Cool Hunting

After looking at an abundance of wiry, steel desk lamps that all felt a bit too stale, lifeless and boring, I found the Royal Tichelaar Makkum Work Table Lamp. Made of Oak, glazed white ceramic and using a low wattage halogen bulb, it gives off a certain warmth that others just can't compete with.

Industrial tailor Dick van Hoff worked with the four-century-old Dutch ceramics company Royal Tichelaar Makkum to create the light. In fact, Makkum is the oldest company in the Netherlands. The Work Table marks their first departure from decorative products to making more useful but still elegant products. Not bad for a first go!

Pictures really don't do it justice, so try and search one out to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and simplicity. Available in white, and most recently in orange and platinum (left), purchase one starting at $800 from Matter. Also be sure to check out the rest of the Work collection, including a clock, vase and pen tray, all made of Oak and that lusciously smooth ceramic.