Lamps don’t need to be mere functional accents in a room anymore. Shaped from desert sand, ceramics, metals, glass, and recycled materials, they also pose as art pieces in contemporary spaces. Collectible designs of their own right, they complete a room’s aesthetic designs while also offering intimate lighting.

Here are some contemporary designs to know. 

Vessel Scarlett Wall Lamp by Nader Gammas

Designed by Dubai-based lighting designer Nader Gammas, the Vessel Scarlett Wall is part of his Vessels collection. Made from hand-sculpted natural ceramic and patinated brass, each lamp is formed without a mould, making every piece unique. Made in custom sizes with various glaze options, each design can be tailor-made for the space it inhabits. Additionally, his Vessel Vespa Pendant – RGB offers a more colourful and vibrant option for your room. 

Desert Drop by Karim + Elias

Desert Drop is the signature series by Lebanese duo Karim Tamerji and Elias El Hage, who work with UAE desert sand and hand-formed glass. The collection includes matching wall lights and vessels alongside the central table, translating desert forms and oasis-like glass into warm, tactile light. 

Blend Floor Light by Ward Wijnant, Collectional

Blend Floor Light is a sculptural piece that pairs a solid stone base with a glass top that diffuses light. Designed by Dutch designer Ward Wijnant, it stacks pine cylinders with distinct grain patterns created using various sawing techniques. The result balances warm organic texture with a clean architectural finish. 

Shining Poculum Aurea Wall Sconce by Zein Daouk, The A/P Room

With the Shining Poculum Aurea Wall Sconce, Lebanese artist Zein Daouk turns ceramic texture into illuminated sculptural wall art. The design features a glowing centre with a ribbed form surrounding it and finished with matte, gloss, and lava-textured glazes. The piece, when lit up, creates a warm halo on the wall.

Celeste Impact by Atelier Alivon, Hestia Gallery

Designed by Atelier Alivon in France, Celeste Impact is a stunning sculptural table lamp crafted in bronze and presented at Dubai’s Hestia Gallery as a unique piece. Its sculptural, almost celestial bronze form makes it less a conventional lamp than a collectable art object that happens to emit light.