Inside the Design: The Swell Collection
Some lights are meant to blend in, but the Swell Collection was made to stand out. At once sculptural and soft, functional and fun, this family of fixtures is a joyful nod to mid-century industrial design with a distinctly modern sensibility. From the start, we set out to create a collection that could do it all—elevate everyday moments, serve a purpose, and bring a sense of delight to any space (and we definitely did just that).
Inspired by our seasonal concept of “Fun, Meet Form”, the Swell Collection explores the balance between utility and charm. We began with a simple idea: good design can (and should) spark happiness. Drawing inspiration from 1950s industrial lighting, and a fascination with peek-a-boo details, we started experimenting with perforation and transparency. What emerged was a series of silhouettes that feel light and airy enough to give off a soft glow that dances through the perforated metal shades and subtly highlights each fixture’s distinctive curves.
As for the name itself, “Swell” is a nod to the sea, a reference to the wave-like shape that defines the top of both the table lamp and sconce. It’s a fitting name for a collection designed to feel effortless and flowing, like a natural extension of the spaces it lives in.
However, as with all of our original designs, the path to the final design was anything but linear. One of the biggest challenges? Getting the perforation just right. Our early samples came back with inconsistent pattern directions, creating unexpected optical effects—some buzzed visually, others made the shade edges appear uneven. It took rounds of testing and tweaking to land on a scale and layout that diffused light beautifully, maintained visual clarity, and avoided distortion.
Functionality was equally important. We knew we wanted Swell to feel practical yet elevated—sized right for real-life use but still bold enough to make a statement. Full-scale paper prototypes helped us assess proportions, while hands-on showroom testing allowed us to refine each piece for different rooms and lighting needs. One of our favorite surprises? The task lamp’s uniquely shaped base, originally designed for visual balance, offers a natural resting spot for small objects—proof that form and function can work together in the most unexpected, delightful ways.
So, what do we hope people feel when they bring Swell into their home? A sense of warmth, of course, but also a spark of joy. These fixtures aren’t overly serious. They’re charming, modern, and just the right amount of playful. Whether perched on a nightstand, hung above a table, or casting a soft glow on a hallway wall, each piece in the Swell Collection was made to illuminate everyday life (and make it a little more beautiful in the process).
