Lighting Trends

This is interesting. As of September 1st, it will be illegal for manufacturers to sell frosted incandescent bulbs to retailers anywhere in the EU, followed by the banning of all incandescent clear bulbs in September of 2010. According to a report in the UK's Daily Mail, "the Government says frosted bulbs were in the first wave of the ban because they were 'the least efficient of all incandescent bulbs'."

This move is sparking some criticism from retailers who claim that "alternative low energy bulbs are inadequate and expensive." The modern design community is also reacting to this new ban. German lighting designer Ingo Maurer launched something he calls "Euro Condom," in protest against the new European guidelines.

According to Dezeen, "the opaque condoms fit over clear incandescent bulbs - which are not affected by the guidelines - to give a similar effect to the banned bulbs."


Directly from Maurer himself - "The Euro Condom consists of a thin, heat-resistant silicone cover that turns a clear bulb into a frosted one. Frosted bulbs will be banned by the new EU guideline on light sources beginning September 2009, because they are said give off less light than clear bulbs."


I admire the designer's willingness and ability to take such a public stance, however I think it's good that more countries are moving away from incandescent bulbs in favor of more eco-friendly varieties. I agree though that we need more affordable and better quality options. Lights out until next time!

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First off, I wanted to let you all know that the sale on my sponsor site, CSN Lighting has been extended until May 30th. 10% off anything on the store, just enter in the special code 'TRENDS10' at checkout!


Moving on...I love corporate signage. Driving down a highway at night, I love looking at all the illuminated Billboards. While they may or may not influence me to purchase the products, they are super cool to look at. In Boston we have the famous Citgo sign...in Chicago, where I'm from we have a flashy/animated Budweiser billboard.

• Light Invasion
• Indoor/Outdoor Pipe Lighting by Triptyque

I'm very excited to announce a limited-time-only coupon code from my sponsor, CSN Lighting! The generous people over at CSN Lighting have given you, my readers, a special 10% coupon code to use on all of your orders over at CSN Lighting!

Spring fever has officially hit me. I love walking around Boston and seeing the little flowers poking their heads out of the dirt and the little green buds on all of the trees. The bitter cold has made way for milder temperatures and the Swan Boats are out in full force, floating around their home in the Public Garden.



The collection includes both indoor and outdoor lighting, the latter you can even rent for special events. Custom pieces can also be commissioned. Visit the HiiH Gallery for specifications and rates.

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