shinobu koizumi : light in drawer

‘light in a drawer’ by shinobu koizumi

created by japanese designer shinobu koizumi, ‘light in a drawer’ integrates lighting into the drawer doors on a small cabinet, increasing the utility of the furniture as a storage device as well as providing increased ambiance and visual enjoyment.

each drawer in the piece is composed of frosted acrylic with a wooden front facade. the lights are installed at the back of the drawer, while the plastic construction means that the illumination is visible around the sides of each box even when the drawer is shut. in a whimsical play on the cabinet’s concept, the knob on each drawer is the screw cap of an electric light bulb.

koizumi reflects on the more expressive aspects of the cabinet: ‘the image I want to express is a magical moment like fairy tales. when I open the drawer, dazzling light floods to me, and I find the wonderful treasure [stored inside]. this light changes daily articles into precious things, and illuminates the space.‘ 

examples of varied lighting that can be accomplished with the cabinet

view of the cabinet with one drawer being opened

view of ‘light in a drawer’ with all drawers closed

process of opening of drawer

the lamp in lit conditions with light bulbs off

  side view of the piece in use for storage, with lights off but drawers pulled out

detail on drawers, whose handles are composed of the bases of electric light bulbs

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.,