Reclaiming Style

By reclaiming "garbage" top designers create gorgeous lighting that makes use see recycling in an even better light. Check these out:

Dutch Designer Anneke Jakobs collected discarded cartons in the street during her days as a student at the Utrecht School of Product Design. Ten cartons make up the luxe chandelier. Desktop paper fasteners hold it all together. The look is unexpected, chic, and surprisingly upscale. Chiquita Chandelier by Anneke Jakobs; AnnekeJakobs.nl.

Made from the cut bottoms of clear bottles strung together and hung in a circle; artist Michelle Brand lets the beautiful shapes speak for themselves. En masse, the look is one of softly falling crystal flowers.

Recycled Cascade Chandelier by Michelle Brand, MichelleBrand.co.uk

And, my favorite, from Studio Verissimo. This Portugal-based firm collected hundreds of discarded clear plastic sticks to create a chandelier with an iridescent effect that is as eye-catching and perhaps even more striking than your classic crystal.

Spoon Lamp by Studio Verissimo; StudioVerissimo.net

To see more of modern design's latest feats of recycling, check out ReUse Muse.