# Billowing Bubble Lights The 'Surface Tension Lamp' by Front is Inventive By Josh Triantafilou | Published 2012-04-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surface-tension-lamp References: [todayandtomorrow.net](http://www.todayandtomorrow.net/2012/04/17/surface-tension-lamp/) & [designfront.org](http://www.designfront.org/) The 'Surface Tension Lamp' by Front shines a new light on what it means to be inventive. Design has always been influenced by new materials; to use [water as others might use glass](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tuloa), however, is truly inspired. The lamp works by [expanding a bubble of water](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ripple-light) underneath an LED light while simultaneously blowing smoke into this bubble. The end result is a hazy gray glow. It might not be the first choice for home decor, but few would argue its merit as a conversation piece. In terms of public spaces, this design has much potential. The smoke and water used in the Surface Tension Lamp could be easily dissipated in open air environments while the original and novel effect produced by the smoke and water could be enjoyed by onlookers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Water-based Decor:** The Surface Tension Lamp showcases the potential for water as a unique and inventive material in the world of home decor. - **Novel Lighting Effects:** The combination of water bubbles and smoke in the Surface Tension Lamp presents an opportunity for innovative lighting designs and effects. - **Conversation-starting Design:** The Surface Tension Lamp's distinctive appearance opens up possibilities for creating unique and attention-grabbing conversation pieces. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Interior Design:** The Surface Tension Lamp sets the stage for incorporating water-based elements into interior design projects, offering a fresh perspective. - **Lighting Industry:** The Surface Tension Lamp introduces a new approach to lighting design using water and smoke, stimulating the need for innovative lighting products. - **Public Spaces:** The Surface Tension Lamp's potential as a conversation piece can be leveraged in public spaces, attracting and engaging viewers in unique ways. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bubble-Inspired Pendant Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bubbles-lighting-design.md) - [Whimsical Glass Bubbled Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peeka.md) - [Inflatable Mood Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blow-lamp.md) - [Inflatable Colorful Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squeeze-inflatable-lamp.md) - [Smoky Illumination Floor Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunset-lamp.md) - [Floating Illusion Light Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lp-lamp.md) - [Interactive Lamp Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tangent-lamp.md) - [Poetic Rippling Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yurameki.md) - [Calming Orb Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orb-lamp1.md)