In a fusion of sustainability and creativity, British-Swedish designer Simon Skinner has redefined how we think about discarded materials with his Buké series of table lamps.
Rather than sourcing new glass, Skinner scours second-hand and charity-shop finds — from ashtrays and bowls to vintage vases — and repurposes them into sculptural lighting pieces that each have a story to tell.
The Buké range takes its name from the French word for “bouquet”, an apt metaphor for Skinner’s process of arranging glass objects much like floral compositions. Each lamp is unique: individual pieces of glassware, once overlooked and destined for landfill, become the central elements of luminous, functional art. By layering, stacking and sometimes sandblasting the assembled components, Skinner unifies disparate forms into cohesive silhouettes that glow warmly when illuminated.
What makes Buké exemplary in the context of circular lighting is its foundational use of pre-existing materials. Instead of melting down glass or incorporating mass-produced parts, Skinner elevates the inherent qualities of found objects, reducing the need for virgin resources and giving new life to things already in circulation. This approach aligns with broader trends in circular design that prioritise reuse over recycling — keeping materials in use in their original form for as long as possible.
Each lamp in the collection is a one-off, its aesthetic shaped by the quirks and histories of its constituent pieces. Some evoke nostalgia — reminiscent of familiar household items from past generations — while others feel wholly contemporary, a testament to how thoughtful design can bridge tradition and innovation.
Presented at design showcases such as Stockholm Design Week, the Buké lamps have quickly captured the attention of the design community for their imaginative reinterpretation of waste and their potential to inspire more sustainable practices in lighting and beyond.
In an era where climate imperatives demand new production paradigms, Skinner’s work not only illuminates spaces but also the value of circular creativity.
- Learn more sustainable lighting at Circular Lighting Live 2026, Recolight’s flagship conference and exhibition, which takes place on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the Minster Building in the City of London. Free to specifiers, Circular Lighting Live 2025 will feature leading experts, specifiers and policy makers who will share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models. More info: www..circularlighting.live
