Highlights

The best and brightest fixtures, selected by architects and designers

Alexa Yablonski -- Interior Design, 12/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

David Ling

"I love the nuts-and-bolts–ness of this floor lamp. The assembly is very straightforward, but the proportion is beautiful," declares David Ling. According to the New York architect, this icon "could act as a contrast in tall residential spaces. It's so sculptural, it's sure to make a strong impression." circle 340

Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz

"Why do I love this lamp?" ponders New York designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz. "Because it can be used in any interior, modern or old-world. Because you can barely see it—all you see is the light source. Because it takes up no room. And, most of all, because of its gorgeous, wonderful design." circle 341

Nestor Santa-Cruz

"This is a terrific reinterpretation of the '30s Jean-Michel Frank design," enthuses Nestor Santa-Cruz of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Washington, D.C. "It goes well in residential and commercial settings, modern and traditional environments. It's also one of the best deals for the style." circle 342

Shamir Shah

Shamir Shah was pleased to discover easy access to quality craftsmanship—Santangelo and Santos occupy studio space in the same building. "They both have amazing versatility," says the New York architect, who has used a number of variations on this classic hanging lamp. "It has a really nice quality of diffused light and helps anchor a table in a large space." circle 343

David Ling

Ambient, indirect, and translucent light make this lamp a favorite of architect David Ling. "The fixture becomes a sculptural spark," he elaborates. Then there's the added value of "providing light and eye candy at the same time." circle 344

Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque

Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque is still wowed by this favorite from the 1960s. "I like how it's engineered from an architectural point of view," says the Miami designer, who finds Arco's versatility equally arresting. "The design complements so many styles. It always makes a solo-act statement." circle 345

Shamir Shah

Precious details drew Shamir Shah to this item. According to him, "The felt topstitching on the edge gives a predictable shade a little twist." circle 346

Laura Bohn

This clamp-on lamp is perfectly proportional. "It puts out beautiful light, too," says New York designer Laura Bohn. "We'll buy a whole bunch and distribute them over library shelves." circle 347

Laura Bohn

"The main thing I like is the pure A-line shape of this floor lamp. And it's very low, just the right height for next to a chair. Most are too tall," explains Laura Bohn. She also lauds the finish options and the streamlined, switchless design—simply twist the stem to turn the fixture on and off. circle 348

Barbara Barry

Sometimes, there's nothing like your own. Says Los Angeles designer Barbara Barry, "I design lamps based on the philosophy that they're vehicles for light, not decoration, so my pieces are the ultimate in simplicity." What makes this table lamp her ongoing favorite? "It just slips in, without creating tension." circle 349

Bobby Pathak

"What can be said about this iconic piece that's not been mentioned before?" muses London designer Bobby Pathak. "For me, it epitomizes the elegance of simplicity." circle 350

Jordan Mozer

For architect Jordan Mozer, the answer is a sinuous table lamp in his very own Chicago bedroom. This version, in resin and cold-cast aluminum, derives from one he created for a 1991 restaurant project. (The original was made of sheet copper.) As Mozer puts it, "I like lamps that are organically sculptural objects in their own right." circle 351