Since you can find Ikea cabinets in almost every single home, it makes sense to want to make it your own and give it a little update. Superfront makes custom fronts for a wide range of Ikea wardrobes, sideboards, bathroom, and kitchen modules in a variety of colors, materials, and textures.
Since Superfront offers tops, sides, cabinet fronts, legs and door handles, you can completely revamp your Ikea furniture piece and customize them into your own, similar to what you can do with the custom slip covers Bemz makes* for the Ikea sofas.
Since the Ikea cabinets lend themselves to creating your own modular storage modules, with the help of Superfont, you can now make it completely your own without the help of a carpenter. Simply said, you can buy the base cabinet at Ikea, or reuse one you already have at home and dress it up with a custom top, side and doors, and then finish it off with the legs and door handles of your choosing.
Portable lamps are a must-have in my interior as they are an easy way to add instant coziness to any setting. There is no need for a wall outlet, which makes them suitable to be placed in spots like a bookshelf or they can also be used outdoors.
I have listed the best portable lamps for you below and if you are looking to introduce one in your home, I have good news: they are available in many different sizes, and shapes, from different brands with whom many great designers have given their touch to the cordless lamp.
Portable lamps are usually a smaller version of a table lamp, which turns them into rechargeable lanterns on the lowest setting adding coziness in any corner, or into task lamps and a great addition on a desk or as a night light next to your bed when utilizing the highest brightness levels. So many possibilities!
Obello table lamp designed by Bill Curry for Gubi
The Obello portable table lamp designed by Bill Curry for Gubi* has a frosted, mouth-blown glass shade and an iconic design that makes a strong statement in your interior. It can be used as a centerpiece on the table or a light point in your outdoor space. Curry based his design for the Obello collection on the form of a mushroom, taking inspiration from the atomic age, the space race, and pop culture-defining 1970s Los Angeles. The frosted glass casts a diffused light in the room for an ambient glow and cozy effect which makes it an ideal bedside lamp as well.
Como designed by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition
The Como portable table lamp* designed by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition is crafted from anodized aluminum and its sturdy tapered base with the mushroom-shaped shade comes in five finishes. The rechargeable lamp features a magnetic USB cable and has a battery life of 11 hours at the highest setting.
Torso portable lamp designed by Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen for Audo
The Torso table lamp designed by Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen for the Danish brand Audo has found its way into many modern homes ever since it came out a few years back.
The cordless lamp is a miniature version of the popular design* which takes design inspiration from childhood homes filled with handmade objects. This small light brings a cozy and intimate atmosphere to tabletops, replacing the need for candlelight.
The Torso cordless lamps come with a brass-plated sensor which enables you to turn the lamp on and off with the tap of a finger.
Arca Portable lamp designed by Philippe Malouin for Matter Made
The iconic Arca collection’s newest addition is a portable lamp that can be used for reading or as a task lamp when plugged in, yet can also run on its rechargeable batteries so you can take it with you.
The Arca portable lamp is designed by Philippe Malouin for Matter Made and is one of the best portable lamps when you are looking for a big-size table lamp that you can also use without a cord.
Follow me Lamp designed by Inma Bermúdez for Marset
The Marset follow me lamp* is a portable lamp designed by Inma Bermúdez, and being the pioneer in portable lighting, it has become a true design icon in a very short time. The oak handle invites you to pick the lamp up and the lamp shade can be tilted so the light can be directed to what you are reading.
This portable LED lamp is now available in several colors, and the wood handle is painted for a modern effect.
Kizu portable lamp designed by Lars Tornøe for New Works
The Kizu portable lamp is a smaller version of the popular table lamp which has a beautiful sculptural composition. The polished marble base (available in black, grey, or white*) has natural stability and feels comfortable to the touch. The opaque lamp shade casts light into the space, which makes this one of the best cordless lamps if you want a high light output.
Hashira portable lamp designed by Norm Architects for Menu Space
The Hashira Collection consists of a table lamp, wall lamp, pendants, and a floor lamp, with the Hashira portable version* being the smallest of the collection that takes cues from Japanese paper lanterns.
The lamp adds an ambient atmosphere to the interior and it’s probably one of the best portable lamps for a Japandi-style interior. The battery life is similar to the other cordless lamps from the brand at 10 hours when fully charged.
Camellia portable light by Andre Fu Living
The Camellia design is probably one of the best portable lamps for a classy interior as it is inspired by the poetic silhouette of an ivory camellia flower, hence the name. It has a subtle art deco touch and provides an ambient glow in your home. The cordless lamps in the collection are customizable with Cartier gold or polished gold with a grey or white lampshade.
PC portable lamp designed by Pierre Charpin for HAY
The PC portable lamp* is constructed in robust plastic with a matte scratch and water-resistant finish, which makes it one of the best portable lamps for outdoor use. The portable light has both downlight and ambient brightness levels and is available in a variety of color variants: full black, full olive green, or different colors on one design for a more playful effect.
‘Manhatten’ designed by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition
The Manhatten portable lamp* designed by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition has an industrial-style base made out of anodized aluminum and a cream canvas lampshade. The cordless lamp has three brightness settings and the battery lasts eleven hours at the highest brightness.
Pantop by Verner Panton for Verpan
The elegant Pantop line has recently been enhanced by a series of cordless lamps* in 12 different colors. The Pantop series was designed by Verner Panton in 1980 and is a staple piece in the collection of the Danish design brand Verpan. The bell-like shade is facing down, which allows you to create a cozy atmosphere in any room. The light can be dimmed with a three-stage dimmer and reacts to touch controls on the top of the lamp.
JWDA portable table lamp designed by Jonas Wagell for Audo
The classic JWDA table lamp* is now also available in a cordless lamps verion and just like the original design, it is inspired by traditional oil lamps and made out of contrasting materials. A full charge gives you 10 hours of adjustable light and the lamp charges via a concealed magnetic connecter and USB cable.
‘Raku’ designed by Sebastian Herkner for & Tradition
The Raku cordless lamp* is designed by Sebastian Herkner for &Tradition and is named after the traditional Japanese pottery technique. Raku is a compact lamp with a hand-sculpted ceramic base with a crackle glaze that varies slightly in each piece, combined with a bronze or brass lampshade.
‘Bellhop’ designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Flos
The Bellhop cordless lamp* has no less than 24 hours of battery life and has 4 brightness settings. The lamp was originally designed for the London Design Museum and it is characterized by the designers themselves as a modern-day candle, because of the atmosphere it casts around itself.
‘Bicoca’ designed by Christophe Mathieu for Marset
Christophe Mathieu designed the Bicoca light* with the optimism of brightening life as a companion to the good times, wherever you go. It’s an intimate light that adds warmth to your personal space and it’s made out of polycarbonate in a variety of colors.
‘Carrie’ portable lamp designed by Norm Architects for Menu Space
Carrie* is a sleek, functional lamp with a handle and a sphere of light that is nestled within the base, which allows you to take the lamp with you anywhere. The warm, ambient light can be adjusted to three different brightness levels and with a full charge, it can last up to 10 hours on the highest setting.
Panthella portable designed by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen
Verner Panton designed the Panthella series in collaboration with Louis Poulsen in 1971. The collection consists of a floor lamp and different sizes of table lamps (read more about the Panthella mini here). Panthella stands out as one of Panton’s most significant design icons and its organic shape mirrors the soft light. The Panthella portable is available in a regular and a metal version*.
‘Setago’ designed by Jamie Hayon for &Tradition
‘Seta’ means mushroom in Spanish, which describes the mushroom-like proportions of the Setago cordless design lamp perfectly. Setago* is designed by Jaime Hayon and can be placed anywhere in your interior. The cord-free light has a discreet gold touch sensor dimmer with 3 brightness levels and comes in 3 beautiful color combinations. I own this lamp and on the lowest setting, it’s almost like a cozy candlelight in your interior.
Ray portable table lamp designed by Daniel Schofield for Menu Space
The distinctive silhouette of the Ray table lamp* is inspired by antique mining lamps, yet the modern design has been simplified to its essence. The powder-coated metal handle makes it easy to carry the lamp around so it can be used wherever it is most needed. The energy-saving LED bulb has three brightness settings and the lamp is available in black or dusty green.
‘Caret’ designed by Matteo Fogale for &Tradition
The Caret portable lamp* designed by Matteo Fogale for &Tradition is designed as a solution for the blurred boundaries between work and home. The portable light is inspired by traditional lighting with the classic green shade, known as ‘bankers lamps’ found in old libraries. The lamp has a modern touch and a timeless aesthetic courtesy of the lacquered steel available in two colors.
‘Cestita’ by Santa & Cole
The classic Cestita table lamp has been on my wishlist for a very long time and is now available with a built-in battery as well. The Cestita lamp set, which includes table and floor lamps in different sizes is designed by Miguel Milá, and the cordless lamps* are available in olive green or black aluminum, or as a wood version. The robust yet lightweight lamp can be used indoors and outdoors.
‘Pepa’ designed by Francesco Faccin for Astep
Pepa* has a solid wood shell surrounding the technology inside, which marries traditional craft with modern technology. The design is inspired by a pepper grinder and just like you would hold and twist to add pepper to your plate, the light is held and twisted to add light to your interior.
Flowerpot portable version designed by Verner Panton for &Tradition
The classic Flowerpot design is available as a floor lamp, pendant, table lamp, and now also a cordless lamp. Flowerpot is designed by Verner Panton and the cordless lamps* are just slightly smaller in size than the corded lamps. The rounded pendant that hangs from the semi-domed upper shade is available in 15 different colors, can be recharged via a USB port, and is deliberately lightweight so it can add a cozy atmosphere to both indoor and outdoor settings.
Tom Dixon Bell rechargeable lamp
Inspired by the chromed bumpers of vintage automobiles, the Bell light family* designed by Tom Dixon is an exercise in reductionism produced from pressed steel after which the light is plated with brass, chrome, or glossy black.
The reflective surface of the Bell portable light takes on the characteristics of its surroundings and has a luxurious effect on a modern interior.
Quasar portable lamp designed by Sam Rio for Petite Friture
The Quasar* rechargeable lamp designed by Samy Rio has a sleek design with a fun style and an included rope from which the lamp can be hung for practical indoor and outdoor use.
The dimmer allows you to set the lamp to three different intensities and you can adjust the light to your everyday needs by picking from three different hues: warm, neutral, or cold white.
Bon Jour designed by Philippe Starck for Flos
The Bon Jour* lamp collection designed by Philippe Starck has a naked, transparent base that can be customized by selecting the color of the base that incorporates the LED light source and a customizable shade.
Arum portable lamp from Ferm Living
The Arum Portable Lamp* is a petite lamp that is rechargeable via USB-C, allowing you to create a cozy setting anywhere in your interior. The design echoes the iconic Arum series and is crafted from powder-coated iron and aluminum for a sleek finish.
The rechargeable lamp includes a three-step dimmer with touch controls, providing adjustable ambient illumination at night or during the day.
As we are slowly getting into the festive season, I decided it’s time to round up some Scandinavian Christmas decoration ideas I have been collecting over the past weeks. From elegant table settings to minimal foliage, and delicate Christmas tree decorating ideas.
Christmas foliage by 101 cph
Foliage, branches, and delicate candles decorate the sculptural pieces of the 101 cph collection this year in a Christmas edition editorial which is a great source of elegant Christmas decoration ideas for anyone that is not a fan of your typical over-the-top decorations.
Candy-striped Christmas inspiration from H&M Home
H&M home always has some budget-friendly Scandinavian Christmas tree objects*, which are very welcome in times like these. These striped elements add a joyful touch to the tree and have a playful candy cane vibe.
Gingerbread ceramic lighthouses by Kähler
These beautiful lighthouses by Danish design brand Kahler are perfect for anyone who wants the charm of a gingerbread house, without having to go through the trouble of decorating one. The Gingerbread houses are designed by Mette bach and Barbara Becker, who also designed the popular Urbania lighthouses for Kähler.
Scandinavian Christmas decor by Arilleriet
The Christmas stylings of Swedish design store Artilleriet* are something to look forward to every single year, as they achieve a spot-on mix between Scandinavian Christmas decorations and classy festive elements in red.
Elegant Christmas decorations from Danish Ferm Living
Danish design brand Ferm Living presents a collection of seasonal poetry pieces this year with elegant and subtle winter decor pieces that give your home that elegant Scandinavian hygge touch. Included in the collection this year is a countdown calendar with cotton bags on a wooden bar: a modern take on the classic advents calendar.
2022 Christmas collectible from Danish Georg Jensen
Every single year, Danish design brand Georg Jensen brings out a series of Christmas Collectibles that celebrates the traditions of the season: family unity, a cozy atmosphere, and a touch of nostalgia. The Collectibles are designed by Sanne Lund Traberg using folded cards, cut by hand to create modern versions of classic bows, cones, hearts, and angels made with zinc alloy or brass plated with cool palladium or 18-karat yellow gold. The lace angle seen in the pictures is the eye-catcher of the collection and is perfect as an elegant Christmas tree decoration or as a delicate stand-alone piece in your interior.
Delicate glass ornaments from Finnish Iittala
Finnish design brand Iittala is known for its glassware, so it’s only natural for them to come out with these beautiful glass ornaments. The Oiva Toikka collection consists of playful glass fruit and vegetables which are made by hand and come in a set of three.
Danish design brand &Tradition just released a new collection of products in their autumn and winter update and the images are such a source of inspiration for the classy modern home. While the new collection has some really nice pieces, the Colette table lamp (€ 249* – $565*)made out of linen is definitely my favorite.
‘Colette’
About the design
The subtle, yet unique piece is named after the pioneering French author known as ‘Colette’. The table lamp has a modern aesthetic enhanced by the tactility of the materials. The crisp off-white cotton and linen table lamp base and shade let the light through in a very subtle way and spreads a soft glow throughout the space. The silhouette of the Colette lamp is finished off with a black or Merlot trim, which accentuates the silhouette of the design.
A minimal table lamp as the finishing touch to a modern interior
A decorative lamp can be the missing element that finishes off your Scandinavian interior design. In the interior pictures below, I think the white table lamp really stands out among the other design pieces, and the trim functions as a beautiful outline of the lamp from far away or close by. Whether you are decorating your office or looking for the missing table lamp for your living room, this design is a beautiful option.
&Tradition always has such inspiring product images and even though the design of the Colette table lamp speaks for itself, it’s the way the table lamp has been styled that speaks to me the most. I love the way the Merlot trim lamp has been styled with the same color side table, it’s such a nice touch to let the color come back like this. The black and white version is the perfect fit for the minimal interior and I think the strong contrast between the trim and the white linen makes the design even more expressive. The black and white version even reminds a bit about the brand’s popular Formakami series which has such a contrasting effect as well.
Wall candle sconces can have such a cozy and relaxing effect on your interior. This can be especially cozy during winter. You might remember the old-fashioned candle sconces found in a grandmother’s home. There are beautiful and modern designs available though that match modern interiors.
You can hang candle wall sconces in any space that can use some gorgeous accent lighting to set the mood. Add a great atmosphere to your entryway to welcome your guests, or use them in your dining room. Group them for an even more impressive effect.
Eye-catcher sconces on the wall can work in any interior style. Your eye will be drawn to the flickering flame when you enter the room. To fit a modern interior, go for clean lines, geometric shapes, and organic forms. You can choose from a range of gold candle sconces, a brass finish, matt black, or even mirrored versions.
In the list below you can find the best candle wall sconces that fit perfectly with a modern interior.
Clip wall sconces from Audo Copenhagen
These affordable minimal sconces from Audo* are inspired by medieval designs and come in a black or brass version. You can combine these candle wall hangings together to create an arrangement and the drip tray allows both block and tapered candles to be used with the design.
Sconce pendel from Skultuna
The Sconce Pendel designed by Pierre Forssel for Skultuna is my personal favorite in gold. I can imagine a set of them hanging in a contemporary living room flooded with natural light. This design looks so balanced and the pendulum contributes to the design language (hence the name).
Pierre Forssel designed for Skultuna between 1955-86 and has become an icon. The vintage Sconce pendel pieces are much sought after in second-hand platforms (keep an eye out for his designs at 1stdips* or Pamono if you prefer a vintage piece over a new one). I think this is the best taper candle wall sconce as the classic design of the pendulum elongates the taper candle.
Flambeau designed by Kroyer-Saetter-Lassen for Menu
The Flambeau candle sconces designed by Kroyer-Saetter-Lassen for Menu* are inspired by French modernist lighting fixtures and the design resembles a flickering flame. It’s a brass candle sconce with a sculptural design and a playful presence where the backplate magnifies and reflects candlelight to create a cozy ambiance in the dining room, living room, or any modern interior design. I think the effect of the enlarged reflection of the candle on the brass plate is striking.
Copenhagen-based design studio Kroyer-Saetter-Lassen also designed the famous Torso lamp for Menu, a modern lamp with a timeless look that became a staple favorite in my home and is now available as a USB-powered version as well.
Votive designed by Oslo-based Anderssen & Voll for &Tradition
The Votive candleholder designed by Oslo-based Anderssen & Voll for &Tradition* has an organic shape dish behind the candle, which reflects the candle in a blurred way and casts a glowing light into the room. Each of the candle wall holders is made from cast brass with a brushed finish to give it a soft and delicate look and it’s the only sconce on the list that has been fitted for a tea light, rather than a taper candle, which makes it quite unique.
Glim candle sconces
Glim is a wall-hung candle mirror designed by Böttcher & Kayser for Gejst*. The mirror reflects the candlelight and the design is inspired by old lanterns. Glim comes in different shapes and sizes and can be grouped together for an impressive effect in a modern living room or contemporary style home.
Wall of flame candle wall sconces by Frederik Roije
Wall of flame designed by Dutch designer Frederik Roije* is a black candle wall sconce with a single arm made of metal tubes, bent into position. The candle holder tricks the eye making it come out of the wall.
Frederik Roije is known for his creative and innovative approach to design, and along with the Storylines bookshelf, the Wall of flame candle sconce is one of his most famous design pieces.
Ornament sconces by Frama
Straight lines characterize the Ornament candle holders by Frama*. The design has a simple yet strong geometric character, which provides warmth and curiosity wherever placed. These sconces, available in a round or rectangular shape are crafted from delicate steel and gently reflect the light from the candle.
Lampett by Våges
Lampett by Swedish brand Våges is a rustic candle wall sconce crafted by hand out of black metal. The clean lines and minimal design fit perfectly in a home designed with a neutral color palette and the design shines in its simplicity.
Lampett Tjärn
This organic candle sconce called Tjärn has an organic and graphic shape and its design is inspired by a Northern forest star. The sconce functions as a sculpture on the wall even when the candle is not lit and invites to create reflections with a tealight or normal candle.
STOFF Nagel: a modular solution to accent lighting on your wall
The iconic STOFF Nagel modular system* was expanded with a wall hanger in 2023, allowing you to choose your formation and attach it to the wall. You can go bold and expressive or small and subtle with your creation.
Danish design brand Menu has just released a collection of objects in collaboration with renowned stylist Colin King following the successful release of the Interconnect candle holder last year (more about this below). Expressive in both form and scale, each piece is intended to be the striking finishing touch in a space.
Colin King for Menu
Professionally trained as a dancer, Colin King found himself at the intersection between a dancer’s awareness of space and a stylist’s impulse to bring it to life before foraying into the realm of product design. Currently based in Tribeca, New York City, he finds himself in a balance between being on set, styling and designing from his studio. He is continuously inspired by life’s everyday rituals, gestures, and imperfections – made beautiful by their ever-evolving presence within a given space.
My personal favorite from the collection would be the Sentiment Paper Weight. The object transforms the humble pear into a beautiful hand-shaped sculpture that captures the essence of the fruit’s rich and ripe beauty. Cast in brass with an antique finish, the weighty design references the use of the pear in art, as an enduring symbol of abundance and femininity.
Colin King Interconnect candleholder
Last year Colin King and Menu took the design world by storm with the Interconnect candleholder (€238*– $274*): a sculptural centerpiece in oversized proportions yet simple geometric forms. The Interconnect candleholder is available in both polished brass and painted black steel and consists of a sphere, an angle, and a line. This is not just a mere candleholder, it’s a sculptural art piece for a special place in your home.
Danish design company Vipp just released a few new products and I love the soft round impression they add to a room. The new Sculpture Lamp is made out a marble and glass and is named after its sculptural appearance. The mushroom-shaped glass dome casts a soft light in the room and on the beautiful veins of the marble lamp foot which is available in grey or white.
Ancient mouth-blowing techniques have been used to shape the dome of layered, reeded glass. I love the softness of the ribbed glass and the beautifully soft organic shapes combined with the soft light this lamp adds to a room.
The pouf adds to this soft impression and I think these two new products go so nicely together. The six compartments in the seating make it look like a soft pie to sit on, while the bouclé fabric makes it an exclusive piece.
Danish design brand Muuto just released a new modular sofa system called In Situ designed by Anderssen & Voll. I love a good modular system, as it gives you so many possibilities to adjust the sofa to fit your space instead of the other way around. I like the subtile details on the black legs, which goes over smoothly into the soft cushioning. It’s a sculptural, yet approachable design that would fit so nicely in many living rooms.
The Canvas chair was designed by Børge Mogensen in 1970 as a reaction to the flashy furniture from the sixties. Produced by Fredericia in oak and linen canvas, the authentic design in natural materials is a statement of simplicity that fits perfectly in the modern home.
The Canvas chair is one of the last pieces the Mogensen designed before he died in 1972. It has remained in the Fredericia archives for many years and has only recently been brought to the market.
The Trapeze Triplette, designed by Jette Scheib for Swedish Oblure has just been released and I think this sculptural piece would fit perfectly above a large dining table. Jette Scheib is inspired by nature and organice shapes, but also by people and their everyday life. She observes surroundings and studies people. Together with aesthetic and technical info she gathers, this all falls into place in her designs.
