13 Fixtures Casting Creative Shadows

Lighting is a transformative design element, thanks in part to its very nature. Fixtures have a certain look when switched on, and an entirely different look turned off. A great light fixture balances both worlds, looking stylish turned off in the daytime, and just as fabulous glowing at night. But some fixtures take it one step further, playing with form, function and … shadow. An artistic shadow can add pattern to a wall, give texture to a floor or create an abstract work of art on an exterior facade that appears and disappears with the moon. Shadows can cast a room in grids, speckles, spirals and florals, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.

Here are some of our favorite shadow-casting light fixtures that highlight the surprising fun you can have when you play in the dark side of the room.

Shadow Standing Lamp by Catellani & Smith

A piece of brass cloth, suspended in space and illuminated. What seems like such a simple concept becomes a breathtaking work of shadow art, changing shape with the slightest touch or movement. Brighten up your space while simultaneously creating a conversation piece that belongs in your home as much as it does a gallery.

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Meridiano Wall Sconce by Vibia

Shooting out like the spokes of a wheel, streaks of an iris or rays of the eclipsed sun, the Meridiano outdoor wall sconce from Vibia creates a spectacular display with minimal effort. Make your front entrance shine, add some interest to the patio or bring texture to a large wall in the courtyard. Whatever you choose, Meridiano is sure to take center stage.

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Blowin in the Wind by Lucy Slivinski

Composed of recycled and found materials, the Blowin in the Wind pendant from Chicago-based artist Lucy Slivinski creates a delicate harmony of salvaged steel, woven wood and dazzling shadows. An artistic sculpture during the daytime hours, the real magic happens when the sun sets and the lights go up.

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Tropic Leaf Pendant by Zenza Home

There’s nothing more serene than lying in the shadows of palm trees. Capture those tropical vacation vibes with the hand-pierced Tropic Leaf pendant from Zenza Home. Long palm fronds dance across the walls, surrounded by small drops of warm light, setting a sunny tone no matter what nature has in store.

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Effetto Collection by Artemide

The Effetto outdoor wall lights from Artemide may not look like much on their own, but when grouped together, they create stunning architectural grids and larger-than-life installations. Single- , bi- and multi-directional lights allow you to build your ultimate installation like an Erector set, playing with light and shadow in bold new ways.

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Etch Collection by Tom Dixon

Finely pierced flat metal sheets come together like contemporary origami, forming an artful geometric shape reminiscent of Moroccan lighting. When lit, the Etch pendant casts a grid pattern that focuses and dilates at each seam, adding extra intrigue to an already brilliant display. Group them together for something truly spectacular.

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Dome Collection by Bover

Constructed from hundreds of wood pieces, puzzled together to form an organic bell, the Dome collection from Bover serves as a sculptural focal point no matter what time of day. When the sun sets and the lights turn on, Dome casts a beautiful mosaic reminiscent of a pinwheel or spirograph.

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Doodle Collection by Terzani

As the name implies, Doodle appears to have pulled itself from the page, a 3-dimensional sketch suspended in air or fastened to the wall, casting shadows in random directions and coating the room in illustrious illustration. Crafted by artisan hands from intertwining bands of metal, Doodle is one part playful, one part luxe.

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PostKrisi Collection by Catellani & Smith

Designed specifically with its shadow in mind, PostKrisi is one of Enzo Catellani’s most iconic works. Originally created from moulding fibreglass, Catellani admired the layered, abstract shadows cast when light hit the material. The result is something truly breathtaking; a sort of shadowed landscape that creates a powerful focal point the moment the light is switched on.

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Sola Pendant by David Trubridge

Like rays of the sun, shadows of coral, shimmers on the sea, the Sola pendant from David Trubridge creates an intricately organic pattern from pieces of bamboo, puzzled together. Designed as part of an Icarus installation from Milan, Sola is now part of the permanent collection at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, thanks to its stunning display both on and off.

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Tahrir Collection by Zenza Home

Arabic for “liberation” and inspired by the designs and patterns from North Africa and the Middle East, the Tahrir collection liberates light through a series of hand-pierced metal screens, creating unique and intricate patterns on every surrounding surface. Crafted by artisans in Cairo, Egypt, without the use of stencils, every fixture from the Tahrir collection is truly one-of-a-kind.

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Solis Collection by Pablo

Chic, fashionable and stunning with shadows, the Solis collection uses strips of polyester fabric and stainless steel to create radiating rays in homage to the sun. The effect is a sense of weightlessness, redefining an environment when flipped on while quietly chic and sculptural when turned off.

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Wall Shadows Collection by Nemo

Geometric sheets of matte white aluminum, folded like pieces of intricate origami, the Wall Shadows collection from Nemo plays with light and shadow to create wall art with a purpose. During the morning hours, daylight drapes across the fixture, creating its own unique shadow pattern. At night, flip the switch to generate an abstract focal point that lights the room in many different ways.

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