Shining a Light on a New Obsession

I have a fascination with interesting light fixtures.  Perhaps it’s because most of the ones in my home are just standard builder’s grade uglies, but when I see a neat looking fixture, I begin obsessing over it.

Case in point: When Rhoda and I were “shopping” for accessories for the Shaw/HGTV Design Challenge, we decided that we needed a really fun chandelier to hang over the dining table.  The in-house designer who was helping us said, “What about a cardboard chandelier?”  The look on my face must have been really strange, because she said, “No, really.  It’s super cool.”

Um, yeah it is!  Once I had my hands on this chandy, I tried to figure out a way to fit it into my suitcase.  I talked pretty much non-stop about it for a day and a half (and I’m sure everyone else who was within earshot was ready to shove it down my throat).

Made of plywood and layers upon layers of corrugated cardboard, this chandelier was like nothing I’d ever seen.  I made the determination that I HAD to have this chandelier to hang in my own home.  It is just too amazing to forget.

When I got home, I tracked down the designer.  The genius behind this and many other modern, eco-friendly accessories is Joe Manus of Shiner International.  Everything they use in their products were at one time destined for the landfill.  An interesting light fixture AND its good for the environment?  Yes, please!

Other than the Cardboard Clover Hanging Light (which retails for under $200), Shiner offers an array of products ranging from lighting to furniture.  Here are some runner-ups to my one true love:

Revolver Chandelier

Mood Rocking Bed

Friend Chair and Ottoman

Drop Desk Lamp

I absolutely love stumbling upon fun products like this, and I just had to pass these along.  Shiner sells their products direct or you can contact them to find a retailer.  One day (hopefully soon), that chandelier will hang over MY dining table instead of in the fake room we designed in North Carolina.

Could you see any of the Shiner products fitting into your home or style?

P.S. Have you entered the Shaw Floors/HGTV Home Area Rug giveaway?  Tomorrow is the last day to enter, so be sure to throw your name in the hat!