Lights and... shadows, with wood and simplicity. DIY projects

I believe that wood is the material with which man has the longest and most beautiful relationship. Since ancient times he has used it to make his life easier and more beautiful. He has made from it houses, tools, useful objects and sculptures. He often combined utility and beauty and created objects that he used and enjoyed at the same time. And he continues to do so. I've chosen to show you a few light fixtures, disarmingly simple, but which spread so much beauty. And which I think can be the inspiration for a very useful DIY project.

What impressed me about these fixtures was the ingenuity with which the simple elements were combined. Basically, starting from simple wooden rods, arrangements or shapes were created to partially cover the light and create a play of shadows and lights.

Various geometric shapes were made with the same rods. Several such shapes were arranged in the most suitable positions to release the necessary light. Simpler arrangements of triangles

or more complicated,

squares,

or diamonds,

have become interesting lamps with a rustic or modern look.

But my favourite is the wood and light sphere. The same wands gathered together, a few bulbs slipped in between and the lamp is ready. I know, it's not that simple. But I don't think it's very complicated either, and the result clearly shows that it's worth a try.

And while we're on the subject of simplicity, I think I've found the simplest option. All you have to do is find that one piece of wood that will make up for all the aesthetic artifice of a classic lamp in design and colour.

I think the following lampshade will inspire you. It's true, if you have to buy the hangers, you won't come out cheap. But if you have them around the house and don't know what to do with them, a simple refurbishment can make them lamp-worthy. Maybe not as pretty as the one below, but certainly as interesting.

And the examples could go on, but I'm sure you get the idea. However, all these wooden elements need to be well prepared before use. If you are embarking on such a project, let me give you a few tips:

• Choose lighter wood when you want to use more elements.
• Looking for wood with personality, beautiful design and texture and... flaws (knotsThe light will turn defects into qualities.
• Polish elements well beforehand to have as smooth a surface as possible.
• If you want to stain the wood, use stains that are resistant to direct light, otherwise, over time, the stain will break down unevenly and stains will appear.
• Use hardening varnishes. They are not as thermoplastic as the ones without the hardener.
• Do not choose varnishes with gloss level very large (very shiny). Right next to the bulbs the light will reflect totally and make you tired. Use varnishes that are as matt as possible.

I hope I've given you some interesting ideas. Now that spring has sprung, I feel the desire to DIY is thawing and a project like this is really worth a try. At least, I'm going to try it. If I come up with something nice I promise to show you. And I think I'll use reclaimed wood. It'll be doubly satisfying.