Skip to main content

The Skála Lamp is an elegant light source that you can adjust at will

Skála Lamp! Now On INDIEGOGO! Go Grab Yours!
It can be hard to get excited about a lamp, but when light imitates art, we sit up and pay attention. Such is the case with the Skála, a unique modern desk lamp that is as much of a conversation piece as it is a functional piece of furniture. With its unusual folding and unfolding design, this is one light that you may look at for just a bit too long.

When it’s closed, Skála Lamp is rather innocuous. Resembling a rather artfully designed paperweight, the past-vertical design is still eye-catching, but as the Skála team says, “unassuming.” But when you begin to unfold its many rings, it begins to light up, too. Outfitted with a non-flicker light, its concentric rings can be opened up one after another in a variety of forms, illuminating your space.

Said to be constructed with 76 anodized aluminum parts, the Skála Lamp is assembled by hand, and can take on a variety of different shapes. You can extend all five of the Skála rings, or you can extend just a few various angles. Alternatively, you can also rotate all the rings back to their resting state while keeping the light illuminated, and the lamp becomes more of a nightlight, offering more of a muted glow.

You can either turn the light on using a switch, or dim the lights gradually using touch (though it’s unclear exactly how this works). Also a bit vague is exactly how the Skála Lamp achieves its wireless function. Its Indiegogo page suggests it is by “using metal as both a conductor and an insulator,” but seeing as the lamp is still in prototype stage, we can’t verify these claims. 

That said, even in what we can see from the lamp’s Indiegogo page, the design is a real differentiating factor. In many ways, the Skála is a customizable light source, as you can set each of the rings at various heights and angles. Neutral white light is produced at 400 lumens and this particular color temperature is said to offer an ideal balance of productivity and relaxation.

Early-bird backers on Indiegogo should be able to get a Skála Lamp by March with a pledge of $179, though as with all crowdfunded products, there is never a guarantee of delivery. But if this light makes it to market, it’s sure to be the star of your lamps.

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: which is the better video doorbell?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring and Nest are responsible for some of the best video doorbells available. With easy-to-use smartphone apps, simple installation processes, and the ability to customize your motion alerts, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Nest Doorbell have quickly established themselves as two of the best video doorbells money can buy.

But what exactly is the difference between these two popular gadgets? And which is better for your smart home?

Read more
The best Apple HomeKit devices for 2023
A person unlocking the Aqara U100 smart lock with their phone.

While not as widespread as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit remains one of the most popular smart home ecosystems of 2023. The software plays well with iOS devices, and several other gadgets such as smart lights, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras can be controlled using the fancy technology. If you’re looking to build your smart home around Apple’s ecosystem, here are the best HomeKit devices available today.
Locks

HomeKit doesn’t have the largest selection of smart locks, but that doesn’t really matter when you have something as well-rounded as the Aqara Smart Lock U100. Not only does it offer full HomeKit support, but you’ll even gain access to Apple home keys -- allowing you to unlock your door with your iPhone or Apple Watch. There’s also the standard keypad for entering a passcode, along with a fingerprint sensor that can store several dozen fingerprints (so your whole family can enter the home without worrying about forgetting their password or smartphone).

Read more
Secure your home with Ring Floodlight Cam Plus and save $80
Ring Floodlight Camera placed on a wall outside.

Best Buy has one of the best security camera deals at the moment with $80 off the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired Surveillance Camera. Usually priced at $200, it's down to $120 for a limited time only so if you're fast enough, you'll save a lot of cash. If you're looking to secure your home, keep reading while we tell you all about the advantages this security camera offers.

Why you should buy the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus
Considered to be one of the best floodlight cameras for someone seeking a hard-wired solution, the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired Surveillance Camera is a highly effective home security measure.

Read more