Tom Chung's design practice blends simplicity, functionality, and context, creating adaptable objects that reflect how people engage with their surroundings. Recently, a larger version of his Beam Table Lamp, was introduced giving it an even bolder presence.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Tom chose the Netherlands to shape his design practice due to its central location in Europe and the dynamic, supportive design community. 'It's a place where different cultures meet, and it has a strong design infrastructure. That openness to global collaboration is important to me as I continue to grow as a designer,' he says.
Both his studio and home are currently in Amsterdam, though this hasn't always been the case. Having recently moved from Rotterdam, Tom reflects on the influence of living and working in close quarters in a dense urban environment.
'Living in Amsterdam, you really get a sense of how people navigate smaller, shared spaces. It influences the way I design—focusing on practicality and making sure things can fit into real lives.' - Tom Chung
'I start by focusing on a specific context, a specific need. Once the design works for that, it often becomes adaptable to other spaces as well,' he explains. For Tom, the key is simplicity. 'The products I create are often simple in language but designed with a clear, specific purpose in mind. That makes them in a way open to interpretation and use in a variety of settings.'
His approach is clearly reflected in the Beam Table Lamp, a project that blends minimalist form with dynamic functionality. The two-sided design, inspired by Tom's work on an interior project that required both upward and downward lighting, highlights his commitment to creating versatile solutions. The result was a lamp that not only serves a functional purpose but also looks strikingly simple.
'I wanted to simplify the adjustment mechanism while still offering the same flexibility in how the light is directed,' Tom explains.
Tom's partnership with Muuto led to scaling up the Beam Lamp, introducing a larger size and new features. 'The larger version of Beam allows it to stand on its own as a statement piece,' he says. 'I wanted to take the opportunity to not just scale up, but to refine the design—integrating a user-replaceable LED light source and upgrading the materials.'
The shift from plastic to glass for the diffuser and the new polished aluminium finish is part of a broader effort to refine the design while staying true to the lamp's core concept. Reflecting on the updated features, Tom elaborates.
He also notes how the polished aluminium finish adds a level of sophistication, which complements the larger scale of the lamp, making it a great fit for both contemporary and more classic interior styles.
As for how the Beam Lamp fits into modern homes, Tom sees it as a versatile addition. 'Depending on its size and finish, the Beam Lamp can have a different presence in a room. The black version feels more subtle, blending in, while the polished version really stands out as a piece of decor,' he says.
The lamp, in both its sizes, works seamlessly in a variety of environments—whether on a table, floor, or low shelf.
More information:
MUUTO
www.muuto.com