The idea of turning flower vases into quirky lamps may sound impractical, but Belgian industrial designer Valentin Van Ravestyn has made it a reality. At the recently concluded 2026 DesignTO Festival, he showcased Abajour, described as a universal system that transforms discarded vases into functional lamps. Each lamp comprises a 3D-printed mesh lampshade, a glass vase, and an easy-to-install lighting system that gives a new meaning to the vases.
The idea came to him when roaming the streets of Toronto. He found residents discarding their unused things on the sidewalks in front of their houses. Vases were one of the most common discarded items, which sparked an inspiration to turn these vases into unique lamps.
He began collecting glass vases of various shapes and colors, including ones that refract light like a crystal. All the vases have a unique ability to pass light in unique patterns. After realizing the creative potential of making lamps from vases, he decided to create a universal system that could turn any vase into a lamp.
At the core of the Abajour lamp is the 3D printing mesh shade, which easily adapts to each vase’s unique form and reveals the luminous character subtly. The shade attaches to the diameter of the vase and can be equipped with an electrical cable and a light bulb for illumination.
The main challenge was to create a lampshade around the vase without ruining its singular features. He finally settled on 3D printing a nesting system that would integrate any vase, keeping it the centerpiece of the lamp.
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All his efforts resulted in a creative lamp that takes its form from the shape of the vase, enclosed by a 3D-printed mesh that reveals the vase within. When turned on, the lamp offers a holographic effect, which the designer describes as looking into the lamp’s soul.
These lamps, with distinct shapes and attributes, combine uniqueness and uniformity. When a vase meets the universal 3D printed system, it becomes the Abajour lamp. This highlights how a discarded piece of someone’s home has been given a second life as a lighting fixture.
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