
That old adage “Let There Be Light” has been a guiding principle to augment and heighten elements of good interior design. Appropriate lighting in its countless variations is critical to making a space feel and look right. Industrial designers, for one, experiment to manipulate light to understand the relationship between space and objects to combine form and function for focused or ambient light. Uplighters throw light on the ceiling to avoid glare while downlighters cast distinctive pools of light onto a surface allowing the eye to focus. New styles, LED lights, green design, and so on, are launched each season providing the consumer with multiple options for every type of interior.
In narrowing the field, these six picks – the present to the future: two edgy; one a nod to green culture; and three from VandM Dealers (hard choices) that go from Vintage (early 1900s) to Modern (1960s) offer standout selections to a discriminating eye.

28 Series (28.19)
Design: Omer Arbel 2010
For Bocci
Photo: Bocci
The Standard 28 series in the Bocci collection cluster in hexagonal shapes that nestle into each other to create patterns as dictated by the needs of the interior. The distorted spherical shape with a composed collection of inner shapes houses a low voltage 20-watt halogen/xenon lamps or a propriety LED. The Standard 28 design lends itself to infinite compositions and gradations of color which can be customized at Bocci’s glass atelier in Vancouver. Pendants start at $490. Dealers are listed @ bocci.ca

ArteLuce Blown Glass Pendants from VandM.com Dealer City Review
Mid-20th Century
8″ H x 4″ W x 4″ Dia (20.3cm H x 10.2cmW x 10.2cm Dia)
Glass orb pendants are accent lights that add a hint of color for decorative purposes and spotlight a particular object. These rare colored Italian cased orb pendants from the 1960s are hung from a solid brass sleeve and the cylinder is tooled to receive the globe made of clear crystal with air baubles. Sold separately for $1,800 ea. or $6,500 for the set of four. (310) 652-8887.

Amplify Paper Crystal Lantern
Designer: Yves Behar
For Swarovski
Showcased at Salone del Mobile 2010
Photo courtesy of Swarkovski
Here’s a heads up. Yves Behar the San Francisco based industrial designer and founder of projectfuse, unveiled a stunning set of pendant lamps made from recycled paper that captures the shimmering effect of crystal chandeliers. His gemstone shaped Amplify lanterns utilize a tiny crystal to refract light from a LED bulb. Shown at Milan’s Salone del Mobile last spring as part of Swarovski’s Crystal Palace, a platform for experimentatation with innovation and technology. Each of the six can be packaged flat in a box echoing its shape. How’s that for progress. Anticipated production 2011. http://www.brand.swarkovski.com/ or http://projectfuse.com/

Arts & Crafts Antique Hanging Pendant (1920s) From VandM.com Dealer Vintage Lighting
61″ H x 35″ Dia (155cm H x 88.9cm Dia)
Marking the traditional craftsmanship of simplicity of the Arts and Crafts period, this pendant has its original bronze detailing and structure with a slag glass. A cluster of four bulbs @ 100 watts each offer ample light. May have been hung in a Court House or Post Office. $6,800Â (416) 789-1704.

PH Artichoke
Design Poul Penningsen 1958
For Louis Poulsen
Photo: YLighting
Self-taught inventor, architect, Poul Henningsen was a pioneer in lighting launching the PH Snowball (still a top seller today) which made its debut in 1925. The PH Artichoke an elaborate variation of that design arrived in the US in 2008 on its 50th Anniversary. Considered a masterpiece, this icon is a 360-degree glare free luminaire that gives off a distinct illumination. Created with 72 leaves in 12 circular rows that shield the light source and redirect and reflect the light onto underlying leaves. Originally made for the Langelinie Pavilion restaurant in Copenhagen where the PH Artichoke still hangs. Available in cooper, stainless steel (brushed or lacquered), white (wet painted) and gold. Leaves are of die-cut copper, laser-cut stainless steel or die-cut steel. 18.9″ Dia x18.4″ H. $7,678 @ http://www.ylighting.com/ where there are detailed specifications of the design and materials.

Vintage Wrought Iron Ceiling Light From VandM.com Dealer The Malder Company
France. ca. early 20th century
24.0″H x 20.0″W (61cm H x 50.8cm W)
The sculptural design is reminiscent of the French Quarter’s wrought iron balconies in New Orleans. Holds four lights @ 60 watts each. The Malder Company specializes in custom lighting, plus offers a large selection of light fixtures. $1,100.  (415) 626-9492.
Top Chandeliers: Vintage to Modern Lights That Glow
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