New Classics: The Miss K Lamp
Sassy but sleek, this versatile table lamp transforms before your eyes
Becky Harris
June 19, 2012
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
The first time I reviewed this lamp I said, "Miss K ... more like Miz Thang!" While I won't be winning a Pulitzer anytime ... ever ... I think it's an accurate description, as this table lamp has serious attitude. Designed by Phillipe Starck for Flos in 2003, the sleek little lamp is still superhot, and she knows it; basically, she's the Rhianna of the lighting world. At $325, it's not exactly fire sale priced, but it's not ridiculously out of reach like lots of other iconic pieces we've drooled over together, either. Get to know Miss K and see if you'd like her to light up your room.
The lamp has a sculptural shape, yet its streamlined silhouette won't take away from artwork and other interesting shapes in your room.
The base is "fully transparent, injection-molded PMMA polymethylmethacrylate," according to the product description. Let's just think of it as clear acrylic to keep things simple.
The base is "fully transparent, injection-molded PMMA polymethylmethacrylate," according to the product description. Let's just think of it as clear acrylic to keep things simple.
Get ready for a little "spot the difference" game between this photo and the next. Here's what's extra clever about Miss K. When she's turned off, the lampshade appears opaque ...
... however, when you switch her on, the lampshade becomes transparent and the vase-shaped diffuser inside becomes visible.
By the way, the shade and the diffuser are polycarbonate, which we'll think of as "pretty plastic that doesn't scratch or break unless you really try hard."
By the way, the shade and the diffuser are polycarbonate, which we'll think of as "pretty plastic that doesn't scratch or break unless you really try hard."
A pair of Miss Ks creates contemporary bedside symmetry. The lamp is currently available in clear, red and black.
The first things I picture going with this lamp are uberslick, minimalist, glossy contemporary pieces, but the lamp's simplicity and transparency mean it can fit in with all sorts of styles and textures, like more traditional woven pieces or upholstery with brass nailheads.
That being said, she does seem very at home with classic midcentury icons as well, such as an Eames lounge chair and an Eames molded shell armchair.
The lamp is also a fitting choice for a glass house, as the clear version isn't much of a view obstruction.
Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "Polycarbonate? I like my lampshades cloth and pleated, thank you very much!" Don't flip to the next article yet; Starck has added a lamp to the line that may be right for you. The Miss K Soft lamp's shade is covered in plissé cloth, providing a strong contrast with the clear polycarbonate base.
More New Classics:
The EroS Chair
Kartells' Bourgie Table Lamp (she's more the Beyonce of table lamps)
More New Classics:
The EroS Chair
Kartells' Bourgie Table Lamp (she's more the Beyonce of table lamps)
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This is the most amazing post ever because...I am Miss K. Literally. I'm a high school English teacher and this is what my kids call me. :)