Folks have been trying to disguise the distinctive spirals of the energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulb since its introduction more than a decade ago. Plastic covers make them look like traditional incandescent bulbs and shades hide slim versions of the lights. But British company Plumen (a combination of plumage and lumen) decided the solution to the design dilemma lay in more, not fewer spirals.
Calling it the world's first designer CFL, the company offers the Plumen 001, an energy saving bulb meant to be displayed in all its naked, curvaceous glory.
The screw type bulb works like any other CFL, lasting 8 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb and saving up to 80 percent on energy bills. At $30 a piece, the bulbs are not an inexpensive source of light, despite the energy savings. But they've found an market in commercial establishments with exposed ceilings and residential loft style dwellings.
Of course, you'll want something other than plastic coated wire to suspend the bulbs from the ceiling. The company sells a variety of brightly colored cloth-covered wire as well as two styles of pendant hanging kits.
The Plumen 001 is available in 120 AC and 220 AC for European countries.
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