This lighting range is thoughtfully designed allowing for material integrity with an emphasis on tactile qualities, functionality in an enduring form. Designed and manufactured to make them affordable to as many people as possible, using processes that are as circular and sustainable as current technology will allow; enriching spaces with beautiful lighting.

‘Bud’ with a Flame LED.

Of course we made extensive studies to see what is currently out there as we developed our own processes & designs. We have found this to be one of the most direct ways in which we’re able to express ourselves and understand other peoples interests. This entire range will expand over the coming months to allow conversation, understanding, and delight with our customers.

Founded on the belief that great products could be made at low cost without exploitative labor practices, invasive materials or requiring large production runs in order to turn a small profit.

We do this by working with past resident artists & collaborators utilising a combination of robotic 3D printers and hand fabrication manufacturing techniques. Our artists are all paid a royalty for each and every unit that goes out into the world. This remunerates the artists & designers of each product in a meaningful & long-term way. This is an important cornerstone of the Distil Ennui Studio, supporting artists as their career develops, reciprocating great work in a fair and often overlooked way. Choosing not to pay our collaborators by the hour or for each individual design, but instead paying a royalty that remunerates on the results of their creations directly from each and every light that reaches a customer’s hands.

Since the studio invested in 3D scanning & printing back in 2019 we have learnt that this technology allows us move from idea to a physical product in a matter of days — even hours — instead of weeks. This eliminates the need for mass-production mould making processes and factory supply chains. All of our products are made in the Distil Ennui Studio: printed, assembled by humans & robots.

a hanging ‘Vortex’ lamp and table ‘Beehive’ both with a flame LED

SUSTAINABILITY

The studio has a long history of sustainable projects, and this lighting range is no exception. Being more sustainable in the processes we use and the materials we choose allows us to achieve an ethical and circular range with real and tangible provenance.

The filament in our printers is made from a minimum of 50% recycled plastic as opposed to virgin material. Our 3D printed products are made using a combination of PLA and PETG plastic filaments.

PLA (Polylactic acid)

Made from renewable sources such as cornstarch & sugar cane, PLA is biodegradable. Using recycled materials and plant-based inputs allows us to produce these products with nearly 80% less energy than traditional manufacturing processes.

Our PLA printed lighting designs are environmentally friendly when disposed of via composting or commercial recycling paths.

PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)

PETG can be recycled through chemical processes that break it down into its original form. However, if poorly disposed of, PETG will take years to decompose — which is why we use it sparingly and only where its properties are necessary.

The glycol in recycled PETG filament improves heat resistance and produces greater optical clarity, offering a more dynamic design range.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing falls into the category of additive manufacturing. Instead of subtracting material — as in woodworking — it deposits material precisely where needed, dramatically reducing waste.

The Distil Ennui lighting range is printed using FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling). Imagine a glue gun depositing material smoothly in precise layers. Invented in the late 1980s, its patent expiry enabled an open-source ecosystem that transformed an expensive, dangerous technology into a widely accessible manufacturing tool.

How 3D printing affects design & production in the studio

One of the most powerful aspects of 3D printing is speed. Designs move from concept to tangible object almost instantly, allowing rapid iteration and direct feedback from real-world use.

So what does this mean for production?

Injection moulding is prohibitively expensive and built for mass production. In contrast, 3D printing allows us to produce in small runs, experiment freely, and maintain affordability.

Design → production → customer happens in weeks rather than months or years. Because everything is made in-house, there is no waiting for external samples or re-tooling.

Our design process

You’ll notice our products are not completely smooth. We intentionally vary layer thickness to balance accessibility, print time, and price. Thinner layers would mean higher costs; we chose a process that keeps pricing humane.

We also find the visible filament lines visually engaging. They express the process rather than hide it, giving each lamp subtle individuality.

These textural qualities refract light in prism-like ways that vary depending on LED selection. ‘Vortex’, for example, uses a double-layer structure that creates complex light play — particularly with the Flame LED.

We do not hide imperfections. We believe they give character, texture, and honesty to the objects.

You can find the full range on the Home Decor & Functional Art page.