Last year, Philips showed off their LivingColor lamps at a media event. Although these efficient, color-changing LED lights are still not available in the U.S., you can now buy your own for a hefty £97 ($191) from the U.K.

Each compact light can illuminate 16 million unique colors, all of which can be controlled via an included wireless RF remote. You can set any remote to control up to six fixtures simultaneously, keeping their colors in synchronization for a dramatic effect. Since it uses some seriously bright LEDs, Philips designed a special heat sink into the lamp that looks more like a work of art than a technical necessity.

LEDs really shine as reading lights and desk lights. LEDs have a directed beam, so they do not disturb others when used as reading lights (in bed for example). LEDs also do not get hot to the touch, so there’s no risk of burns, or excess heat in the summer. Because LED light is so focused, even a 100 lumen LED desk lamp will seem quite bright when used as a task light. Here’s a survey of what’s currently available: (more…)

Most candles commonly found in households are made using low-grade paraffin (a petroleum by-product). They contain many impurities which are emitted into the air as the candle burns. These low-quality candles also tend to use wicks which are made with a metal core like zinc or possbily lead. This is not optimal. A good alternative to parafin-based candles are ones mad with palm oil, soy oil or beeswax. Soy oil is not as optimal as palm oil because it tends to come from non-organic genetically modified soy beans. We like Aloha Bay Candles, because they are made with virgin palm oil extracted without solvents. We tested thse candles and they burn very bright and clean.

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Lehman’s is now offering these newly upgraded olive oil lamps with stands. Olive oil is a renewable, non-petroleum fuel which burns without fumes or odor. You can also burn any vegetable oil, or liquid fat or grease in these lamps. The makers of the lamps also publish a booklet entitled “I Didn’t Know that Olive Oil Would Burn!”. It’s quite an informative read. It’s available from Lehman’s.

This efficient LED Light was created by designers Marco Pulga and Luca Artioli for Lexon of France. It runs on only 4 AA batteries. The lamp is 5″ square in size. The intensity of the light can be adjusted, and you can also set the light to turn off after period of time. Available for $60 from Greener Grass Designs via Better Living Through Design.

We featured some LED candles from Phillips previously but these lamps are available for only $9.95. The LEDs inside this lamp simulate a real candle. It’s powered by three rechargeable or regular AAA batteries. Available from CB2. Found via Better Living Through Design.

It’s interesting to see more LED lamps being produced today, like this long neck Aeonic lamp, which uses 20 energy efficient, cool-running, white LEDs. It can be used as a bedside lamp — the 36-inch neck adjusts to any angle. The specs say the LEDs should last for a century before they need replacement. I’m guessing this burns at 1-2 Watts. It’s priced at $99.95, including shipping.

Available from CCrane

Attractive, portable fluorescent lamps are metaefficient — they allow you to light a room using as little as 10W. See our reviews of the latest compact fluorescent bulbs. Pictured here is a lamp by Foscarini. Available from YLighting. See also Ambient Direct.

This intriguing table lamp is crafted in Spain out of recycled glass, and it’s topped by a white burlap shade. Great use of sustainable materials. Note that this piece has outside European wiring due to the delicacy of the glass. The cord does not run through the inside of the lamp; instead, it comes out of the top and can be seen. It’s priced at $158 at: Bellacor

This “TA-KE” floor lamp is one of many affordable, asian-style lamps available from Shojidecor.

Light on resources, it is made of thick rice paper with a satin steel finished base.

Available for $89 in five colors from Shojidecor.

This Kago Lamp has a natural matchstick weave.

Available from Oriental Furniture for $24.

Enlighten makes lamps using sustainable woods like bamboo and reclaimed teak.

The artist, Deaw Intawong, has a rustic-contemporary approach to design.

The lamps are handmade in Thailand and fair traded. They are available from YuzuMura for $70.

These Aurelle LED Candles were recently introduced by Philips. They are similar to Candela Rechargeable Lamps, but use less toxic NIMH batteries instead of NiCads.

These lamps actually flicker like a real candle (I’m not sure if I’d want that or not). They last six hours on a charge, and come with a recharging base. More information from Philips. A set of four “candles” available from C. Crane for $39.95. Via Inhabitat

This lamp by Adesso has a fan-shaped, bamboo-ribbed, collapsible rice paper shade that stands 28″ tall.

The metaefficiency comes through the use of bamboo and rice paper, both very light and renewable. Can be fitted with a CFL, if you like.

Available for $87 from Contemporary Furniture Online.

This is a lamp that “blooms” when the energy consumption in your house has been low for some time, thus giving you tangible feedback.

More details: WorldChanging

The LightWedge is another LED book light. We like the night vision-friendly red LED illumination version. The light has two illumination modes, and can be changed at a touch. If it were not made of acrylic, it would be that much more meta-efficient. Takes four AAA batteries.

Thanks to Thomas for the tip.

Available from: Amazon

This booklight has a flexible neck that works well to illuminate the entire page. It uses a single bright LED bulb. I accidentally left this light on and it was still burning bright after about 40 hours.

It takes AAA batteries including rechargeables.

Available from: Always Something Brilliant ($28.95)

The furniture featured here is definitely multifunctional, serving both as a lamp and as a table or chair. It is however, too expensive to be meta-efficient. The chairs below are priced at $2850 and the tables above go for $650-999. The ideas are intriguing though, and if built with eco-effective materials, would qualify as being meta-efficient.

Links: Kubo and B9 Furniture

Featuring the latest LED technology, CMG’s 3-ounce Bonfire Tent Light uses a proprietary LED circuit and a three-bulb cluster that will never burn out. Unlike a traditional candle lantern or fuel cell, this lightweight, packable and durable alternative has no open flame, no burning fuel and no breakable glass. Powered by a pair of AA batteries, the Bonfire offers high and low power settings and burns up to 30 hours on low power compared to other tent lights that burn for 4-9 hours maximum. Hang the light from the top of your tent with the included lanyard or set it on the floor. The soft amber glow is easier on the eyes than white light and emulates a candle for great reading. 2.5 in. x 4.5 in. Wt. 4.5 oz. with batteries.

Purchase from : $13.99 (Knifestore)

The Brunton
Lamplight is a tiny but powerful LED-powered lamp and flashlight in one.
Brunton managed to focus a single LED light into a highly focused beam with
the Lamplight—plenty for finding a trail in the darkness or hunting
down the mouse that’s
been stealing from your campsite. The Lamplight makes full use of the LED
efficiency with 200 hours of operating time from three AAA batteries.
Raise the flashlight housing to convert the Lamplight into a soft glow lantern
for reading in your tent. The bulb is guaranteed for life.

Purchase from: $24.95 (Amazon)
or $17.62 (Sepharus)