireplace, this elegant brass lamp allows you to safely start a fire in your home. It allows you to enjoy an outdoor fire in the comfort of your own home. It uses bioethanol to light your home and spread warmth. It is made using the same techniques used to make musical instruments.
Click here to buy now: $239
Why is it noteworthy?
This fireplace has been designed to enhance and elevate the atmosphere and mood in any room, featuring reflective surfaces that create a play of shadow and light in conjunction with the vibrant flames, making it a visually stunning piece of decor.
What we like
- Enjoy a warm and cozy fire in the safety of your own home
What I Don't Like
- Because it uses bioethanol as fuel, there is a risk of fuel dependency as fuel needs to be purchased repeatedly.
6. Lighting Lantern Kit
Welcome to the Tomori Lantern Kit. This is a unique kit that helps you assemble your own little lantern. Once you're done using the lantern, you can easily put it away. The lantern kit cannot be used as a ready-made lantern. It can be folded up after use. A traditional flashlight can be built into the lantern.
Click here to buy now: $39
Why is it noteworthy?
The Tomori Lantern includes a foldable cardboard piece that provides the structure for the lamp, both as the base for the kit and as a flashlight holder. It includes an LED flashlight that can be used separately if not installed within the lamp, although the base can also support other cylindrical flashlights.
What we like
- The kit folds up and stores in a flat A4 size package.
- Convenient shape for easy carrying
What I Don't Like
- Tomori lantern kits cannot withstand rain or other harsh weather conditions
7. Port Collection
Called the Port Collection, this dreamy lighting collection was designed by Tom Ferredei and LaCumba. It comes in two shapes: a circular Round design and a diamond-shaped Stadium design. Available in tabletop or wall-mounted versions, each version comes equipped with a sturdy glass block and metal base.
Why is it noteworthy?
The metal base supports a glass block featuring an interesting conical shape with an internal step, this interesting shape causes the light to refract when switched on, creating a mesmerizing and fascinating effect that grabs your attention.
What we like
- The lighting designs have an otherworldly appeal and will add an interesting accent to your home.
What I Don't Like
- As it is made of glass, it needs to be handled with care and can easily break.
8. Martin Lamp
Called the Matin Lamp, this rather odd looking lamp was designed by Inga Hempe. This lighting design is a modern and innovative take on a common lighting fixture, using a steel wire frame to reduce the shape to its most basic and rustic. The result is a unique lamp with its own design language that is very familiar.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Matin lamp features a unique pleated lampshade that gives the lighting product a distinctive and striking character. This lampshade creates an interplay of shadows and shapes, providing an interesting contrast to the solid blocks of colour. This lamp will be a welcome addition to any home and will be a conversation and discussion starter.
What we like
- A repeating pattern of flowers, petals and leaves designed to create a harmonious contrast between order and chaos.
What I Don't Like
- The lamp may be too quirky and eclectic for some, but it is aimed at a niche customer base.
9. Z Lamp
Introducing the Z Lamp. This unique lighting design is truly one of a kind. Its foldable design makes it easy to carry. Equipped with a raised silicone shade, the lamp can be freely expanded or contracted, giving you full control over the overall brightness of the lamp.
Why is it noteworthy?
When you expand the silicone cover, the lamp acts as a large diffuser and the light spreads in different directions, when you contract the lamp, the diffuser size decreases and the light intensity decreases.
What we like
- Unique folding feature transforms into a portable design
What I Don't Like
- The lamp cannot be fully extended, but the brightness is reduced.
10. Current Task Light
Designed by UK-based Jones & Partners, the Current Task Light is a small, compact lighting design that blends perfectly with the brand's collection of functional yet simple products. The Current Task Light is the epitome of minimalism, a great value lighting design that takes up minimal space.
Why is it noteworthy?
It's an award-winning task lighting and charging concept designed as a multi-functional product to support your everyday multitasking. Versatile and thoughtfully designed, it works well in both residential and commercial spaces and is sure to be a great addition to any work desk.
What we like
- Colleagues can connect devices across a large desk to collaborate
What I Don't Like
- As it's still in the concept stage at this point, it's unclear what the final product will look like.
