Introduction
From the 1950s up to the present, lighting continues to evolve in terms of design, functionality, and innovativeness. However, one lamp stands out above the rest because of its timeless style and sophistication – the Nelson Bubble Lamp.
The Origin of Nelson Bubble Lamps
The Nelson Bubble Lamps were designed by George Nelson, an American industrial designer, and head of design for the Herman Miller furniture company. In the 1940s, he was tasked to create a series of lamps that can provide diffused lighting to their showroom.
Nelson’s initial design was a simple steel frame with a small bulb placed in the center of a spherical-shaped shade made of white plastic. However, with the introduction of new materials, Nelson eventually switched to a more innovative and effective design.
The Design Elements of Nelson Bubble Lamps
The Bubble Lamp series consists of 33 different shapes and sizes. Each lamp has a steel frame and a plastic, self-webbing polymer shade that diffuses the light. Despite their different forms, all Nelson Bubble Lamps depict a timeless and elegant look that can fit in any room decor and style.
What makes the design of Nelson Bubble Lamps unique is its ingenious utilization of materials. The polymer shade not only provides a diffused warm light but also coats the metal frame, providing an organic texture and accentuating the curves and shapes of each model.
The Versatility of Nelson Bubble Lamps
One of the primary reasons why Nelson Bubble Lamps are still popular and relevant is their versatility. The various sizes and designs of the Bubble Lamp series can be used for different lighting applications.
Whether it’s a large-scale installation in a commercial space or a single lamp in a home setting, Nelson Bubble Lamps can create an ambiance that suits any mood, occasion, or interior design style.
The Perpetually Modern Appeal of Nelson Bubble Lamps
The design elements of the Nelson Bubble Lamps could be described as futuristic yet timeless. The seamless sphericals shapes and the organic texture continue to look modern even after half a century of their creation.
While George Nelson did not intend the clarity of the plastic to last more than a few years, Nelson Bubble Lamps continue to grow in popularity, making them an enduring masterpiece of modern design.