52Shapes: every week a new and unique 3D printed lamp design

Apr. 18, 2015 | By Alec

We’ve already known for a while that 3D printers can be used to make interesting and original lamp shades in all shapes and sizes. Just look at the cool 3D printed Kayan lamp we reported on earlier this week, which proves that 3D printed lamp designs definitely have a commercial future as well. However one Dutch company called 52Shapes is taking the concept of original and unusual 3D printed lamp shades to a whole new level.

Founded by Dutch designers Paul and Petra, 52Shapes presents a new 3D printed lamp design on their websiteevery Sunday evening at 7 PM. Only available to order that week (with a maximum of 250 orders being processed), it’s an exciting medium for original and unique designer lamps that you just know aren’t being mass produced.

As Paul wrote on their website, he founded 52Shapes together with Petra because he so enjoyed looking for funny and original accessories for in his home. ‘It’s easy to find fun objects online and elsewhere, but once you start looking a bit further, you find out it’s for sale practically everywhere. So say goodbye, exclusivity! That’s why I started 52Shapes together with Petra, where we offer unique and affordable designs every week.’ He writes.

These 3D printed lamps typically cost anywhere between $175 to $350, and are taken into production once a buying session has ended. ‘Every lamp is made especially for that client, so we can guarantee that the lamp will not be sold more than 250 times in the Netherlands. No more, no less.’ The pair writes on the website. Production takes 15 working days (so three weeks), and the finished lamp shade is sent to home afterwards. ‘They’re available in any color you want. As long as it’s white,’ Paul joked at the 3D Print Show in New York. He went on to state that most customers purchase a white lamp and spray paint them at home, which is remarkably easy to do.

This interesting concept has already produced many lamps, and is probably best illustrated this week’s edition: the Flower Wall Lamp, with a diameter of 34 cm and 10 cm tall. On sale for 175 euros, it is supposedly an ideal lamp for the living room, bedroom or the office. ‘Everyone needs a personal lamp that no one else has.’