Our Top Picks
LightArt Somari represents a masterclass in modern lighting, blending the ancient soul of paper lanterns with the high-tech precision of additive manufacturing.
- Best for Sustainable Design: Made from plant-based PLA via on-demand 3D printing, it virtually eliminates manufacturing waste.
- Best for High-Impact Spaces: The modular stacking system allows for vertical or horizontal configurations up to eight feet long, creating a sculptural focal point.
- Best for Color Accuracy: With a CRI of 90 and tunable white options, it provides gallery-quality illumination that enhances every interior texture.
Rethinking Modern Illumination
In the fast-paced world of interior design, adaptability is often the line between a space that feels timeless and one that feels dated within a season. We often find ourselves caught between the charm of traditional craftsmanship and the cold efficiency of industrial production. LightArt’s Somari collection offers a sophisticated solution to this dichotomy. It is a modular lighting system that draws inspiration from the ethereal glow of traditional lanterns but is realized through the cutting-edge lens of 3D printing.
At its core, LightArt Somari is a modular lighting collection created using additive manufacturing and plant-based PLA. Featuring three distinct silhouettes—the Saucer, the Cylinder, and the Sphere—it redefines what we expect from "plastic" lighting. Instead of the flat, mass-produced look of traditional polymers, Somari fixtures possess a tactile, ribbed texture that catches the light in a way that feels organic and handcrafted.
This collection doesn’t just fill a room with light; it populates it with sculpture. The "additive" nature of its creation means that material is only placed exactly where it is needed, resulting in a lightweight yet structurally sound fixture that feels as much like an art installation as it does a functional lamp.
The Sustainability of On-Demand Design
As an editor, I am increasingly asked by readers how to furnish a home without leaving a heavy ecological footprint. The answer lies in how things are made. The Somari collection supports sustainable design through an on-demand manufacturing model that eliminates inventory waste and reduces the environmental footprint of production.
Unlike traditional manufacturing, which requires massive warehouses filled with "just-in-case" stock, LightArt utilizes in-house 3D printing in their Seattle-based studio. This means a fixture is often printed only after it is ordered. By utilizing plant-based PLA (Polylactic Acid)—a bioplastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane—LightArt ensures that the primary material is as forward-thinking as the design itself.
Furthermore, the U.S.-based production cycle significantly reduces the carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping and complex global supply chains. When you choose Somari, you aren't just buying a light; you are supporting a responsive manufacturing ecosystem that values resource efficiency as much as aesthetic beauty.
The Three Silhouettes: Saucer, Cylinder, and Sphere
The genius of the Somari collection lies in its geometric simplicity. By focusing on three core forms, LightArt has created a "modular toolkit" that allows for endless creative expression. Each shape offers a different atmospheric quality:
- The Saucer: Wide and low-profile, the Saucer is ideal for hovering over dining tables or kitchen islands, providing a generous spread of diffused light.
- The Cylinder: Its elongated verticality makes it perfect for corner accents or as part of a staggered cluster in a double-height entryway.
- The Sphere: The most classic of the three, the Sphere provides a soft, uniform glow that mimics the moon, fitting seamlessly into minimalist or Japandi-style bedrooms.
To ensure they fit any architectural scale, these shapes are available in Small (5.4"), Medium (7.7"), and Large (9.8") diameters. The ribbed textures aren't just decorative; they act as micro-louvers, diffusing the internal LED light to prevent glare while maintaining a luminous, gem-like presence in the room.
Infinite Configurations: Stacking and Scaling
While a single Somari pendant is beautiful in its own right, the collection truly shines when you begin to play with its modularity. Somari pendants are highly customizable, offering seven translucent 'Paper Series' colors and the ability to stack fixtures into vertical or horizontal configurations up to eight feet long.
This ability to "stack" modules transforms a simple pendant into a grand architectural statement. By utilizing their high-precision 3D printing, LightArt can produce modular configurations reaching up to 8 feet in length while maintaining responsive, U.S.-based production cycles. This level of customization was once reserved for high-end bespoke commissions; now, it is accessible for residential and commercial projects alike.
Whether you are looking for a singular "drop" to light a bedside table or a massive eight-foot vertical pillar to define a stairwell, the Somari system scales with your vision. The connections between modules are nearly seamless, allowing the light to flow through the entire structure without dark spots or awkward breaks.
Performance Meets Artistry: The Integrated Casper Core
Designers often worry that "designer" lighting sacrifices performance for looks. Somari puts those fears to rest with its integrated Casper Core technology. This isn't a simple "bulb-in-a-box" setup; it is a sophisticated lighting engine designed specifically for the translucent properties of 3D-printed PLA.
The technical specifications are impressive:
- High Color Rendering Index (CRI): With a CRI of 90, the Somari collection ensures that colors in your room—from the art on the walls to the food on your plate—appear vivid and true to life.
- Tunable White Range: The LED core offers a tunable range of 2700K (warm, cozy amber) to 4000K (cool, energizing daylight).
- Dimming Compatibility: Fully compatible with modern dimming systems, allowing you to transition from functional task lighting to atmospheric evening glow.
The result is a light that doesn't just "sit" in the room; it transforms the atmosphere. The 4000K setting is perfect for home offices where focus is key, while the 2700K setting provides that coveted "golden hour" warmth that makes a living space feel truly like home.
The 'Paper Series' Color Palette
The color story of Somari is told through the 'Paper Series,' a curated palette of seven translucent shades that evoke the organic feel of handmade paper. These aren't solid, opaque colors; they are "washes" of light that maintain their hue even when the fixture is turned off.
- Shiro (Ivory): The purest expression of the collection, offering a clean, linen-like warmth.
- Halo (Clear): A crystalline option that highlights the precision of the 3D-printed ridges.
- Sail (Blue): A soft, coastal blue that feels serene and airy.
- Clover (Olive): An earthy, grounded green that pairs beautifully with natural wood.
- Rosa (Pink): A sophisticated, muted blush that adds a touch of "jewelry" to a room.
- Sienna (Brown/Orange): A warm, terracotta-inspired tone that feels incredibly cozy when illuminated.
- Loom (Gray): A cool, architectural neutral for more industrial or modern spaces.
Styling Your Somari
- For Japandi Aesthetics: Mix the Shiro and Clover silhouettes. The combination of ivory and olive green against light oak furniture creates a peaceful, nature-inspired sanctuary.
- For Modern Minimalism: Stick to a monochromatic "Halo" or "Loom" vertical stack. Let the texture of the 3D printing be the only ornament in the room.
- For Creative Workspaces: Use a horizontal configuration of alternating Rosa and Sail colors to spark creativity and add a playful yet professional vibe.
FAQs
Can I mix different silhouettes in one stack? Yes! The modular design allows you to mix and match the Saucer, Cylinder, and Sphere silhouettes within a single vertical or horizontal configuration, provided the total length does not exceed the structural limits (typically 8 feet).
How do I clean the 3D-printed material? Because the plant-based PLA is durable and ribbed, we recommend using a soft microfiber cloth or a can of compressed air to remove dust from the ridges. For deeper cleaning, a slightly damp cloth with mild soap is sufficient. Avoid harsh chemical solvents.
Is the LED core replaceable? LightArt designs their fixtures with longevity in mind. While the integrated LED Casper Core is designed to last for tens of thousands of hours (typically 50,000+), LightArt provides support for component replacement to ensure the fixture remains out of the landfill for decades.
Conclusion
The LightArt Somari collection is more than just a lighting fixture; it’s a blueprint for the future of interior design. It proves that we don't have to choose between the soul of artisanal design and the responsibility of sustainable manufacturing. By leveraging 3D printing to create modular, customizable, and eco-friendly art, LightArt has given us a tool to light our homes that is as smart as it is beautiful.
Whether you’re looking to add a single "gem" of light to a reading nook or install a towering eight-foot sculpture in a grand foyer, Somari adapts to your space, your budget, and your values. It is a luminous reminder that the most beautiful things in our homes can also be the kindest to our planet.
