Summary:
- Designer Mario Paroli creates 12:1 scale BIC Cristal pen lamps for Seletti, shown at Maison&Objet 2026 in Paris
- Collection features three formats: floor, pendant, and wall-mounted fixtures with LED technology
- Available in black, blue, and red to match original pen ink colors
Seletti presented the BIC Lamp at Maison&Objet 2026, a collaboration with designer Mario Paroli that transforms the BIC Cristal ballpoint pen into a functional light source. The collection enlarges the familiar writing tool to 12 times its original size.
The timing coincides with the 75th anniversary of the BIC Cristal. Marcel Bich founded the company in Paris, and this project acknowledges those French roots through its debut location at the Paris trade fair.
Paroli maintained accurate proportions when scaling up the pen design. The transparent body, hexagonal barrel, and distinctive cap all appear in the lamp version. Material selection focused on replicating the visual qualities of the original pen while accommodating electrical components and LED light sources.
Three installation options give buyers flexibility. The floor lamp stands independently. The pendant version hangs from ceilings. The wall-mounted format attaches directly to vertical surfaces. Each configuration uses the same enlarged pen form.
Color options mirror the three standard BIC Cristal ink colors. Black, blue, and red versions let buyers match the lamp to their space or personal preference. The transparent sections reveal internal components, similar to how the original pen shows ink levels.
LED technology provides the illumination. This choice reduces energy consumption compared to traditional bulbs. The light output suits ambient and task lighting needs depending on placement and room size.
Seletti positions the lamp within its established design philosophy. The Italian brand frequently takes ordinary objects and reimagines them at altered scales or in unexpected contexts. Previous collections have included oversized matches, furniture shaped like tools, and tableware inspired by industrial objects.
The BIC Lamp formed part of a larger Seletti presentation at Maison&Objet. The booth incorporated concepts called Seletti Papeterie and Seletti Market, creating an environment that grouped related design experiments. These installations explored stationery and retail themes alongside the lighting collection.
Production details address both form and function. The materials resist yellowing and maintain clarity over time. Assembly methods allow for bulb replacement when needed. Electrical certifications meet European and international safety standards.
Pricing information and availability dates appear on the Seletti website. The company distributes through design retailers and online channels. Shipping options vary by region and lamp format.
The project demonstrates how designers extract value from familiar forms. The BIC Cristal has sold over 100 billion units since 1950, making it one of the most widely recognized products globally. Paroli's interpretation builds on this recognition rather than obscuring it.
Material composition balances aesthetic goals with practical requirements. The transparent sections use polymer compounds that mimic the original pen's clarity. Opaque components match the texture and finish of the standard BIC cap and end piece. Internal wiring routes through channels that preserve the clean exterior appearance.
Installation requirements differ by lamp type. Floor versions need only placement and electrical connection. Pendant models require ceiling mounting hardware. Wall-mounted options need secure attachment points and nearby power sources. Detailed instructions accompany each purchase.
The collection adds to a growing category of design objects that elevate mundane items. By applying careful craftsmanship and scale adjustment to a disposable pen, Paroli creates conversation pieces that function as working lamps. The result sits between art object and practical furnishing.
Andrea Darren
Born in Manchester, from a young age, she was passionate about art and design. She studied at the University of the Arts in London, where she developed her skills in these fields. Today, Andrea works as an editor for a renowned publishing house, combining her love for art and design with her editorial expertise.