Category: Design and Interiors

We love the designs of Alvar Aalto, even his more leftfield work – like the Bilberry suspension light.

Dating back to the late 1950s, Aalto designed these fittings for Maison Carre in France – but thankfully for us, the lights have now been reissued by Artek. A simple but effective design, they are (as the name suggests) shaped like berries, with the light shining through the white painted steel pendant via an angled circular gap.

One looks great, a bunch even better – you can pick up a Bilberry for £172.

Find out more at the TwentyTwentyOne website

Designer-style fittings don’t have to come with matching designer prices – as the Homebase Preston range of lights shows.

Based quite obviously on the classic Sputnik light fittings, the Presto series offers up a table light, floor light and ceiling light fitting, all mixing a shiny chrome finish and balls with arms housing mirrored golf ball-style bulbs.

An affordable way to add a mid-century vibe to your home, with prices starting at just £47.99.

Find out more at the Homebase website

If you’re looking for an authentic vintage look in your home, look no further than the Cafe Lamp from Pedlars.

Yes, it’s a new light, but based in a vintage design and made in a traditional way by a long-established, family-run Metal Spinning company that used to specialise in miner’s lamps. Choose from red, cream or silver, all offering a 1930s-style functional look and supplied with both rose and wire.

Something of a steal at £42.50 and essential if you run a retro cafe!

Find out more at the Pedlars website

Useful and packing some retro style, the Orla Kiely Wottle could be just the thing for your work bag.

It’s the work of Orla Kiely and Brita, offering you the option of a designer water bottle, instead of having to constantly reuse that old one you bought four weeks back when you nick the water from the office cooler. As well as featuring that classic Orla Kiely design and signature, it holds 500ml of water and is made from 100 per cent recycled materials. Don’t be fooled by the Brita name though – this doesn’t do the filtering for you.

You can pre-order one now, with the price at £7.99.

Find out more at the Ethical Superstore website

A 1930s classic that’s still in production today – the L-1 architect lamp by Jac Jacobsen.

Designed back in 1937, this award-winning lamp is available in a variety of finishes and sizes, all made from a mix of aluminium and steel and with a flexible spring-balanced arm and an adjustable shade. Perfect for an architect or just about any modern-day desk.

Prices start at around 179 Euros.

Find out more at the Finnish Design Shop website