How to choose between glass acrylic and Perspex mirrors

How to choose between glass, acrylic and Perspex mirrors
At Steamed Studio, we handcraft wooden framed mirrors using steam-bent ash wood. Piras, Belvedere and Fiore are the three distinctive designs in our collection of hardwood mirrors, and each one is made of glass. We like to think of our custom-made hardwood mirrors as statement items that may be passed down through the generations. Statement items are a fantastic choice for the home because they become the focal point of the decor and catch everyone’s attention when they enter the room.

Mirrors are considered an essential part of our everyday lives – it’s hard to find a residential property without at least one mirror. Find out why mirrors are a must throughout the home.

When choosing a mirror for your home, different types can be used for various purposes. Glass, acrylic and Perspex mirrors are popular choices, and each has unique benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will explore the differences between these three types of mirrors, their manufacturing processes and what they are typically used for.

 

Glass mirrors

Glass mirrors are constructed from a single piece of glass which is tinned and then lined with silver metal. These base materials are coated with two layers of paint and finished with an adhesive. The glass is then heated and cut into the desired shape. It is then sprayed with silver or aluminium for a shiny, crystal-clear finish. Glass mirrors are very strong and durable, making them ideal for use in high-traffic areas such as hallways and bathrooms. They also come in various sizes, shapes and colours, allowing for a more personalised look. The downside to glass mirrors is that they are more expensive than their acrylic and Perspex counterparts, and if they are accidentally broken, they will shatter into very sharp pieces, which can be dangerous.

We prefer using only glass for our handcrafted wooden-framed mirrors at Steamed Studio. This is because glass is more scratch resistant, doesn’t warp and has a heavier feel for a luxurious and sturdy finish. It’s also the most sustainable choice because glass is an endlessly recyclable permanent material, reducing waste and saving natural resources. You can read more about sustainability here. The steam bending process is also environmentally friendly because it uses low energy and produces very little waste.

Where mirrored glass can be used in the home

Because high-quality glass has perfect clarity, you can cut, polish and shape it whichever way you choose to create a captivating focal point for your home. By reflecting light, the mirror will brighten your space and create the illusion of a bigger room. Mirrored glass wardrobes in bedrooms are a popular choice as they reflect the space and create a feeling of airiness. Glass mirrored furniture is also prevalent in interior design. It provides a shiny and luxurious-looking finish that’s fit for a showroom but does require frequent polishing!

 

Acrylic mirrors

Acrylic mirrors are made using a sheet of acrylic (plastic) and finished with a reflective coating. The sheet of acrylic is heated and then moulded into the desired shape. The reflective layer is then applied to give the mirror its reflective properties. Acrylic mirrors are very lightweight and shatterproof, making them a popular choice for areas where safety is paramount, such as schools and nurseries. Compared to glass, acrylic mirrors are a safer option. They are also very affordable and come in various sizes, shapes and colours.

Where acrylic mirrors can be used in the home

Perfect for home gyms or children’s bedrooms, an acrylic mirror provides slight flexibility. An acrylic mirror is the best option if you are a little accident-prone because an impact that would crack or fully shatter a glass mirror will only leave a little mark on an acrylic one.

 

Perspex mirrors

Perspex mirrors are a branded form of acrylic sheet made from a type of plastic called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This material is heated and then moulded into the desired shape. These are lightweight and shatterproof and can also withstand warm temperatures. Perspex mirrors also come in a range of sizes, shapes and colours and can be used to create interesting effects such as 3D.

Where Perspex mirrors can be used in the home

Perspex mirrors are ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms where heat and steam are often in the atmosphere. They are also easy to clean.

 

More information on mirrors

Mirrors can be used to create the illusion of space, and they can also make a room look and feel brighter. They can also be hung in areas you want to conceal – perhaps a cracked wall or some peeling wallpaper. Mirrors are also an important part of the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui. Feng shui is the art of designing peaceful spaces that support the harmony of yin and yang. You can think of yin and yang as opposite yet complementary forces that make up all elements and phenomena of existence. You can place furniture and other items in a specific way to promote a tranquil energy flow, or “qi,” throughout the space to bring yin and yang together. Feng shui might be useful when deciding where to place your mirror.

 

Summary

Each type of mirror has unique benefits and drawbacks, and your choice will depend on your needs and budget. Acrylic/Perspex mirrors are great for areas where safety is a priority, while glass mirrors are a more aesthetically pleasing option. Our glass wooden-framed mirrors are designed for luxury furnishing and should be out of reach of children. No matter what type of mirror you choose, it’s important to ensure it is installed properly and securely.

Browse our beautiful mirror collection today and treat your home to a handmade item designed to last many years. Each mirror design has three colours and finishes to choose from, so you are bound to find one that perfectly complements your home. Every mirror is handmade to order and dispatched within 2-3 weeks.

Modern wall mirrors for contemporary homes

Modern wall mirrors for contemporary homes

When decorating and furnishing your home, wall mirrors are an essential element to invest in. Not only do they add a touch of style and sophistication, but they also serve a practical purpose for checking your reflection before heading out or having guests over. Mirrors can also make a room appear larger, open up a space and reflect light to brighten a dark room. They can also be used to create a focal point or to draw attention to a particular feature.

 

What is a contemporary home?

Contemporary homes are modern and up-to-date with all the latest gadgets and gizmos. Think copper fixtures, feature walls, built-in coffee machines, surround-sound systems, etc. When furnishing a contemporary home, a modern wall mirror that is timeless and of high quality is the best choice.

 

Modern wall mirrors

When it comes to modern wall mirrors, there are many different styles and designs to choose from. One of the great things about modern wall mirrors is that they can be used in various ways. They can be hung on the wall to create a focal point or placed on a shelf or table to add a decorative touch. They can also reflect light, making a room appear brighter and more inviting. No matter how you use them, modern wall mirrors are sure to bring a touch of style and sophistication to your home.

Modern wall mirrors can also be used in combination with other décor elements. For example, they can be placed above a fireplace to create a dramatic focal point or draw attention to a piece of artwork or furniture. They can also create a sense of depth in a room by placing them in front of a window or wall. Wall mirrors can also help create a sense of balance in a room. For example, if one wall is decorated with a large piece of artwork, a wall mirror can create a sense of balance by adding an additional element to the wall. This can help to create a sense of harmony in the room.

Modern wall mirrors can also create an illusion of space. Placing a mirror in a room can help create the illusion of a larger space, as it will reflect the light from the other walls and create the illusion of a larger room. This can be especially useful in small rooms, as it can help to make the room feel more spacious.

 

Handmade mirrors at Steamed Studio

Here at Steamed Studio, we have three types of contemporary wall mirrors – all handmade to order. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or something a little more ornate, we’re sure one of our bespoke wooden framed mirrors will fit the aesthetic of your home.

Our custom-made wooden frame mirrors as statement items that may pass down through the generations. Statement items are a fantastic choice for the home because they become the focal point of the décor and catch everyone’s attention when they walk in.

A handmade wooden mirror can be precisely what you need to set the mood in your living area. Choosing a statement item can occasionally be intimidating because many assume you must go with something enormous and vivid. Selecting an excessively colourful or too large piece may be detrimental and dominate the space.

 

Piras mirror

The Piras mirror, one of our best-sellers, is framed in an organic shape inspired by nature. It comes in three finishes: Intense Black, Nordic White and Pure. Each finish has been oiled for a slight sheen that complements a modern home with contemporary decor.

Belvedere mirror

The Belvedere mirror is another excellent choice. This mirror has a more contemporary design and is steam-bent to produce rounded, feminine lines. It also comes in the same three finishes as the Piras for a subtle sheen that brings out the wood’s natural grain.

Fiore mirror

The Fiore mirror gives the living or dining room personality and unique flair. This droplet-shaped mirror has a double-curved top feature. The same three colours and finishes are available: Pure, Nordic White and Intense Black.

How our modern wall mirrors are made

The wood is bent into shape using steam. Once the fibres are softened by steam, it allows for easy stretching with the additional help of clamps and jigs. As the wood cools, it then solidifies into a new shape. To do it correctly, the process demands excellent knowledge and skill.

Eco-friendly for a modern approach to furnishing

At Steamed Studio, we care about the environment and make every effort to lessen any harm our business practices may do to the natural world. We use less energy and more sustainable resources to produce the least amount of environmental waste possible.

To conclude

Overall, modern wall mirrors can be used in various ways to create a sense of balance, depth, luxury and sophistication in a room. They can create a dramatic focal point, draw attention to a piece of artwork or furniture, or create an illusion of space. For more information on our wooden mirrors, check out this article: Our guide to wooden framed mirrors. It explains why our handmade wooden framed mirrors are an excellent choice for your home and what benefits they can bring. If you’re interested in where it is best to hang your chosen wall mirror according to the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, we’ve got the perfect read here: Where to hang wooden mirrors for good feng shui. You may also be interested in the symbolism of mirrors and where the saying ‘7 years’ bad luck when you break a mirror’ comes from. If so, check out this article: The symbolism of mirrors.

The symbolism of mirrors

The symbolism of mirrors

Here at Steamed Studio, we specialise in handmade steam-bent wooden mirrors. We have three styles to choose from; Belvedere, Fiore and Piras. Each style is made by hand in our studio in England for a unique finish.

Mirrors have long been a popular furnishing accessory in homes. In this article, we will delve into the history of mirrors, and what they symbolise in different countries around the world. We’re also going to explore popular sayings such as ‘breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck’ and how mirrors have become a household necessity.

Image source: Mirror Lights Mirroring – Free photo on Pixabay

The history of mirrors

The history of mirrors dates back to 6000 B.C. The first mirrors were rounded and made of metal, and it was the Romans who later created the first glass mirror. Mirrors have long possessed unique features and beliefs around them. For example, the Greek philosopher Socrates advised young men to examine themselves in the mirror, and those who were handsome should concentrate on maintaining a pure conscience and avoiding temptations that would lead them astray. If a young man felt unattractive, he could make up for it with good deeds and gain a good reputation.

During Medieval times, glass mirrors completely disappeared because religious authoritarians believed that the Devil saw the world from the other side of the glass. The return of glass mirrors was during the 13th century, and they were somewhat curved outward. Using the technology at the time, professional glaziers poured hot tin into glass tubs, waited for it to cool, and then broke it into individual pieces.

Flat mirrors were developed by Venetian masters three centuries later. They discovered a way to fasten the tin to a flat piece of glass.

The first mirror production facility opened in Nuremberg, Germany 1373. Mirrors were also used in mystery rituals and witchcraft during the 16th century. Even The Bible was written in “mirror reflection”, making it difficult to decipher the message without a mirror.

Today, mirrors are made by taking a thin layer of molten aluminium or silver and then adding it to glass in a vacuum. This has made producing mirrors faster than ever.

What do mirrors symbolise?

Mirrors physically reflect light and our surroundings. Light indicates illumination, consciousness, knowledge, and other spiritual concepts. Mirrors thus reflect truth in terms of spiritual symbolism. They represent reality. However, psychology completely disagrees and turns this symbolism on its head. Psychology sees mirrors as representing the dividing line between the conscious and unconscious minds. One can supposedly peer into the depths of their unconsciousness by gazing into a mirror.

Mirrors are generally symbolic of spiritual and psychological depth. They don’t just reveal our appearance. They can reveal who we are on a deeper level.

Generally speaking, mirrors represent a person’s depth of soul and mind. They have the power to deeply disclose who we truly are.

Below is a list of key symbolic meanings behind mirrors, along with an explanation:

Truth

Holding a mirror in front of our faces can reveal our true physical appearance. However, the word “mirror” can also refer to a reflection of our true selves underneath the surface when used metaphorically.

Wisdom

Some believe that mirrors contain enormous amounts of wisdom and understanding. That is because a mirror spends the days silently watching from a wall or table. If mirrors could speak, they would surely have a lot to reveal.

Self-reflection

When we advise someone to “take a look in the mirror”, we are suggesting that the person needs to consider what they’re doing/saying to become aware of their flaws. Here, the mirror is employed to assist a person in realising the need for self-evaluation and behaviour modification.

Vanity and narcissism

People who stare at the mirror for an excessive amount of time are often described as vain or obsessed with themselves. This indicates that they are more preoccupied with their outward appearance than their personality.

Deception

Although we frequently think mirrors reflect reality, they can also be deceptive. When mirrors are convex or concave, they can exaggerate our height or weight. They can also alter how far or close an object seems relative to its distance. As a result, when mirrors are bent to create a distorted image, their symbolism often represents deception rather than truth.

Also, our mirror reflections are reversed compared to what others see when they look at us. Your peers are familiar with your non-reversed image, while you are familiar with your reversed image in a mirror.

Bad luck (broken mirror)

Ever heard of the phrase “seven years of bad luck if you break a mirror”? This stems back to the beliefs of the ancient Greeks and Chinese. It probably derives from the notion that a mirror reflects your soul and that shattering a mirror thus traps your soul inside. But relax; if you happen to break a mirror in the future, all is not lost for seven years. Legend says the curse is lifted if you bury the mirror shards during a full moon – phew!

Mirrors in homes today

Today, mirrors are used in interior design for aesthetic and practical benefits. Arguably, they are one of the most versatile pieces of home décor. You can utilise a mirror to entirely change the look of almost any area in your home, from reflecting light for better brightness to creating the illusion of extra space, plus offering plenty of practical spots to stop and check your reflection – hallways, bathrooms, etc. To read more about how mirrors can transform your home, read our guide on wooden framed mirrors. If you’re interested in the ancient practice of feng shui and how it applies to mirrors, we have an article on that, too: Where to hang wooden mirrors for good feng shui.

Happy reading, and don’t forget to browse through our stunning range of handmade wooden framed mirrors.

Our Guide to Wooden Framed Mirrors

Our Guide to Wooden Framed Mirrors

It’s likely that every interior designer out there believes that a mirror completes a room. Why? Because they’re bright, light-reflecting, and come in various colours and finishes to accentuate your living space. A wall mirror is great for entrances, bathrooms and living/dining rooms. We’ll explain why our handmade wooden framed mirrors are an excellent choice for your home and what benefits they can bring. A wooden frame mirror is timeless and suits every interior design scheme, from traditional to quirky or contemporary. Our unique wooden mirrors will surely add a wow factor to your living space. Read on to find out why.

Benefits of having mirrors in your home

When hung in the right place, a mirror will create the illusion of a bigger room. It does this by reflecting the room’s natural and/or artificial light, making you think a room is brighter and larger than it is. If you want to create the feeling of more space, one of our large wooden mirrors will do the trick. Mirrors are functional, too – it’s good to check your reflection every once in a while, or perhaps regularly, if you’re a bit vain! A last-minute check before you head out the door to a meeting could save you from arriving with spinach in your teeth. Apart from being a tool for grooming and dressing, they can also be a beautiful piece of home décor. They’re fashionable but timeless. They will always add a focal point to a room and are great for making a statement. Check out more reasons why mirrors are a must throughout your home.

Mirrors with wooden frames at Steamed Studio

We have three different styles within our wooden mirror range. Each style is made from steam-bent ash wood with a slight sheen. This makes them ideal for subtly standing out against matte painted walls or patterned wallpaper.

 

The Piras Mirror

Great for hanging in hallways for a dramatic entrance, the Piras wooden mirror frame has a droplet shape that will sit neatly on a narrow wall. Choose from three colours: Intense Black, Nordic White or Pure.

The Belvedere Mirror

Crafted in a loop shape at the top, this Belvedere wood mirror is ideally suited to hanging above bathroom sinks for a Scandi-inspired touch. Choose from three colours: Intense Black, Nordic White or Pure.

The Fiore Mirror

Another droplet shape but with a double-curved detail at the top. The Fiore mirror is great for adding character and bespoke style to living or dining rooms. Choose from three colours: Intense Black, Nordic  White or Pure.

The best wood for mirror frames

When it comes to wall-hanging mirrors, we think the best woods are lighter varieties such as ash and oak. They are the best choice for steam bending and have a wonderfully natural grain for an intricate and unique finish on each mirror frame.

How we handcraft our steam-bent wooden mirrors

Steam bending wooden mirror frames involves bending wood into shape with the heat from steam. Steam softens the lignin within the wood fibres, which can then be stretched with the help of clamps and jigs. The lignin then hardens to the new shape as it cools. The process is not easy and requires expertise to get it right. You can read more about the steam bending history and process here. There’s also an interesting Wood Steam Bending Q&A to answer any burning questions you may have.

Beautiful bespoke designs

The luxurious finishing oil we use enhances the wood’s intricate and unique grain patterns. This means that every mirror we make is unique. Every masterpiece undergoes a thorough examination before delivery to ensure that you are presented with a meticulously made mirror. Choosing to have a handcrafted item in your home gives it a more personalised feel rather than purchasing a mass-produced piece. It’s a rewarding feeling knowing that a passionate steam-bending expert has carefully crafted your mirror.

Eco-friendly décor for peace of mind

Here at Steamed Studio, we care about the planet and ensure we do our part to reduce any negative impact of our processes on the environment. We source sustainable materials and use low amounts of energy for minimal environmental waste.

  • Other benefits of wooden mirrors
  • They bring a natural, rustic touch
  • Easy to clean – simply wipe the glass and gently dust the wood
  • Versatile design – wood goes with all interior themes and colours

They are considered helpful in feng shui arrangements. Mirrors represent the element of water and can help balance a room or accentuate the purpose of a room. They can also reflect and direct both positive and negative Chi energy. Our rounded mirrors at Steamed Studio bring in the element of metal, which represents clarity, precision, and joy. According to feng shui, the best room to place a wall mirror is the dining room. This is because it’s considered the ‘vault’ for wealth, health and prosperity. A mirror facing the dining table but not the windows is said to multiply the wealth in the house.

In summary, a wooden mirror will surely bring a stylish and natural-looking touch to your living space. It will also help to create the illusion of a brighter, more spacious room. One of our steam-bent mirrors will also bring a bespoke design and an eco-friendly choice of décor. After reading this article, we hope you feel inspired to browse our handcrafted mirrors and pictures where they can be placed for maximum effect in your home. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? You, of course. Don’t shy away from your mirror; embrace your reflection and talk positively to yourself daily – it can produce excellent mental health benefits. Verbalising positive thoughts while making direct eye contact with ourselves can help to achieve positive changes in our lives.

The Definitive Guide to Handmade Wooden Lights

Guide to Handmade Wooden Lights

At Steamed Studio, we take a traditional approach to crafting handmade wooden lights by steaming and bending our wood, resulting in a range of bespoke pieces with no wasted materials. It also retains the long-grain pattern in the wood, allowing you to furnish your home with a one-of-a-kind light shade.

If you’re interested in purchasing steam-bent wooden lighting, this guide will help you. Our guide includes top tips on what lights work best for certain rooms and delves deeper into the array of wooden lights on offer here at Steamed Studio.

 

Wooden Pendant Lighting

Wooden pendant lights can be mounted as a fixture in almost any space. One of our bestsellers is the Fabbri Wooden Light Shade. Handmade to order, light casts through the twists and turns of this beautiful piece, lighting up your room with a shadow unlike any other shade on the market. The three horizontal loops compliment the ash hardwood and sit to create a striking curvaceous piece set to be the centre of attention in any room.

‘Fabbri’ translates to ‘craftsman’ in Italian, which is an accurate name for a wooden pendant light so sleek and elegant. With its smooth, elongated design, the Fabbri wooden light shade is sure to add a touch of class and elegance to your home. The Fabbri is certainly the way to go for a statement piece, whether your light is on or off.

Alternatively, why not consider our Nova range? Available in four sizes, this style of wooden pendant light is created using a combination of English ash hardwood and brass fixtures. The original Nova Wooden Light Shade is ideally sized, complementing any bedroom or living room without taking centre stage. However, we have further developed this range of wooden pendant lights for customers to showcase their varying and exceptional tastes through bigger and smaller sizes.

The smallest Nova still provides the eye-catching twisted wood effect of the original Nova but in a more compact size, making it ideally suited for any boudoir needing an extra touch of style. Translated from Latin to mean ‘new’, this small wooden pendant light is seamlessly handcrafted, sanded and oiled, resulting in a statement piece that stands the test of time, no matter what trends come and go.

For a more striking piece, the large Nova is certainly the wooden light shade for you. A statement but classic piece, the hand-bent wood creates smooth contours that remain in line with the original design to create an almost ethereal take on the Nova range. Perfect for any living space, the large Nova is a crowd-pleaser amongst many, taking the limelight for all the right reasons.

Going one step even further is the Nova XL. Like its counterparts, the extra-large Nova shade is handcrafted and steam-bent to create a unique, bespoke piece. This wooden pendant light would look stunning in a cavernous space large enough to show the intricate details without swallowing the room. Maximum impact is achieved through this light shade in its homage to the original Nova our customers know and love. With added brass details, the extra-large Nova light shade is the perfect fit, no matter your décor design. Whether your home follows traditional or modern interior design, the Nova’s artistic beauty will surely add the finishing touch to any room. With a range of sizes to choose from, you can’t go wrong.

 

Wooden Ceiling Lights

Looking to give your guests something to talk about for all the right reasons? Our Vitale Wooden Ceiling Light blends aestheticism with sculpture to create a horizontal wooden light that not only acts as a statement piece for any home but as a conversation starter too.

Ideally suited to a large dining room space, the Vitale hangs beautifully in the balance over a table, providing an open-ended structure for light to flow through. Whether you place your Vitale light shade over a breakfast bar or larger table, luminosity will always be achieved. Intertwining concentrated wooden twists using our steam bending process results in a bespoke wooden light shade in a striking yet timeless design.

The Vitale includes electric materials such as a black ceiling rose, black fabric cable, and two brass lamp holders. This makes the installation process easier for you and allows you to get on with hosting and showcasing your new light as soon as possible.

Large wooden overhead ceiling lights are increasing in popularity within the realm of interior design, acting as both a bold statement and feature piece for any kind of room.

 

Wooden Wall Lighting

If you’re looking for a sculptural wooden wall light, the Vero Wall Light is sure to tick all the right boxes. Weaving sculpture with functionality, the Vero light is a handcrafted steam-bent piece worked to a high standard with our trusted ash hardwood. Creating a warm-lit look in any living or bedroom space, the Vero is a unique design that sits beautifully on any wall or flat surface.

The Vero Wall Light will add a touch of eco-consciousness to any home. With its large presence and intricate twists and turns, our Vero wooden light shade creates a pleasant presence through its appearance and the shadows cast from within.

With brass fixtures nodding to on-trend lighting and including plug, fabric cable, dimmer and more, all you need to do is buy your bulbs and plug in. As always, we recommend energy-efficient LED bulbs. Energy-efficient bulbs lower electricity bills and carbon dioxide emissions without reducing the quality of light throughout your rooms.

Deciding to purchase wooden wall lighting can add the finishing touch you’ve been searching for within your home. They provide light to darker spaces and can be used to highlight walkways or rooms of your choice, depending on where you place them. With the Vero Wall Light, ambience is in your hands.

 

Wooden Table Lamps

Continuing in the Fabbri range is this striking Fabbri Table Light. Taking inspiration from the original Fabbri light shade, the Fabbri wooden table light pays homage to the versatility of a truly beloved design. What sets it apart from other light shades in our bespoke range is that within the design, three hoops are used rather than two.

This gives a tighter and more vivid curvature making it more suitable and a solid addition to a table in your bedroom or living space. If you’re a fan of the Fabbri table light, why not use it in both rooms or on either side of your bed? Creating ambience and warmth, the Fabbri table light is a customer favourite, and like all of our products, it’s not hard to see why.

And with no installation required, all you need to do is add your bulb and turn it on. The dimmer switch helps you create the perfect atmosphere you can look forward to coming home to. Setting the correct brightness within your home can elevate the mood and transform your living space into an enviable realm of comfort.

A versatile purchase, the Fabbri Table Light can also be added to any home office, offering both functionality and aesthetic style. A wooden table lamp provides a soft light that can help you remain focused without the obtrusive brightness of an overhead light or metal lamp.

 

Summary

At Steamed Studio, we believe our approach to making wooden lighting is the future. Not only are we paving the way in sustainable home design but encouraging our customers to shop responsibly. We care about the environment, so every item is made exclusively by hand. Our steam-bending approach to woodwork allows us to create bespoke pieces whilst limiting the amount of glue needed. This eliminates waste and helps us be kinder to our planet. Steam bending is an excellent technique as it uses low energy.

Wooden lights offer not just a function but an artistic touch to any home that tells your guests more about your personality and style. Whether you’re in the market for a wooden pendant light, wall light, or ceiling light, our range of wooden lights is sure to fit the bill. For a statement piece, contact Steamed Studio today. By choosing bespoke wooden lighting, you are choosing a unique product. Each handcrafted wooden light is entirely handmade in our studio, meaning they all differ in small ways. Sanded and oiled English ash produces quality light shades that we are proud to provide to our customers.

With organic shapes, twists, turns and contours, there’s no better compliment to any living space than a wooden light shade from Steamed Studio. For more information, reach out to our team today by calling us on 01603 850 282, emailing us at hello@steamedstudio.co.uk, or contacting us through one of our many social media pages. Steamed Studio provides bespoke wooden home furnishings that are kind, not cruel, to the environment.

 

 

 

5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Wooden Lighting

Love Wooden Lighting

You’ll love wooden lighting

If you’re new to the idea of installing some wooden lighting into your home, we’ve got a few reasons why you should do it. Alternatively, you may already have some wooden lighting and may be thinking of adding to your collection. We’ve got five reasons why you should invest in some bespoke wooden lighting from Steamed Studio.

5 Reasons Why You'll Love Wooden Lighting

Here at Steamed Studio, we use an antique process called steam bending to hand make our luxurious wooden products for stunning homeware. Steam bending uses steam to make the wood pliable enough to be stretched, contorted, and bent. When the wood cools, it holds its shape and remains durable. Although it’s a fairly niche product process, it’s actually been around for centuries and even dates back to ancient Egyptian times when they used it tomake chariots. Our work is natural-looking and distinctive. The unique designs complement both contemporary and traditional homes. Thanks to the handmade process, designs are completely bespoke and a piece of art that’s to be treasured for many years.The man behind Steamed Studio is Gary Smith, a woodwork craftsman who has many years of experience under his belt. In his workshop in Norwich, he enjoys putting his own spin on the classic steam-bending process. His attention to detail and continuous improvement means that every product from Steamed Studio is always of the highest quality. Traditional lighting made from unsustainable materials such as plastic is not only harsh on our environment, but they also lack any unique design flair. With steam-bent wooden lighting,you’re guaranteed a tailor-made product that’s easier on our ecosystem too. Read on to find out five reasons why you’ll love wooden lighting from Steamed Studio.

1 Beautiful designs inspired by nature

Because our light fixtures are made from natural timber (mostly ash which is a hardwood),we naturally have to get closer to nature and often take inspiration from the great outdoors.Ash wood has a beautiful creamy beige colour and brightens up living spaces. It also has ahigh shock absorbency meaning it’s resistant to splitting and cracking. We’re inspired by other stunning shapes in nature too such as arched weeping trees, twisted twigs and conicalpines which all show off their natural beauty and give us inspiration to create mood boards for our product ideas. You’ll see many Mother Nature-inspired details laced through our designs for a feeling of movement despite the designs being rigid and sturdy. In terms of colour, we like to let the natural shade of the wood stand out and use sanding and oiling to help it look its best. The oil we use is a multi-certified kind called Rubio® Monocoat. In the future we are looking to expand our range to include soft colours such as white to more intense shades like black to help compliment your existing décor

2 A sustainable choice

If you want to make greener choices with your interior design, our steam-bent wooden lighting is a great choice. Looking after the planet and sustainably sourcing our materials is very important to us and we use UK-sourced hardwood for less carbon footprint–sometimes we source wood from local tree surgeons too. Our packaging is also either recyclable or biodegradable. Our actual process of steam bending is kinder to the environment because of its low-energy usage and minimal environmental wastage. To prevent heat loss and extra energy use, the steam boxes we use for crafting each piece are thoroughly insulated so that steam evenly circulates each piece of timber. In addition to being environmentally friendly, wooden lighting is a healthier option too. Even when exposed to high temperatures no toxic substances are released. The use of natural wood has apositive effect on people with chronic respiratory diseases.

3 Handmade with love

Our artisan wooden lights are handcrafted with the greatest attention to detail. Using natural timbers, we follow the wood’s arch which means that no twist or bend is the same, resulting in a bespoke product. We’re passionate about each and every detail and lovingly spend several days perfecting each piece. We also use our own unique jigs so that we can create custom-made designs.

4 Timeless flair

Our stunning designs suit both modern and traditional homes and every style of décorthanks to the natural aesthetic. Wood is a timeless material that has natural beauty. We choose to keep the finishes on our designs simplistic and bespoke.By using the Rubio® Monocoat ‘Pure’ on our wooden lighting range, its unpigmented finish slightly darkens and enriches the natural tone of the wood itself.This means you can invest in a versatile woode nlight that can be cherished for many years. It can travel with you when you move home or choose to redecorate your existing living space. 

5 Luxurious brass fixtures

We use high-quality brass fixtures in our wooden lighting as they’re very resistant to temperature changes and hardwearing. Our brass fixtures can also be filled with low-carbon LED bulbs that are long-lasting and non-toxic.So, there you have it, five reasons why you’ll love wooden lighting from Steamed Studio.View our full range of ceiling lights, table lights and wall lights online. We also have a selection of steam-bent mirrors in beautiful arc shapes.

For information on our ash wood, take a look at our blog post The Uses, History and Wonders of the Ash Tree.With Earth Day 2022 on April 22nd, it’s a better time than ever to start making more eco-friendly choices with your homeware. Wooden lighting from Steamed Studio is a great first step. All our products are handmade to order and usually dispatched within 2-3 weeks. We hope you enjoy your new products as much as we enjoy crafting them.

What Lighting Can Bring to a Home

What lighting can bring to a home

Having the right amount of light within your home can change the whole look of a space. It can make or break the design and mood of a room. With so many attractive lighting options available, there’s no reason to stick with out-dated bulbs and bland shade designs. Instead, think about opting for lighting choices that will enhance a room’s decor and brighten it in the best possible way. We believe the right lighting choices can add a lot to a room – and here’s how. 

Bring balance with layers of light. 

When it comes to lighting a room, layers can have a significant impact. As a general rule, aim for at least three light layers in a room for the best impact. For example, in a larger space, consider a beautiful large chandelier alongside a tall lamp or a decorative table lamp, or adding dimmers to set the room’s mood for different activities. There’s no reason to limit light layering to larger spaces, either. For example, in a small bathroom consider reducing the wattage of the bulb in the main light to suit the size of the room and enhance the decor. 

Create a focal point of a living area 

A bespoke handcrafted light fitting or statement lamp can become a central focal point of your interior design. Coupling these statement pieces with clever hidden or overhead lighting can achieve some stunning effects. We recommend you opt for warmer LED bulbs over cold fluorescent versions for greater energy efficiency and flexibility. 

Enhance a space 

If you install directional lighting, focus them towards curtains, blinds or joinery so the light reflected comes back into the room and enhances the feeling of space. Light diffused by a decorative shade like our Vitale shade will bounce off the ceiling during daylight hours and create a soft glow in the darker evenings. 

A table lamp completes a sideboard. 

A sideboard can look incomplete without a stylish table lamp. A bespoke table lamp can add a little height and light up a small display of personal mementoes such as ornaments and treasured photographs. Then, add an artistic piece such as a painting or small sculpture to the other side to create a perfect balance. 

Add wall lights to show off your room’s best features. 

Do you love to hang artwork or do you want to light up a cosy reading corner? Well-chosen wall lights can illuminate your room’s best features for you to enjoy. You could even use some stunning handmade light fittings to frame your favourite piece to really make it pop. Wall lights can also make excellent task lighting, for example, in a dedicated reading nook in your living room, giving you a little extra light where you need it. 

All my lighting products are handmade and completely bespoke. No two pieces are entirely alike. So, if you are looking for some new light fittings for your room and want something a little bit different, check out my range. All of the timber used is sourced from the UK for minimal environmental impact – after all, whatever we do, whatever we make, we all need to work together to protect our planet.  

The Effects of Deforestation on Communities and Planet

Deforestation and helping our environment

Palm oil production is big business. You would be hard pushed to find a household that doesn’t have products containing palm oil. It’s a low-cost resource that can be used in almost everything making it highly sought after by manufacturers globally. The palm trees that bear this valuable oil are found in tropical climates, such as the Indonesian and Malaysian rainforests and other tropical environments. However, to meet the high demand, vast areas of rainforests are being cleared with purpose-made fires to make way for palm oil plantations. These plantations are the leading cause of rainforest deforestation, with the equivalent of 300 football pitches being cleared to make way for tree planting every hour. This has many adverse effects on the climate, environment, biodiversity and the communities living within the forests. The Indonesian rainforest has arguably the richest biodiversity on earth. It is home to numerous plants and wildlife — many of which are on the endangered species list, including orangutans, Sumatran tigers and Bornean rhinos. The destruction of natural habitats deprives the animals of the basis for their existence, causing an irreversible loss of biological diversity. Sadly, many communities living within these forests are losing their homes and livelihoods to palm oil plantations which, in turn, is destroying their traditional way of life. In some cases, these residents are often not even informed that their land is about to become a plantation. It’s been documented that if these people resist the changes to their environment, they are displaced by force. It’s an inhumane way to do business. It’s clear that palm oil production is not sustainable if our rainforests are to survive for future generations to benefit from them. So, we hope you agree with us at the Steam Studio; we must all act now and do our bit to protect the rainforests from further deforestation and destruction.

 

Are Big Brands Doing Their Bit to Help Sustainable Palm Oil Production?

As we mentioned earlier, palm oil is such an integral ingredient in everything we buy, from the food we eat to the cosmetics we use and the fuel we put in our vehicles. We would be hard pushed to eliminate it from our lives completely. Yet, with all these reasons to stop unsustainable deforestation, what are big brands doing in the fight to help save our rainforests? Some brands like Iceland have pledged not to use palm oil in any of their own products. Others, such as M&S and Waitrose have promised they will only sell products containing palm oils from responsibly sourced plantations (RSPO certified). It’s not just supermarkets either. Some manufacturers, including Ryvita, Walbertons and Walkers, are also proudly palm oil-free. The palm oil used in their products comes from independently audited plants that have passed a series of stringent checks to ensure no illegal or environmentally damaging logging is taking place. They have fair policies to work with communities and to protect local habits. However, there is a long way to go in the fight against illegal and destructive palm oil production. We believe that making sure we, as consumers, only buy products where the ingredients have been sustainably sourced is the first step to saving the rainforests and protecting our planet.

The Perils of Palm Oil

The Perils of Palm Oil

Palm oil and its production have been a source of controversy for many years. It is present in about 50% of the products we buy as consumers every day. Continue reading