Buds – Foscarini

Buds - Material selection and construction

The core of the design is the craftsmanship required to produce the shades. Each Buds lamp consists of hand-blown glass in several layers, giving the fixture its specific character. For the Buds 3 model, five-layer glass is used, a technique that enables complex colour rendering where the inside has a pale yellow tone while the outside can be chosen in, for example, bamboo green or warm white. This layering causes the lamp to change appearance depending on whether it is switched on or off. In the off state, the glossy surface reflects the surroundings with a cool look, while the lit lamp provides a warm and diffuse glow that highlights the depth of the glass.

The lower part of the table lamps consists of a cylinder in transparent PMMA. This detail has a milled finish that catches the light and creates a visual link between the heavy glass shade and the surface below. It is a construction that gives the table lamp a floating sensation despite the weight of the material.

Variants in the collection

The series includes three main shapes designated Buds 1, Buds 2, and Buds 3. Each model has its own silhouette and size, making them useful in different types of projects. The Buds 2 table lamp has a generous spherical shape and is available in colours such as grey and warm white. This model is particularly suitable for larger surfaces where the fixture is allowed to take up visual space. Buds 1 has a more elongated expression, often in a brown or warm white shade, while Buds 3 is the most compact variant with its distinct green or white tone.

Part of Foscarini's broad design range

While Buds is defined by its smooth surface and colour shift, Foscarini explores other expressions in series such as Gregg, Lumiere and Caboche. Gregg shares the material choice of glass but has an asymmetrical, satin-finished shape like a polished stone. Caboche offers a clearer contrast, where spheres in transparent acrylic plastic and an interior of hand-blown white frosted glass refract the light like crystal, unlike the more collected glow of Buds.

Design with a well-considered light distribution

When installing a pendant, it is worth noting that the diameter of the fixture affects the light spread over table or floor surfaces. The table lamps are supplied with a switch on the cable, and the transparent base allows them to blend into various interior styles without dominating the colour scheme of the surface.

For those seeking a stripped-back and well-balanced lighting solution with strong roots in Italian glass tradition, this is a series to take note of. The design by Rodolfo Dordoni for Foscarini ensures a product where every detail, from the thickness of the glass to the transparency of the base, is carefully considered to show the material at its best. You can choose different combinations to adapt the expression to the room's architecture.