The Stunning 3D Optical Illusions Of The New BULBING Lamps

Israel-based design firm, Studio Cheha, is headed by Nir Chehanowski, a designer whose expertise lies in challenging current perceptions about space and form by manipulating 2D shapes into looking three-dimensional. One of the most innovative creations by Chehanowski is the BULBING lamp, that raised over $172,000 on Kickstarter, last year. Its ingenious design creates enchanting optical illusions, turning it into a spectacular 3D LED lightbulb, when actually it is completely flat. The firm has recently released three entirely new, and equally stunning, desk lamps, as updated versions of the previous designs.

The earlier iteration of the BULBING series featured lampshades of various shapes, such as skull, balloon, spiral, tunnel and even teddy bear. For the present collection, Chehanowski has crafted DESKi, ZIGGi and CLASSi, three classic wire-frame desk lamps that are both stylish and sleek. Like the original BULBING, the new lanterns are built such that they trick our eyes into believing that their flattened shape is actually three-dimensional. Furthermore, they come with a set of enticing new features, including brighter LEDs for reading and a dimmer switch.

Each of these lamps is built using thick, strengthened sheets of acrylic glass, which are carefully laser engraved to form the 2D lampshade. To create the appearance of three dimensionality, multiple fine lines are carved onto the acrylic sheets. When the lamp is turned on, the light travels through each of these patterns, thereby producing some of the most captivating optical illusions. The updated design features a steel base and a polished birchwood stand that can be easily adjusted into different heights.

Apart of its truly inventive design, the BULBING boasts some really-impressive energy-saving credentials. Its warm LED glow is remarkably heat-resistant and can last for a total of 50,000 hours. The lamps are currently available for pre-order, on Kickstarter, with prices starting at around $65.