Nelson created the first Bubble Lamps when he found the price for a silk-covered Swedish lamp to be unfavorable. He designed it by using a translucent white plastic spray, a technique developed by the US military at the time. His sketches were inspired by organic shapes which saw the birth of models such as the Apple Bubble Pendant and the Saucer Pendant Lamp, among others.

The Swedish design was done in a silk covering that was very difficult to make; they had to cut gores and sew them onto a wire frame. But I wanted one badly.

quote from hermanmiller.com

He designed the first prototype of the lamps quickly after he came across an image of Liberty ship decks covered with netting and sprayed with self-webbing plastic. He created round frames using perforated rings inserted with steel wires that retained their shape under tension. This technique required no welding or special tools and thus reduced the cost significantly. He then sprayed the metal structure with resinous lacquer to form the fibrous web and used a layer of plastic on the surface to create a smooth and translucent skin.

George Nelson’s Bubble Lamps combine originality with material innovation. There is a playful enlightenment about them that comes with a side of subtle humor. Their floating personalities softens up the interior space and brings a touch of softness and luminosity.

The collection consists of pendant lights, wall lights, floor lights, and table lights. They come in various sizes and different structural configurations. The shade is made from a plastic polymer coating over a steel wire frame with an accent finish in brushed nickel. They are all made in the USA and come with a 10-foot adjustable suspension cord.