It is a fair question. Lumo Bloc lamps are not priced like those you get from Kmart, and we are not going to pretend otherwise. So let's have an honest conversation about what you are actually paying for, and whether it is right for you.
What a Lumo Bloc lamp actually costs
A wireless Lumo Bloc lamp starts at $139 NZD. For context, you can buy a lamp from a homewares chain for $30. You can also buy a bottle of wine for $10 or spend $80 on one that is genuinely good. The price difference exists for a reason in both cases.
What you are paying for
When you buy a Lumo Bloc lamp, here is what that money goes towards:
Reclaimed glass that cannot be sourced anywhere else. The glass blocks in our lamps were manufactured in Germany in the 1970s and 80s and installed in New Zealand buildings. They were headed for landfill. We intercepted them. There is no factory producing new glass that looks, feels, or behaves the same way. The slight imperfections, the way the rippled surface scatters light, the weight of it, none of that can be replicated at scale. Scarcity and also the time and cost that goes into sourcing, deconstructing and restoring these retro beauties goes into the cost. On average each lamp takes 2-3hours to make.
A lamp built specifically for you. Every Lumo Bloc is made when you order it. Not pulled from a warehouse shelf, not sitting in a container on a ship. Built for your space, by hand, in New Zealand. This is why we ask for 1-2 days before dispatch, your lamp does not exist yet when you place your order. We do this to reduce waste - as is our whole company mission.
Materials that last. The wooden base is made from sustainably sourced timber. The COB LED light bar is rated for 50,000 hours and available as a replacement part. The glass will outlast all of us. This is not a lamp you will replace in two years. This is not printed plastic...
Five colour lenses included. One lamp, five completely different lighting moods. Circadian Red for sleep, Amber Glow for warmth, Serene Blue for focus, Cosmic Green for calm, Neon Pink for a good time. Swapping takes seconds.
What you are not paying for
You are not paying for a big marketing budget, offshore manufacturing, or a retail markup. Lumo Bloc is a small NZ operation. Lauren is the owner, the maker, and the person who answers your emails. The price reflects materials and labour, not a brand premium. Our packaging is incredible robust to avoid breakages, but is as raw as possible to ensure it is recyclable, reusable and compostable.
Is it right for you?
Honestly, not for everyone. If you need a lamp for a spare room that nobody really uses, that isn't a statement piece a $30 option will do the job fine. .
But if you are looking for something that will become a permanent part of your home, something people ask about when they visit, something that can enhance and change the mood and feel of your space, then yes, we think it is worth it and over 1,200 customers agree. Most of them come back for a second lamp and for gifts.
Shop Lumo Bloc lamps -- handcrafted in New Zealand, free shipping to AU and NZ.