Lantern Lighting by Apparatus
The Lantern Lighting collection by Apparatus Studio is recognised for its fluted porcelain shades, sculptural brass structures and refined interpretation of historical lantern forms. Inspired by traditional lanterns used throughout history as protective vessels for light, the collection transforms this archetype into contemporary architectural lighting with strong sculptural identity.
Our Lantern Lighting collection includes sculptural pendants, wall sconces and contemporary designer fixtures inspired by one of the most elegant porcelain lighting series created by Apparatus Studio.
Defined by slip-cast porcelain forms, finely incised fluting and warm ambient illumination, Lantern Lighting works especially well in contemporary Australian interiors where lighting is intended to combine material softness with architectural sophistication.
Whether you are furnishing a dining room, styling a luxury apartment or designing a hospitality project, Lantern Lighting combines historical inspiration with contemporary sculptural elegance.
The Design Philosophy Behind Lantern Lighting
The Lantern collection was developed by Apparatus Studio as an exploration of the historical lantern reinterpreted through a contemporary minimalist lens.
Apparatus describes the collection as:
“Light passing through a delicate protective form.”
Rather than relying on decorative excess or rigid industrial minimalism, the collection focuses on:
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illuminated porcelain volume
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sculptural restraint
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architectural simplicity
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soft atmospheric diffusion
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refined material contrast
The collection references the essential historical role of lanterns — a protected source of illumination carried through darkness — while translating that idea into a refined contemporary design language.
This creates lighting that feels simultaneously:
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historical and contemporary
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minimalist yet warm
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sculptural and functional
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architectural and atmospheric
The result is lighting that functions both as illumination and as collectible sculptural design.
Slip-Cast Porcelain & Sculptural Softness
One of the defining characteristics of Lantern Lighting is its use of slip-cast porcelain shades.
The collection combines:
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fluted porcelain cylinders
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rigid brass armatures
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suspended geometric balance
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softly diffused illumination
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repeating spherical detailing
The porcelain shades glow softly when illuminated, creating atmospheric light diffusion rather than harsh direct brightness.
This produces:
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warm ambient glow
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softer visual contrast
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sculptural shadow variation
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refined material texture
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intimate interior atmosphere
The finely incised fluting across the porcelain surface adds tactile depth and visual rhythm throughout the fixture.
Because porcelain naturally softens and diffuses illumination, Lantern Lighting works especially well in interiors designed around atmosphere and material warmth.
Brass Structures & Architectural Balance
The illuminated porcelain forms are suspended along rigid brass structures that create architectural precision within the collection.
Lantern Lighting is associated with finishes such as:
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aged brass
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blackened brass
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oil-rubbed bronze
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tarnished silver
The repeating brass spheres positioned along the armatures create visual counterbalance against the larger porcelain shades.
This interaction between:
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illuminated porcelain
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metallic precision
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sculptural repetition
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soft ambient lighting
became one of the defining visual characteristics of the Lantern collection.
The fixtures maintain architectural clarity while still feeling emotionally warm and visually soft.
Lantern Lighting for Dining Rooms
Dining rooms are one of the strongest applications for Lantern Lighting.
The suspended porcelain forms create atmospheric illumination above the dining table while maintaining openness and sculptural elegance throughout the room.
Lantern Lighting works especially well in:
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luxury dining rooms
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contemporary apartments
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architect-designed homes
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minimalist interiors
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hospitality dining spaces
The vertical porcelain forms visually emphasise ceiling height while introducing softer ambient light into the interior.
When selecting dining room lighting, consider:
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dining table dimensions
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fixture width and proportion
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ceiling height
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suspension drop
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openness of the surrounding architecture
Because Lantern fixtures rely heavily on spacing and sculptural balance, installation height becomes especially important during planning.
In contemporary Australian homes, where dining spaces are often integrated into open-plan interiors, sculptural porcelain lighting helps define the dining zone without interrupting architectural openness.
Contemporary Lighting for Australian Interiors
Modern Australian interiors frequently combine:
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natural timber finishes
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stone textures
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open-plan layouts
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soft neutral palettes
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minimalist architecture
Lantern Lighting complements these interiors especially well because it introduces warmth, material softness and atmospheric illumination while maintaining architectural restraint.
The collection works particularly effectively within interiors featuring:
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travertine and marble
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textured plaster walls
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natural oak finishes
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sculptural contemporary furniture
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gallery-inspired architecture
Because the fixtures themselves contain strong tactile materiality, surrounding interiors often benefit from restrained architectural simplicity.
This balance between sculptural warmth and minimalist precision is one of the defining strengths of the Lantern collection.
Apparatus Studio & Contemporary American Luxury Design
Founded in New York by Gabriel Hendifar and Jeremy Anderson, Apparatus Studio became internationally recognised for collectible contemporary lighting that combines craftsmanship, cinematic atmosphere and sculptural materiality.
The studio became especially influential within:
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luxury residential interiors
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boutique hospitality projects
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collectible lighting design
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gallery-inspired environments
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contemporary architectural interiors
Collections such as:
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Lantern
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Talisman
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Lariat
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Trapeze
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Triad
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Synapse
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Tassel
helped establish Apparatus as one of the defining contemporary American lighting studios of the modern era.
The Lantern collection reflects the studio’s broader aesthetic through its emphasis on sculptural restraint, handcrafted materiality and atmospheric illumination.
Lantern Lighting for Hospitality Interiors
Lantern Lighting is especially effective in hospitality and commercial interiors where atmosphere and visual identity are priorities.
The sculptural porcelain forms work particularly well in:
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boutique hotels
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luxury restaurants
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gallery-inspired interiors
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premium retail spaces
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contemporary hospitality projects
In hospitality environments, soft porcelain lighting helps create interiors that feel:
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warm
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sophisticated
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visually calm
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architecturally refined
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emotionally comfortable
The softer diffusion produced by porcelain lighting is especially valuable in spaces designed around layered sensory atmosphere and contemporary luxury aesthetics.
Pendants, Sconces & Sculptural Versatility
The Lantern collection includes several sculptural configurations including:
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Lantern 1 Pendant
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Lantern 3 Pendant
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Lantern Sconce
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Lantern Table Lamp
These fixtures work especially well in:
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dining rooms
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hallways
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bedrooms
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living spaces
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hospitality interiors
Because the collection uses consistent porcelain geometry and brass detailing across multiple fixture types, Lantern Lighting allows interiors to maintain cohesive visual identity throughout different architectural zones.
Layered Lighting & Interior Atmosphere
Contemporary interiors benefit from layered lighting rather than relying solely on a single central fixture.
Lantern Lighting works especially well within layered lighting schemes because the fixtures combine sculptural presence with soft ambient illumination.
A balanced lighting plan may include:
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a Lantern pendant for focal lighting
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sconces for atmospheric depth
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table lamps for warmth and intimacy
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secondary ambient lighting for flexibility
This layered approach helps interiors feel more balanced, visually comfortable and adaptable throughout the day.
Choosing the Right Lantern Lighting
The best Lantern fixture depends on room scale, ceiling height and the desired balance between sculptural presence and atmospheric softness.
For dining rooms
Choose pendants proportionate to the dining table dimensions and openness of the surrounding space.
For minimalist interiors
Use Lantern fixtures as sculptural focal points within restrained architectural palettes.
For hospitality projects
Prioritise atmosphere, material harmony and visual softness.
For hallways & bedrooms
Use sconces and smaller pendants to create layered ambient lighting and architectural rhythm.
Because the collection relies heavily on material texture and porcelain diffusion, surrounding finishes and spatial balance become especially important during planning.
Lantern Lighting for Residential & Commercial Projects
Lantern Lighting is suitable for both residential and commercial interiors.
Common applications include:
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luxury homes
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contemporary apartments
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architect-designed residences
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boutique hotels
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restaurants and lounges
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gallery-inspired commercial interiors
The combination of illuminated porcelain, brass detailing and sculptural architectural balance makes the collection especially effective in interiors where lighting contributes directly to atmosphere and architectural identity.
A Contemporary Alternative to Traditional Lanterns & Chandeliers
Traditional lanterns and chandeliers often rely on decorative ornamentation or historical styling. Lantern Lighting takes a more contemporary approach by focusing on:
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illuminated porcelain forms
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architectural restraint
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sculptural balance
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atmospheric softness
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refined materiality
This creates fixtures that feel:
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contemporary yet timeless
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minimalist while remaining warm
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sculptural without heaviness
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luxurious and architecturally refined
For homeowners and designers seeking contemporary porcelain lighting with sculptural elegance, Lantern Lighting provides a sophisticated alternative to traditional decorative fixtures.
Explore Our Lantern Lighting Collection
Our Lantern Lighting collection includes sculptural porcelain pendants, sconces and contemporary designer fixtures inspired by the iconic aesthetic of Apparatus Studio.
Whether you are furnishing a dining room, styling a minimalist apartment or planning a hospitality project, these fixtures combine handcrafted materiality, atmospheric illumination and contemporary architectural design.
Explore the collection to discover modern sculptural lighting suited to residential and commercial spaces across Australia.
FAQ
What is Lantern Lighting known for?
Lantern Lighting is known for fluted porcelain shades, brass structures and sculptural contemporary lighting inspired by historical lantern forms.
Who created the Lantern Lighting collection?
The Lantern collection was created by Apparatus Studio.
What materials are used in Lantern Lighting?
The collection is associated with slip-cast porcelain, fluted ceramic shades and brass armatures.
Is Lantern Lighting suitable for dining rooms?
Yes. Lantern pendants work especially well above dining tables and open-plan dining spaces.
Is Lantern Lighting suitable for Australian homes?
Yes. The porcelain and brass aesthetic works especially well in contemporary Australian interiors with minimalist architecture and natural materials.
Can Lantern Lighting be used in hospitality interiors?
Yes. Lantern Lighting is widely suited to boutique hotels, restaurants, gallery-inspired spaces and luxury hospitality interiors.