Objects of Design #234: Copper and Silk Lighting

bespoke lampshades by Copper and Silk in the ASOS canteen

Having been quite cross about cluster lighting last week I now find I am forced to nibble slightly round the edge of my words as I then found this. Or should that be these?

They were made to order by Copper and Silk for the ASOS canteen, in London, and are supposed to create a calming atmosphere where the employees can enjoy their lunch. I wonder how that’s working for them? I was slightly shrieking when I saw them but then a good lampshade will do that to me. They probably all start jumping up and down when there’s a new consignment of ankle boots.

asos canteen lighting grey lampshades

It does look quite restful doesn’t it? And, look, the discreet ceiling rose is really not a problem although I think I would have sprayed it to match the ceiling as suggested in the previous post (see the link above for details). I particularly like the fact that they’re not all the same but that they belong together.

black lampshade with fringe detailing by copper & silk

Then I saw these: black lampshades with a fringe detail, which were made for the designer store Flannels, in Manchester. Gorgeous aren’t they? I love black lampshades.

Anyway, it turns out that Copper & Silk, who have been making shades for high end trade clients for the last 20 years, now offer a service for the rest of us mere mortals. The name refers to the fact that all the structures are made from copper and, well, you can work the rest out.

grey and gold drum lampshade by copper & silk

You choose the shape of the shade, the material you like (from dozens available) and away you go. And, because I’m currently rather in love with wall lights in all forms, I couldn’t resist showing you this little beauty, which can be made to order with an arm that swings.

percher wall light in gold with bulb fitting

Isn’t that pretty? It also comes in a smaller version which would be great by a bed.

contemporary brass wall light with black silk flex and open bulb

The store also has a good range of accessories such as silk cables, drop rods (a rigid hanging fixture rather than a cable) and filament bulbs.