Pull Wall Sconce by Tech Lighting
Tech Lighting is a household name when it comes to lighting, so we’re more than excited to introduce our latest exclusive: The Pull Wall Sconce. This simple and streamlined nod to mid-century modern design features a fabric-covered cord that provides a unique contrast of color under a metal shade. The cord provides a pop of contrast to the fixture, but also acts as the main functional element of the sconce—a simple tug switches the LED light on or off.
My favorite part? A black, gray or orange cord provides an awesome contrast or pop of color to the shade itself, making it ever-so-playful in a space of any style. What color combination is your favorite?
So this is it. The 12th and final day of the 3rd annual Lumens 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas. It’s been fun (and very tempting) highlighting our most giftable modern lamps. If you want to re-live all the fun we’ve been having, start here.
While I love all the lamps in the list, I have to admit that I do have a favorite. And, while I do the list in no particular order, tradition dictates that my absolute favorite lamp is featured on the last day. This year is no exception.
So, without further ado, the 12th (and my most favorite) modern lamp is…
#12- UFO Portable Table Lamp by Alessi
When I first saw this guy in person, I actually squeaked. Photos do not do this this little alien justice. He is wonderfully cute and comes outfitted in a variety of colorful spacesuits. A clear antenna makes sure he can stay in constant communication with the home planet, while his clear domed spaceship lets him look around easily while also protecting him from the harsh atmosphere on Earth.
Technical stuff:
The UFO Table Lamp is part of the AlessiLux collection of portable LED lighting, which was conceived and made in partnership with Foreverlamp, a maker of LED light bulbs. This specific lamp was designed by Frederic Gooris, a frequent contributor to the Alessi line of products.
It is completely portable, able to last up to 4 hours on battery power with full light output and up to 100 hours when dimmed. The continuous touch dimmer on the base controls this dimming easily and precisely from 100% all the way down to 0%.
Because it uses LEDs, UFO is expected to last 25,000 hours (or up to 25 years when used 2-3 hours a day). And because he’s so cute and user-friendly, there’s no doubt that you will use this luminescent alien every day.
So, in other words, this is one lamp that is destined to live long and prosper. (C’mon, you knew I had to do it.)
And that’s a wrap. Happy Holidays!
We’ve long loved the modern-meets-British-industrial appeal of Tom Dixon lighting and furniture designs, inspired by everything from Indian cooking pots to space helmets. The brand’s signature style can now be found in scaled-down form with Eclectic by Tom Dixon, a collection of everyday home accessories and design objects in Dixon’s favored hardy materials like copper, marble, cast iron and wood. The line is inspired by British heritage, from the Eclectic Candles that capture the essence of London life to the quirky Cast Mini Jack that takes after one of Tom Dixon’s most famed lights.
Check out the video below:
Shown above: 1. Bash Vessel 2. Hex Bowl 3. Scented Candles 4. Stone Candle Holder 5. Cast Mini Jack
Welcome, all you modern design lovers and last minute shoppers. Whichever you may be, you’ve come to the right place. Our 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas is the ideal compilation of gorgeous, giftable lamps. If you haven’t had a chance to see all the lamps featured in this year’s list so far, I recommend you start from the beginning.
From there, take your time to browse and work your way back to today and the 11th Modern Lamp of Christmas:
#11- Urbanjet Fan by Fanimation
That’s right. Our 11th modern lamp is not a lamp. But when this guy zoomed onto my radar, I simply couldn’t resist including it. This makes the Urbanjet Fan quite literally the coolest gift on this year’s list.
Its retro design was inspired by vintage cars, specifically a ’57 Chevy. This you can see in the rounded “chassis” of the base and glossy paint job. And then there’s all of those fun chromed details: the fin-like handle, the accents on the fan’s cage/grill and the hood ornament detail around the rotary switch.
Urbanjet is also just about as maneuverable as a car. It tilts up and down, can oscillate from side to side and is adjustable between 3 speeds (all of which move a pretty significant amount of air).
At just over a foot tall, this pretty, speedy fan is the epitome of giftable. For the lover of cars or all things retro, you’ll want to hurry and grab one soon, ’cause these things are going fast. Vroom vroom!
Happy Monday! Today is Day 10 of our 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas, which means we’re coming into the home stretch of giftable lamp options. For that special someone on your list who loves lighting and modern design, be sure to browse over what we’ve listed so far, starting with Day 1.
After you’ve looked over lamps 1-9, come on back to check out modern lamp #10:
#10- Luau Portable Lamp by OXO
There’s no better way to say Mele Kalikimaka than with the Luau Portable Lamp by OXO.
This large rechargeable lamp is a cool, ultra-modern take on the traditional lantern. And it brings the party pretty much wherever it goes. It glows from top to bottom for up to 10 hours on one charge, depending on how bright it’s kept.
(The brightness is controlled by twisting the base.) And the best part is that, due to its long-lasting LED light source, it will keep bringing the party and glowing warmly for many, many years.
On or off, Luau makes a lovely conversation piece. It is more than a foot tall, with a soft, elongated form made out of white Cloud-colored polycarbonate. In addition to always looking good, this smooth material is durable and stays cool to the touch when illuminated.
Luau comes with its own recharging base, and automatically turns on when it’s lifted off (or when the power goes out). It is easily and safely transported and can be safely hung overhead with its convenient metal carrying handle. Whether in a gazebo or on a picnic table, for a big party or intimate dinner for two, the Luau is always on hand to set the mood.
Hope you’re having a marvelous, relaxing Sunday. Meanwhile, I continue to work away on the Lumens 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas list to make it as easy as possible for you to find the ideal lighting gifts. If you have no idea what it’s all about or just need to refresh your memory, you can find all the specifics behind this year’s list here.
Then come on back to read more about the wonders of our #9 modern lamp:
#9- Swyvel LED Desk Lamp by Bulbrite
Another cool lamp to amp up your workspace…oh right, and to give as a gift, too, if you can bear to part with it. The Swyvel LED Desk Lamp by Bulbrite swivels (of course), turns and rotates in all directions with three separate points of adjustability. First, the lengthy head swings out from the stem to tilt up and down, leaving behind a cool cutout. Second, the stem pivots back and forth. And third, at that same pivot point, the stem rotates back and forth on the base.
Coming from a manufacturer that is best known for its high quality light bulbs, you’d expect 
Swyvel to have an exceptional light source. And so it does. At the end of the head, an energy efficient 8 watt array of LEDs creates bright, focused task light. Just how bright is easily controlled via a 5-step touch dimmer on the base.
And in case all of that isn’t enough, Swyvel also has a built-in USB port on the back of its base to charge any variety of mobile devices.
With all of its lighting capabilities, smooth adjustability and distinctive modern style (not to mention the USB charger), the Swyvel LED Desk lamp is the perfect gift for the modern multi-tasker on your list.
Happy Saturday! Happy Hanukkah!
As you’re lighting the menorah this year, why not make a gift of light as well? Whether you’re looking for a great present to give someone over the next 8 nights, or just the once on the 25th, our 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas are sure to please. If you haven’t been able to keep up with this year’s list, take a look at Day 1 for the background info.
And then on to modern lamp #8:
#8- Save Your Marriage Wall Sconce by George Kovacs
Next to money issues, nothing ends relationships like bad task lighting. That’s why the Save Your Marriage Wall Sconce was created—to bring harmony and high quality reading light to that couple on your list.
Save Your Marriage is a little tongue-in-cheek with a lot of functionality. It is a single sconce with two reading lights that are independently controllable and adjustable. Translation: focused light goes right where it’s needed, on the book being read and not in the eyes of anyone else in the bed who is trying to get some sleep.
The included pin-up kit means that it can be easily mounted at a central location above a bed for both inhabitants to share. (Or it can also be hard-wired if you’re pretty confident the marriage is going to last).
Second Marriage Wall Sconce by George Kovacs
Adding to its versatility is its understated transitional design and option of either a Brushed Nickel or Sable Bronze Patina finish. If he likes contemporary and she likes traditional, the Save Your Marriage Wall Sconce is the perfect stylistic middle ground.
If this sconce doesn’t quite get there in time to work its magic, don’t feel too bad. There’s always the Second Marriage Wall Sconce.
Congratulations on making it to Friday. As you mull over the Christmas shopping you’ll try to get done this weekend, take a moment to look at the Lumens 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas. With this list, you’re sure to find something for someone on your list. To find out more about how we’ve gone about choosing these most giftable of modern lamps, check out Day 1.
Then when you’re ready, modern lamp #7 is here waiting for you:
Even the name sounds giftable. From there, the Pixo Task Lamp attracts with its friendly, almost human form. However, designers Pablo Pardo and his twin brother, Fernando Pardo, will tell you that that personable demeanor was secondary to their ultimate goal: creating the most functional and efficient task lamp out there.
You’ll notice the slender figure and disc-shaped head. This economy of materials (which are 97% recyclable, by the way) continues through to the amount of power Pixo consumes. Its ring-shaped high output LED array provides a maximum spread of bright light while sipping a scant 6 watts of electricity.
Swivels at three points allow for smooth infinite adjustability of that energy efficient light. The head swivels 360 degrees while the stem and the base each rotate 180 degrees.
And Pixo’s usefulness extends far beyond illumination. Its base has a USB port for charging smartphones and tablets. And that same base has a gentle scoop to it, making it a great place to safely stash keys, paper clips, etcetera.
With personality, flexibility and efficiency, Pixo is the ultimate gift for anyone who could use a little fun in the functionality of their workspace.
Take a look at this video to see the Pixo Task Lamp in action:
Well, we’re now officially halfway through this year’s 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas. If you haven’t been able to start at the beginning, and aren’t sure how the whole thing works, never fear. Get all caught up with background and the criteria for what makes a lamp the most “giftable” by looking at the intro on Day 1.
And then let’s move on to Day 6′s modern lamp:
#6- Lumi – Mochi Mini Table Lamp by Fabbian
I think I must just have a thing for short, stubby lamps.
There’s something soft and cuddly about the Lumi – Mochi Mini Table Lamp that makes me want to pick it and snuggle with it. This petite rounded lamp deviates from a perfect sphere with a slightly flattened form, similar to that of the Glo-Ball Mini T Table Lamp by Flos (part of last year’s 12 Modern Lamps list; Day 4). The flattened effect is somewhat more pronounced with the Lumi – Mochi, however, and that’s what gives it its particularly pronounced sense of charm and sweetness.
In fact, Lumi – Mochi quite lives up to its name by resembling actual mochi, a smooth, sweet and subtly powdery Japanese rice cake. 
But instead of pounded rice, this soft, sugary sphere is made out of carefully blown and satinized white glass with a discrete white base.
Both available sizes are indeed “mini.” The small Lumi – Mochi measures less than 5″ around, while the large is under 8″. Either one will make a truly delicious gift…and is much less fattening than candy or Japanese pastries.
So here we are on Day 5 of the 12 Modern Lamps of Christmas 2012. It’s been a lot of fun so far, and there are plenty more great modern lamps to go. For a rundown on how we’ve gone about choosing this list of the best giftable lamps, take a look at Day 1.
Then be sure to come on back, ’cause you don’t want to miss our 5th lamp, which is…
For those friends of yours who like their lamps a little on the thick side, the Rook Table Lamp by Blu Dot truly makes the perfect gift. As the designers put it, “This little light of ours is, unapologetically, a bit chunky and we think it’s pretty hot.”
Hot stuff, indeed. The base is a solid tripod of warm, natural walnut. The unique geometric form of its legs keeps Rook stable whether it’s sitting upright or—when it’s feeling a bit kooky—tilted. It’s finished off with a crisp Off White linen shade and grey cord, making Rook ideal in just about any modern color scheme.
With a lamp called the Rook, it’s hard to avoid chess cliches. So I won’t. This happy modern lamp will be a definite gifting checkmate. So don’t wait too long to make your move.
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