by Federica Capoduri
Lightness, colour, practicality: these are the characteristics of the lighting dedicated to evenings en plein air (and not only) thanks to an aesthetic and conceptual versatility that is well suited to the most up-to-date functional dynamics.
Between design and functionality, supported by LED technology, the transportable, rechargeable and wireless outdoor lamps respond to the most contemporary trend, which wants the boundary between indoor and outdoor to be increasingly blurred. In various models, perfect for every taste and need, they are ideal on the table as modern lanterns, or to be placed in the garden or on the terrace, to light up the cool summer nights. But not only that: they are also suitable for carrying when the sun goes down in a tent or on the beach, with total freedom of use.
The wireless models, rechargeable with battery via USB or solar energy, have revolutionized lighting; they are linked to the concept of lighting “where needed”, also with a view to saving energy and light pollution. These are models that have IP65 certification, which guarantees protection against the penetration of solid bodies or liquids such as drops, vapours, splashes and jets of water.
1 – ARABIC CHARM
Noora, from the Arabic “light”, is a portable lantern for outdoor use by Jwana Hamdan. It is characterized by the elegant lampshade with a laser-decorated motif, inspired by the Middle East. The rechargeable lantern is available in two sizes; each features a conical lampshade characterized by an elegant and modern design, and an iroko wood handle. Noora can be used on the floor or suspended and the lampshade is available in two finishes: champagne and bronze.
Noora by Jwana Hamdan, design Lorenza Bozzoli, small version €1,409, large version €1,495 – jwanahamdan.com
2 – LUMINOUS HOURGLASS
Alba is a vase lamp produced by Lyxo; an hourglass houses the LED light source that radiates from the base. Two versions are available, depending on whether you prefer the smaller or larger cup as the illuminating element. The upper cup can serve as a holder for objects, flowers or a small vase. Rechargeable and equipped with an on-off switch with three intensity positions, it can embellish counters and tables and has dedicated packaging which also makes it perfect as a gift idea.
Alba by Lyxo, design LCM Marin Design Studio, from €89 – lyxodesign.com
3 – VIENNA STRAW STYLE
Portable lamp with rechargeable battery that reinterprets the shape of the classic lantern, Clara by Contardi Lighting is among the chicest outdoor proposals. The diffuser is made of Vienna straw effect resin and can be hung thanks to a ring on the top. The lamp body is screwed onto the top and can be removed to become a small light point to use at the table or to move around freely when the sun goes down.
Clara by Contardi Lighting, design CaberlonCaroppi in collaboration with Marco Forbicioni, Small €495, Medium €800, Large €950 – contardi-italia.it
4 – CONTEMPORARY LANTERN
Giò Giò is the new table lamp by Riflessi, rechargeable with a USB cable, recalling the shape of lanterns. Clean and balanced lines characterize the painted aluminum structure, enclosing a transparent striped methacrylate lampshade that creates luminous effects. Available in two sizes, the aluminum structure comes in three elegant finishes: graphite, pearl champagne, and bronze.
Giò Giò by Riflessi, Small €476, Big €732 – riflessi.it
5 – LIGHT AND MINIMAL
It is a thin, slender and light table lamp. Portofino by Nemo Lighting is a contemporary, rechargeable project with versatile use. The result of a path guided by the redefinition of the product architecture, the redistribution of the components and their optimization in terms of volume and efficiency. Made of injection-molded polycarbonate and in a version with marble base in different essences.
Portofino by Nemo Lighting, design Valerio Sommella, photo ©Alberto Strada, standard from €140, marble version from €190 – nemolighting.com
6 – HELICAL OF CHARACTER
Elica, from the Lumere brand, was created with the aim of offering “cut” lighting. The body of the lamp is made up of three sheets of metal curved, identically, with the technical cylinder containing the battery in the centre. The three hidden light sources radiate and blend the light in the curves of the colored metal, revolutionizing the idea of diffusing light from above. Furthermore, it offers three light intensities and is available in different color variants.
Propeller by Lumere, design Daniele Della Porta, photo © Gaetano Del Mauro, € 280 – lumere.it
7 – BLOWN GLASS
The portable version of the Seine table lamp, designed by Space Copenhagen for GUBI, brings the magical and evocative play of light of the design to both internal and external spaces. Inspired by the behavior of light and water, it features a mouth-blown glass lampshade with a sandblasted finish. The lamp comes with a USB-C docking station and charges in eight hours. The hand-finished antique brass base has been made for optimal ergonomics, allowing you to easily and conveniently carry it around.
Seine by GUBI, design Space Copenhagen, €299 – gubi.com
8 – LIKE A BELL
Bellhop Table is a model of portable lamp produced by Flos, recognizable by its simple and refined silhouette, which quickly became a distinctive sign whose name derives from the traditional bell used in hotel receptions. The object turns out to be a wireless lamp with the aim of accompanying the days like a contemporary battery-powered candle.
Bellhop by Flos, design Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, €255 – flos.com
9 – TIMELESS EGG SHAPE
Rechargeable table lamp, Uovo by FontanaArte is made of blown glass. It has an integrated and dimmable LED light source with a transparent touch button that allows you to turn the lamp on and off and adjust the intensity of the light. The USB rechargeable battery lasts 8 hours, to create nice corners and atmospheres.
Egg by FontanaArte, design Ben Swildens, €395 – fontanaarte.com
10 – CIRCUS ATMOSPHERES
Just as an acrobat is in perpetual motion, the brillian series Circ by Estiluz includes portable projectors to illuminate gardens and other outdoor spaces, unexpected corners or create ever-changing decorative effects. The lamps are battery rechargeable, made of translucent beige polyethylene and with circular metal handle.
Circ by Estiluz, design Nahtrang, €340 – estiluz.com
11 – ALABASTER HEART
Warm and solid, Lola by Roche Bobois is a rechargeable LED lamp with an aluminum structure and an alabaster lampshade; a noble and pure material, which makes each piece unique. Whether it is in gold or black finish, its small size accentuates its warmth, which allows it to make the internal or external space chic through the four light intensities.
Lola by Roche Bobois, black version €600, gold version €620 – roche-bobois.com
12 – MATERIAL AND REFINED
Available in two different heights (47x23x50h cm and 47x23x70h cm) Pillow by Roda is a lantern in natural teak and Batyline, a fabric that resists bad weather, with adjustable LED light – from a warm white 3000k to a cold 4000k – which allows you to create a relaxing atmosphere. In an elegant sand colour, it is the brand’s first outdoor lamp, a new entry with a contemporary and refined design, which can be moved or hung thanks to a gray strap handle. Furthermore, it is rechargeable and can be controlled via touch control or via app.
Pillow by Roda, price from €1,696 – rodaonline.com
On the cover, Clara rechargeable lamp by Contardi Lighting.
