String Light
Made by Flos
Designed by Michael Anastassiades
Michael Anastassiades conceived the String Light as a meditation on absence. A bare, tensioned cable stretches across a room and terminates in a single glowing diffuser, asking how little a lamp can be while still commanding a space entirely.
The premise draws from two opposing sensibilities: the geometric rigor of industrial infrastructure and the informal warmth of Mediterranean evenings gathered around light. Neither dominates. The result is an object that reads differently depending on whether it is lit or dark, occupied or empty.
The varnished die-cast aluminum body carries a soft-touch finish. The opal polycarbonate diffuser, available in sphere or cross configurations, disperses light without drama, producing an atmosphere of quiet clarity rather than spectacle. Dimming is controlled through cable pressure, a gesture as elemental as the design itself.
- Available in sphere and cross diffuser configurations
- Compatible with floor base or ceiling canopy installation
- Pressure-sensitive dimming along the cable
- Varnished die-cast aluminum with soft-touch finish
- Opal polycarbonate diffuser
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String Light
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the sphere and cross diffuser versions?
The sphere diffuser produces an omnidirectional, ambient glow, while the cross diffuser casts light in a more directional pattern suited to task or table illumination. Both share the same tensioned cable system and aluminum body.
Can the String Light be installed from the floor or ceiling?
Yes. The String Light is designed for both configurations: a ceiling canopy anchors the cable overhead, while a weighted floor base allows for freestanding installation without any ceiling attachment. The cable length determines how far the diffuser travels across the room.
How does the pressure-sensitive dimming work?
Squeezing the cable at any point along its length activates a pressure-sensitive dimming mechanism built into the cord itself. This interaction is intentional to the design, making the act of adjusting light a physical, almost tactile experience.
Who is Michael Anastassiades and what is his design philosophy?
Michael Anastassiades is a Cyprus-born, London-based designer and founder of his eponymous studio. His practice is grounded in reduction, exploring how objects can communicate through proportion and restraint rather than ornamentation. He has maintained a long-standing creative collaboration with Flos.
What cable length options are available for the String Light?
The String Light is available with cables ranging up to approximately 12 meters, allowing it to traverse large rooms or open-plan spaces. The specific length should be selected based on the installation context and the distance between the anchor points.
