Header: Sabin
TAPER, a new conical pendant by Sabin, has made its debut at this year’s LEDucation, which took place between March 14-15, 2026, in Hilon Midtown, New York. The first taper-shaped illuminaire from the Chicago-based company introduces a new form to the portfolio of a brand mostly known for its geometric building blocks designed to scale across interiors.
“The truncated cone has a long history in lighting, and there’s a warmth to it that people recognize. Our goal was to take that instinctive quality and pair it with the level of acoustic and lighting performance that designers need today.”
Wes Cox, Co-Founder of Sabin
Felt stretched on metal frame
The lamp reimagines a traditional lampshade silhouette, giving it a new performance-based design. Its structure comes from an exposed minimal metal frame made by a local family-owned studio, which was paired with Sibin’s trademark sewn construction. Two layers of post-consumer recycled PET felt, ranging from 9mm to 1.5mm in thickness, are joined with a simple seam. Intentionally offset at the bottom, the seams produce a subtle reveal that results in contrast when dual tones are chosen for the interior and exterior of the lamp.
Customizable effects and dimensions
Sabin’s TAPER offers a range of options and effects rarely seen in lighting fixtures. Light engine options include globes, diffuse lenses, and downlights, while beam spread and outputs can be customised from soft ambient light to up to 18,000 lumens. Customisation is the defining quality of TEMPER, which is available in various sizes ranging from 20 to 89 inches in diameter, while suspension lengths can be shortened from 120 inches to just 24, depending on the height of the ceiling.
Dual-felt and colour options
A highly customizable colour palette allows for countless combinations of cables, cords, and distinct interior and exterior felt tones. Users can opt for a neutral colour in the interior, and pair it with a bolder tone on the exterior, which is particularly important for lighting designers, allowing them to preserve the purity of light output while introducing a stronger visual identity into the space.
Light installations
Numerous options for customisation allow the designers to assemble large-scale light installations from several luminaires of different colours and sizes. The modular design ensures precision and functionality while at the same time allowing creativity. Whether used individually or as an element of a larger composition, TAPER lamps serve as a visual and acoustic anchor of a space.
TAPER’s adaptable light can define intimate zones, guide the visitors through the circulation areas, or shape larger open plans. Designed for commercial interiors, the lamp features modularity and the versatility of colours that visually define any space.
