Header: YIF Design
The Moon Lamp is a lighting design that looks simple at first, yet slowly reveals layers of meaning and detail. Inspired by the moon as a symbol shared across cultures, it speaks about calm, reflection, and the quiet moments we often miss. Rather than relying on trends or decoration, the design focuses on feeling. It creates a soft, poetic presence that feels familiar no matter where you come from, making it a clear example of emotion-driven and inclusive design.
The Moon Portable Lamp by Yifu Guo, from studio YIF Design, is one of the winners of the DNA Paris Design Awards 2026, specifically of the “Product Design (Furniture & Lighting)” category. It’s its form that catches the eye, as it is inspired by the moon itself.
An unbalanced form
At first glance, the project is about a simple imbalance: a glass shade that seemingly hovers above a stem and a matte base that holds the whole thing steady. This form, says the designer, was created to reflect “the moon’s suspended presence“, with the matte finish supporting the vision by evoking “the serene stillness of the night“.
The shade does not sit in a predictable position. Its asymmetrical, slightly offset placement gives the lamp a feeling of pause, as if it were caught mid-air. When the lamp is turned off, the black mirrored surface of the shade stands out against the soft, matte base. In this state, the object feels almost sculptural, like a quiet art piece resting in the room.
Two luminous moons
The lighting effect, diffused and soft rather than sharp, complements the visual design. This glow is achieved by a special element: inside the shade, a subtle pattern was added to bend and split light. When the lamp is switched on, this detail creates the impression of two overlapping moons, which can be noticed from different angles.
The inner surface of the lampshade uses light refraction to create this effect. From any viewpoint, the intersecting moon shapes appear to float within the glass. As the light passes through the pattern, it casts gentle, layered shadows that recall moonlight falling into a dark landscape. The result is calm, never harsh, and easy to live with.
Light, shadow, and emotional presence
The Moon Lamp plays with ideas of presence and absence. When lit, it fills the space with a soft glow that feels intimate and calm. When turned off, it becomes a silent object, defined by contrast, form, and balance. In both states, it carries meaning.
By focusing on light and shadow, stillness and suspension, the design shows how lighting can go beyond function. It becomes a way to express atmosphere and emotion without words.
