# Molded Algae-Made Illuminators The 'Algae Lamps' Have a Rustic, Naturalistic Look By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-09-21 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/algae-lamps References: [homecrux](https://www.homecrux.com/algae-lamps-by-nea-studio/131869/) & [neastudio](https://www.neastudio.com/algae-lamps) The 'Algae Lamps' have been created by the New York-based architecture and design firm [NEA Studio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chandeliers-sconces) as a naturalistic illuminator that utilizes an unlikely material for a high-end finish. The lamps are made using [dried sheets of algae](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luffa-collection) that have been molded into the cylindrical lampshades seen here, which eliminates the need for virgin or synthetic materials. The shades are positioned onto [metal frames](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juba-tl1-table-lamp) that can be customized to suit different preferences and includes polished nickel, brushed brass, brushed bronze or even white powder-coated aluminum. The 'Algae Lamps' comes as the first of what is hoped to be an entire collection of illuminators that feature the algae lampshades to offer consumers a dramatically more natural option to use when updating their homes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Lighting Design:** The use of algae as a naturalistic illuminator presents an opportunity for interior design companies to incorporate sustainable lighting solutions in their products and services. - **Organic Material Moldability:** The innovative use of dried sheets of algae as a moldable material for lampshades creates a trend for further exploration of organic materials for product development. - **Customizable Lamp Frames:** Customizable metal frames for the algae lamps offers opportunities for personalization of lighting design. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Design:** Design firms have an opportunity to explore sustainable lighting solutions in their products using innovative materials such as dried algae sheets. - **Lighting:** Lighting companies have an opportunity to incorporate algae lampshades in their product lines, thus offering natural and sustainable lighting solutions to consumers. - **Environmental:** Environmental conscious companies can incorporate this idea of sustainable lighting solution into their products or services portfolio, offering customers an eco-sustainable option. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Coral-Form Lighting Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alherd.md) - [Organic Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lapso.md) - [3D-Printed Aquatic Life Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooj-design-wavy-lamp.md) - [Plant-Based Table Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-lamp.md) - [Glowing Organic-Waste Sustainable Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lanova-terra.md) - [Algae Lit Retail Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aesop-hainan.md) - [Sculptural Biomaterial Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wevolve-labs.md) - [Mycelium Velvety Lampshades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/b-wise.md) - [Ecological Dual Lampshade Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-light.md)