Wood has always been a darling of designers. In addition to its unique texture that differs by trees, it also has unique grains and stripes that add to the individuality of each block. But even the same tree can exhibit different and sometimes opposite properties, making each tree as multi-faceted as human beings. Such varied properties are not that easy to display harmoniously in a single design, but that’s exactly what this lamp pulls off with aplomb.

Although it almost looks like inspired by a certain sport, this wooden desk lamp is really all about nature, particularly its use of a particular kind of wood. In fact, it uses the same kind of material for both discrete parts of the lamp, exuding a kind of beauty that can only come from a creative composition of opposing design elements.

Designer: John Tree

The base of this lamp is a block of solid pine wood, providing a robust anchor as well as a home for the electronics. The shade, on the other hand, is also made from pine but comes in the form of a thin veneer that was also purposely cut to show off a rather active grain pattern. These two are joined through a single slot cut into the block of pine, doing away with the need for complex mechanisms or visible fasteners.

Solid and bulky, gentle and graceful, these two parts of the lamp convey the identity of pine trees, which is a favorite among Finnish designers where this Hoop Lamp comes from. The design is an exercise in minimalism, using nothing but the essentials in both substance and form, drawing beauty from its natural properties without the help of additional details and embellishments.

Because of its thinness, the pine veneer effectively softens the light coming from the bulb inside the hoop. At the same time, the grains of the wood create a play of light and shadow that will differ from lamp to lamp, making each item unique and personal. All of these without doing more than just utilizing wood’s own nature to great effect.

There is also a more subtle form of contrast to be found in the choice of materials. While both are made of pine, the two parts also age at different paces and produce different colors over time. The solid pine will have a more uniform rich honey tone over time, for example. Along with the nicks and marks that the lamp may collect over years of use, these blemishes actually add to the design’s uniqueness rather than reduce its appeal.

The post Minimalist wooden lamp showcases contrasting properties of pine first appeared on Yanko Design.

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