“We have chosen honest materials that carry clear messages,” says Ilse Crawford, designer of the w084t Lamp (2008). “Iron for its feelings of stability, reliability and trust; wood with its warmth and life; and a glass, chalk and plastic blend for its intimate glow and tactility.” Even the fabric-covered cord was chosen for its familiarity, and along the stem, it remains visible by following a groove in the wood. It would be an understatement to say there is nothing slick about this lamp, and that’s exactly the point. A hands-on experience, the lamp stands on a cast iron base with a switch in the center, and the arms are adjusted by turning wing nuts. The light source, however, is a new generation of low-heat halogen, which is energy efficient and dimmable.