Ushering inspired designs out of prototype and into manufacturing is the m.o. of lighting collective Standard Socket. The company has its own workshop, Eastbay Lighting, in Seattle, and collaborates with an international roster of designers, many of whom take a delightfully playful approach to their task.
All of the lights are made in Seattle and available directly from Standard Socket as well as from Inform Interiors of Seattle.
Above: Standard Socket's Strung Pendant brings new style—and permanence—to party lights. The design is the work of James and Chelsea Minola of Grain Studio, who met as RISD students in Guatemala and now operate out of a 1902 farmhouse with five chickens on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Above: The light is made from glazed ceramic socket covers, nude-colored nylon cording, and brushed brass.
Above: The Strung Sconce (shown here) with three lights is $1,175; the Stung Pendant with five lights is $1,625. A multi-string chandelier version, as well as a black and charcoal color option, will be available within the next few weeks.
Above: Norwegian designer Catherine Baekken modeled her Booi pendant after mooring buoys. The design will be available in late spring; pricing is still to be determined.
Above: The light is 14 inches in diameter and has a hand-turned birch handle and a sandblasted glass globe.
Above: The Spun Pendant by Seattle's Ladies & Gentleman Studio is made of brass, copper, and maple; $450. It works with incandescent, LED, and CFL bulbs to allow for intense or diffuse light. Ladies & Gentleman is operated by Dylan David and Jean Lee, who say they like to combine Japanese craftsmanship with Dutch humor.
Above: The Spun Sconce, $375. The interior components of the light are available in white or black powder-coated aluminum.
Above: Coming soon: The Spun Multiple Pendant.
Browse our vast Photo Gallery of Lighting for more ideas. Wondering about which bulbs to use? See the Great Light Bulb Debate. Looking for a DIY? Check out the Ceiling Medallion from The Brick House.