elizabeth salonen hand-knits loop lamp collection

elizabeth salonen hand-knits loop lamp collection
(above) the lamps are hand-knit
all images courtesy of elizabeth salonen

‘loop lamps’, designed by elizabeth salonen of mottoform studio, are a collection of prototype light designs that combine hand-knit paper yarn with LEDs. the lamps are designed to be sculptural, functional and energy-efficient. ‘loop lamps’ are an exploration of how tradition and craft (knitting) can merge with technology (LEDs) in the creation of functional objects. the soft lampshade forms were hand-knit and crocheted with finish paper yarn by local artisans. with the use of LED technology, the collection is lightweight, emits less heat than conventional bulbs, and can be used in exploratory lighting design.

model 1 – the lamp shade is knit into a form much like a bag with an open bottom 

‘loop lamps’ address the contemporary desire for authenticity and warmth by creating a product that sources local production (finland) for both the interior plastic components and the hand-knit shades. the handwriting of each knitter-artisan is different, and no two lamps are exactly the same. the interior plastic components are produced by a local lighting manufacturer.

‘we went through a lot of experimentation and prototyping with these lamps­­–exploring different yarns, knitting patterns, needle sizes–and figuring out how to knit the yarn to give the aesthetic and elasticity we were looking for,’ comments elizabeth. ‘it was quite a process. some of the prototypes had to be remade several times because the knitting was too tight or too loose and didn’t fit the manufactured components. there are a lot of things going on when you have an imperfect, handmade design that has to work with industrial forms such as the housing for the LEDs–it’s this duality that makes it work.’

models 1a, 1b, 2 and 3

‘loop lamp’ collection has been explored through three prototype models: model 1 where the lampshade is knit into a form much like a bag with an open bottom. the soft woven structure holds a lightweight acrylic case in which the LEDs are enclosed. when the light is turned on, the frosted led case emits a soft glow. the form of the lamp is a result of the knit pattern, the shape and weight of the led case, and gravity.

model 2 is a smaller lamp with a knit shade that is stretched over a clear acrylic shell. it uses a conventional led bulb that hangs freely inside, illuminates the paper yarn, and draws attention to its hand-made character. this model can be hung in a cluster to make a larger arrangement. model 3 is more sculptural and experimental, yet functional. it consists of an outer crochet layer, a fabric layer, and a flexible tube that houses the LEDs. model 3 makes a statement in any room or hallway. salonen is currently in search of manufacturing partners interested in collaborating to produce the collection.

the form of the lamp is a result of the knit pattern, the shape and weight of the LED case, and gravity

model 2 is a smaller lamp with a knit shade that is stretched over a clear acrylic shell

model 1 – the form of the lamp is a result of the knit pattern, the shape and weight of the LED case, and gravity

the form of the lamp is a result of the knit pattern, the shape and weight of the LED case, and gravity

when the light is turned on, the frosted LED case emits a soft glow

model 1 in an interior space

hanging mode

exploring different yarns, knitting patterns, needle sizes, LEDs and thermoformed acrylic LED case 

testing an early phase of paper yarn knitting

project information:

material: paper yarn, acrylic, LEDs, polished and brushed stainless steel, polished brass


size: model a: 50cm diameter, 55 cm height. model b: 23cm diameter, 66 cm height. model c: width 30cm, 56cm height

‘loop lamp’ project has been made possible by the generous grant support of the finnish cultural foundation and the arts promotion centre finland.

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom