DIY design: floating umbrella lights

Hanging umbrella lights are a unique, whimsical, and slightly cheeky way one pousada thought of to illuminate its uncovered front patio in the middle of rainy São Paulo. A similar DIY version would make a memorable addition outside any eclectic residence, restaurant, or boutique hotel.

If recreating this look, make sure all electrical components are specified as being for the outdoors, and don't underestimate the amount of wire cable needed. The umbrellas should be harnessed together with wire in addition to electric cord to reduce individual movement.

Ingo Maura is regarded as the creator of this type of fixture after his original installation at Milan Design Week in 2007.

 

Here is a similar, though smaller installation inspired by string lights, courtesy of French blog Fabulous Frog:










For more large-scale umbrella art, check out the work gathered by Environmental Graffiti and Crooked Brain.