LightArt Introduces Wood-Inspired Shades

LightArt has introduced their first curated selection of wood grain colors. Named after six tree types, these colorways enliven classic and modern interiors, paired with materials that mirror the complex textures found in nature.

Wood looks continue to be popular in all sectors, from corporate settings to hospitality environments, and according to Adam Reeder, president of LightArt, he saw an opportunity to  strengthen the company’s line. “These are wood-inspired textures and patterns that we have incorporated into our existing offering,” he said. “We wanted to maintain the traditional feel of wood because of its appeal, and with these patterns you can achieve so many different looks.”

From flooring to furniture, natural wood is a staple, but Reeder explained that he wanted materials that offered more flexibility than hardwood, which has specific constraints when used in fixtures. “There are a lot of fixtures out there that use a natural wood, but it is limited in application. It is heavy and not as easy to clean.”

The half-dozen options of Black Ash, Cherry, Grey Oak, Walnut, Wenge and White Oak, suit any interior, but they also evoke certain sensations. “It was a process of going from a light to dark level of opacity. And they also give you a range of feelings, with darker tones or something that is warmer and more illuminated. Our objective was to provide consistency, because every interior is going to have potential woods or veneers, whether it is for a cabinet or a table,” Reeder added.

While the goal was to accommodate a number of applications and style possibilities, Reeder said that the LightArt team was sure to keep the final group manageable for specifiers. “When you look at traditional wood, you can get pretty overwhelmed with the number of species. There are a ton of ranges, and so we wanted to dial it down. From the grain pattern to the color, you get a distinct delineation between the six.”

Black Ash is a dark, moody tone that glows softly when illuminated, ideal in a light that is placed above an individual desk or conference table. “Black Ash is opaque, and the texture is front and center,” Reeder explained. “It’s not necessarily going to allow for as much translucency as some of the others, but it has a classic look.”

He also noted that Cherry is a wood and tone that most people are familiar with, calling to mind the craftsmanship of heritage pieces. Because the hue is timeless, it is often used throughout an entire space. “It has a richness. It brings that consistency across all platforms—cabinets, horizontal surfaces, and now, lighting.”

The colors are also available with two laser-cut patterns, Sequence and Vade. These designs bring extra geometry and texture to LightArt’s Varia resin shades—Grey Oak in particular. “We played with a linear pattern and broke it up to create something a little more random and abstract,” Reeder said. There is demand for Walnut in settings where a more polished style is preferred, including banking offices or commercial interiors.

Reeder explained that Wenge is not as common as other species, and it is a conversation-starter because of its unusual name. He added that designers may choose this color to break from the norm. “There’s a bit of risk-taking that comes with Wenge. It is on the darker spectrum, and is more opaque than rosewood or walnut, for example. We envision it as a transition product.”

White Oak is softer and airy, encouraging calm in clinics and waiting areas, which are typically cold and sterile. In the medical arena, Reeder noted that having a material that is easy to clean and maneuver is crucial. “Varia is incredibly light, much more so than a wood product. It is also impact resistant, unlike glass, which is important in high-traffic healthcare zones.”

All of the wood shades, combined with LightArt’s dimmable solid-state LEDs, are the tools clients need to create atmospheres that support people at home or the office. “You want the actual temperature of the light to be inviting, as well as the wood color. The lighting has to include a series of elements that doesn’t challenge the environment that it is in. They work together to create a comfortable place—and experience,” Reeder added.