List member Heather responded to Tuesday’s “Two Pens” email with an illuminating observation:

“Another functional item where value varies broadly is home lighting: from the cheapest desk lamp, to the custom chandelier. They all light our way, but there is a huge range of import placed on function versus form.”

She’s so right.

A while ago, some relatives showed us their restored Poul Henningsen PH Artichoke light.

They scored it for “just” $10,000 – about half the price of new. The DIY restoration project involved cleaning, refurbishing, and reassembling 72 individual copper-toned leaves.

On the other hand, you can pick up a basic chandelier at Home Depot for less than $20.

Both illuminate spaces. Both hang from ceilings. Both technically do the same functional job.

But lighting has evolved far beyond mere function. Consider the market segments:

Utility lighting:

• Basic illumination
• Low cost, high practicality
• Easy replacement

Task lighting:

• Specific function focus
• Ergonomic design
• Professional grade

Architectural lighting:

• Space enhancement
• Mood creation
• Design statement

Investment pieces:

• Designer provenance
• Artistic value
• Collectible status

The ironic part?

The most expensive fixtures often provide less actual illumination than basic alternatives. Their value lies elsewhere – in design history, artistic merit, or status signaling.

That Artichoke light wasn’t purchased to deliver lumens to someone bumbling around in a dark condo. It’s a piece of Danish design history, a conversation starter, an investment.

For product makers, lighting exemplifies how basic utility can be transformed into something far more valuable through design, story, and cultural significance.

Even IKEA gets this. Their premium lighting pieces are more than simply brighter or more durable – they’re more design-forward.

This is fun! What other everyday objects transcend their basic function to become something more?

Laurier