The Origins of Tom Dixon’s Felt Shade
Tom Dixon is one of the most prominent British designers whose work ranges from furniture, lighting, and accessories. His Felt Shade collection is an innovative approach to lighting design that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques. The Felt Shade collection is a series of pendant lamps that feature a molded felt shell with an aluminum interior.
The idea for the Felt Shade collection emerged from a study of traditional techniques of forming felt. When Tom Dixon discovered these techniques, he found they had long been abandoned in industrialized countries. He then decided to explore the possibilities of the material, and the result was the Felt Shade collection.
The Design of Tom Dixon’s Felt Shade
The Felt Shade lamp is available in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes, ranging from a small pendant to a large floor lamp. The lamp’s shell is created using felt, which is a fabric made of wool fibers that become matted together when processed with heat, moisture, and agitation. Felt is known for its softness, warmth, and texture, making it a popular choice for decorative home accessories.
The felt shell of the Felt Shade lamp is vacuum formed to create a seamless, organic shape that hugs the bulb closely. The aluminum interior of the shade conducts heat and light evenly, creating a warm and even glow that illuminates the space. The combination of the soft and tactile felt exterior and the industrial aluminum interior creates an intriguing contrast that draws attention to the piece.
The Crafting Process of Tom Dixon’s Felt Shade
Creating each Felt Shade is a labor-intensive process that involves several stages. First, the felt is molded into its desired shape using a vacuum forming process. The felt is then trimmed and finished, leaving a smooth and seamless exterior that accentuates the material and shape.
After the felt shell is complete, a custom aluminum interior is inserted into the lamp. The aluminum interior is engineered to reflect the light source placed inside it, creating a warm and inviting glow. The interior is also designed to dissipate heat evenly, ensuring that the lamp is safe to use.
The final stage of the Felt Shade creation process involves the installation of the lamp’s electrical components. All electrical components are carefully selected and rigorously tested to ensure that the lamps are safe, reliable, and energy efficient.
The Aesthetic and Functional Qualities of Tom Dixon’s Felt Shade
One of the most striking qualities of the Felt Shade collection is its aesthetic appeal. The simple, organic shapes of the shades and the tactile quality of the felt create a cozy, comforting atmosphere. The Felt Shade lamps also come in a range of sizes and colors, making them a versatile addition to any interior space.
Another great quality of the Felt Shade collection is its functional design. The combination of the felt exterior and the aluminum interior provides excellent insulation, ensuring that the lamp generates less heat than traditional pendant lamps. This makes the Felt Shade lamps safe to use, and they have a longer lifespan compared to other lighting fixtures.
The Environmental Impact of Tom Dixon’s Felt Shade
Tom Dixon is a designer who is committed to reducing his environmental impact in his work. The Felt Shade collection is a testament to his environmental efforts. The felt used in the lamps is made from 100% wool, which is a sustainable and renewable material. The aluminum used in the lamp interiors is also 100% recyclable, minimizing the impact of waste on the environment.
Conclusion
Tom Dixon’s Felt Shade collection is an innovative approach to lighting design that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques. The combination of the soft and tactile felt exterior and the industrial aluminum interior creates a striking contrast that draws attention to the piece. The functional and aesthetic qualities of the lamps make the Felt Shade collection a versatile addition to any interior space. Moreover, Tom Dixon’s commitment to reducing his environmental impact makes these lamps an eco-friendly choice.
