Flos vs Artemide vs Research.Lighting: Contrast in Shape, Spirit, & Shine
Modern lighting doesn’t live in one lane. Some brands lean iconic, others more philosophical, others more personal. None of them are better or worse. They just serve different needs, which makes the real question not “who wins,” but “what fits your space best?”
Here’s how we see three names in lighting today: Flos, Artemide, and us.
Flos: Icons and Innovation
Flos has been shaping design since the 1960s. Their collaborations with figures like Achille Castiglioni and Philippe Starck produced some of the most recognizable lights in modern history.
What they do best is spectacle. Their pieces are playful, bold, often instantly recognizable. You’ll see them in museums, hotels, and homes across the world.
When does Flos make sense? For clients who want heritage, or who want a design name with cultural weight.
Artemide: Function Meets Philosophy
Artemide takes a different path. Since the late 1950s, their work has centered on “The Human Light,” an approach focused on comfort, health, and perception.
Their strength is technical refinement. Artemide invests in optics, LEDs, and research into how light interacts with people. Their designs can feel more restrained than Flos, but with a strong conceptual backbone.
When does Artemide make sense? For clients who want function and philosophy working together. They’re often chosen for workplaces, healthcare, or public projects.
Research.Lighting: Sculptural Perspective from Brooklyn
We’re the small studio in this mix. Based in Brooklyn, we design pared-back, sculptural fixtures, made to order and assembled by hand; sconces, pendants, chandeliers, flush mounts, etc.
Our focus is proportion and material. Brass, steel, and glass, shaped into forms that don’t shout but still hold presence. The collection is small, but considered. And we're frequently adding new designs.
When do we make sense? For clients who want intimacy and craft, or for designers who like working with a studio approach instead of a catalog brand. Our scale also makes customizing a light quite a bit more feasible.
Contrast in Shape, Spirit, and Shine
Put side by side, the differences are clear, but subtle. Flos leans iconic. Artemide leans conceptual. We lean sculptural and personal. Each serves a different role.
Which is right? It depends on the project. A hotel lobby might reach for Flos. A workplace might lean Artemide. A restaurant or home might prefer us. But honestly, it wouldn't be a surprise if a home, office, or hotel had fixtures from all three brands.
Modern lighting isn’t one path. It’s a conversation. We’re glad to be part of it, adding our perspective alongside brands we respect.
