For as long as the electric light has existed, people have looked for imaginative ways to beautify it, using a variety of materials, from glass to fabric, paper, plastic and aluminium. But the newest and biggest trend in lighting is being driven by technology that will change the way we look at lighting homes. 'LED is the future,' says Planet Lighting chief executive Brett Iggulden. 'Within 12 months the efficiency, performance and colour of LEDs will be miles ahead of anything else.'
Iggulden says LEDs (light-emitting diodes) will eventually find their way into every light fitting in the home. Even traditional- style lamps will be retrofitted with LEDs.
Why? LEDs use less than half the energy of conventional light bulbs and last for up to 100,000 hours (ordinary bulbs last 1,000-10,000 hours). They're also able to produce up to 130 lumens per watt. Compare this with conventional halogen downlights, which produce 30-40 lumens per watt, and you can see what all the fuss is about.
And because LEDs are so compact, new light fittings will be less than a quarter the size of existing ones. LEDs will drive new designs in lighting, with more options in terms of shape and colour.
'Every light fitting in the world is about to be rethought,' says Iggulden. 'The LED is one of the greatest green devices ever invented, so it's come along just at the right time.'
American furniture maker Herman Miller is already about to release its first LED product: a desk lamp designed by Yves Behar. The Leaf has a touch control that allows users to change from warm to cool light. It has a lifespan of 60,000 hours at full power and its slim profile houses innovations that keep the LEDs cool without requiring a fan to dissipate heat. The Leaf is expected to sell for about HK$3,200 - not bad for a lamp that will last as long as you do.