vintage books light fixture

Much as we may want to preserve classic hardcovers forever, there simply is not enough shelf space to save every last book. For those less-fortunate volumes, though, there is a chance to turn the page and find a useful second life in projects like this recycled lighting series.

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lamp and books

New York City designer of Ragip Erdem writes of his work: 

When I was in the high school just glancing at my books on the book shelves used to take me to the exotic worlds and ideas. Today internet does this much better and does it without any mystery. I always wanted to recreate that lost mysterious feeling. This book lamp is the closest I came so far.”

“I As this medium is transforming into a digital entity, Its physical parts; pages, covers and spines, may turn into sculpturesque icons. Exploiting this prospect, the Book Lamp attempts to radiate the substance of a book inside the room utilizing our mind’s inherent capacity to seek the meaning behind the symbol.” “Each lamp is unique and handmade. They can be custom made based on the users’ interests. Art and coffee table books work well.” -They can be built as table or ceiling lamps. Either way this is a lamp designed primarily for mood lighting not as a task light. -The fluorescent light bulbs can be replaced from both ends by easily removing the covers that are on magnets. -The pages are original book pages. Books with heavier paper are used but they are paper and delicate by nature.

Made more for mood than task lighting, the pages turn into de fact diffusers spaced out thinly around a central bulb. Like many custom book remakes, the custom topic can reflect personal interests (particularly picture-heavy art and travel books).

It’s a pretty cool way to upcycle or reclaim vintage books that might not be usable anymore for their intended purpose.

lamp base

Each table and pendant lamp is unique and handmade, with library-worthy dark woods and glossy golden metal finishes making these nicely-suited accents for a traditional-style reading room.