One Light, 16 Homes: The Globular Random Light is Light-as-air
Launched in 2002, the intricately detailed pendant lamp is a familiar presence in stylish homes and commercial spaces
On Dutch design brand Moooi’s website, the Random Light is listed as having been designed in 1999 and 2001. Why the discrepancy? Its designer, Bertjan Pot, says that it took him three years to develop the design, exploring fibreglass yarn as a material. He tried knitting it, then eventually coiled it around a big balloon in a random manner (hence the name). The balloon was popped when the fibreglass yarn was set and the result was a gorgeous, semi-transparent globe. The Random Light comes in white and black and in three different sizes. It has been replicated many times, from DIY crafts projects to outright factory-made fakes.
Stunning in Stuttgart, Germany
The family of Random Lights in this bedroom not only showcases the different sizes; it also emphasis the soaring ceiling. Look at the ceiling and walls and you see the pattern created by the light’s shadows – it’s like a delicate wallpaper print that only appears when the light is turned on.
The family of Random Lights in this bedroom not only showcases the different sizes; it also emphasis the soaring ceiling. Look at the ceiling and walls and you see the pattern created by the light’s shadows – it’s like a delicate wallpaper print that only appears when the light is turned on.
Statement-making in Singapore
The Random Light comes in three diameters – 50 centimetres, 80 centimetres and 105 centimetres – so there’s a light that will work whether you have a double height ceiling, like this apartment, or not. Here, the black version serves as contrast to the white furniture, and draws the eye to appreciate the high ceiling.
The Random Light comes in three diameters – 50 centimetres, 80 centimetres and 105 centimetres – so there’s a light that will work whether you have a double height ceiling, like this apartment, or not. Here, the black version serves as contrast to the white furniture, and draws the eye to appreciate the high ceiling.
At home in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In its country of birth, two Random Lights bring a contemporary touch to a retro, mid-century modern-styled home.
In its country of birth, two Random Lights bring a contemporary touch to a retro, mid-century modern-styled home.
Pairing up in Brisbane, Australia
Another double-volume space is stylishly anchored by a pair of black Random Lights.
Another double-volume space is stylishly anchored by a pair of black Random Lights.
Contrast in Los Angeles, USA
A white Random Light softens the Brutalist style of this home with its delicate strands casting net-like shadows on the bare concrete surfaces.
A white Random Light softens the Brutalist style of this home with its delicate strands casting net-like shadows on the bare concrete surfaces.
A good first impression in Edmonton, Canada
A grand entrance is brightened up by an equally grand globe light that doesn’t weigh down the space.
A grand entrance is brightened up by an equally grand globe light that doesn’t weigh down the space.
An intimate ambience in New York, USA
When you have an open-concept kitchen but want the dining area to feel cosier, low-hanging lamps in a darker hue can do the job. Three Random Lights are clustered over the dining table, encouraging long talks over a good meal.
When you have an open-concept kitchen but want the dining area to feel cosier, low-hanging lamps in a darker hue can do the job. Three Random Lights are clustered over the dining table, encouraging long talks over a good meal.
Country stylin’ in Auckland, New Zealand
The statement-making design of the Random Light can also play a supporting role, as this country-style dining room shows. The soft, delicate look of the lights complements the sweet white-and-mint scheme, without calling attention away from the custom cupboards.
The statement-making design of the Random Light can also play a supporting role, as this country-style dining room shows. The soft, delicate look of the lights complements the sweet white-and-mint scheme, without calling attention away from the custom cupboards.
Bringing the curves in Munich, Germany
The modern conversion of farmhouse to residence brought in plenty of rigid lines. A trio of Random Lights helps break all that up, and adds some visual lightness to all the solidity as well.
The modern conversion of farmhouse to residence brought in plenty of rigid lines. A trio of Random Lights helps break all that up, and adds some visual lightness to all the solidity as well.
Lighting up the double volume in London, UK
This London loft impresses with its lineup of contemporary design and art, including Bertjan Pot’s Random Lights sharing pride of place with Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup series.
This London loft impresses with its lineup of contemporary design and art, including Bertjan Pot’s Random Lights sharing pride of place with Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup series.
Zen in Singapore
The balance of materials, shapes and elements in this seaside residence is punctuated by the Random Light hung in the foyer, but visible to the courtyard. Lit up, it appears moon-like to the pool-enclosed tree.
See more of this home
The balance of materials, shapes and elements in this seaside residence is punctuated by the Random Light hung in the foyer, but visible to the courtyard. Lit up, it appears moon-like to the pool-enclosed tree.
See more of this home
Party of five in London, England
Random Lights randomly hung at different heights create an effect of balls bouncing – a fun way to lighten up a seriously stylish space.
Random Lights randomly hung at different heights create an effect of balls bouncing – a fun way to lighten up a seriously stylish space.
A dark moon in Los Angeles, USA
You can never begin design appreciation too early; this nursery’s occupant will enjoy the light and shadows cast on the cloud-patterned ceiling when this Random Light is turned on.
You can never begin design appreciation too early; this nursery’s occupant will enjoy the light and shadows cast on the cloud-patterned ceiling when this Random Light is turned on.
Mid-century modern meets noughties in Belgium
The space-agey Tulip Chair (and table) was designed in 1940 and represented futurism during its time. The Random Light, innovative with materials and manufacturing processes during our time, also has the same futuristic effect.
The space-agey Tulip Chair (and table) was designed in 1940 and represented futurism during its time. The Random Light, innovative with materials and manufacturing processes during our time, also has the same futuristic effect.
Making a stand in Moscow, Russia
In 2010, the Random Light family welcomed a floor lamp version (it also comes in white) – so it really doesn’t matter now if you have a low ceiling, as this space-starved apartment in Moscow shows.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Random Light, where in your home would you place it? Tell us in the Comments below. If you own one, we’d love to see photos!
In 2010, the Random Light family welcomed a floor lamp version (it also comes in white) – so it really doesn’t matter now if you have a low ceiling, as this space-starved apartment in Moscow shows.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Random Light, where in your home would you place it? Tell us in the Comments below. If you own one, we’d love to see photos!
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An all-white palette is elevated to a higher level when texture is added not only through soft furnishings but in the lighting itself. The random shadows cast by the lamp when it’s lit also create texture around the room.