Hive Recycled Cardboard Pendant Light by Graypants

Hive is a Scraplights pendant from Graypants built from laser-cut layers of recycled corrugated cardboard that are stacked at an angle. A custom inner ring inside the shade lets the cord and bulb hang straight, so the layers can lean without the light leaning with them. It comes in three sizes, 9, 12 and 15 inches, and three finishes: Natural, White and Blonde.

Hang a single Hive over a side table or reading chair, a trio of mixed sizes down a hallway, or a Hive 15 above the dining table. Every Hive is made to order by hand, so the pendant that arrives is made for your space.

The Design Story

Graypants describes Hive and Nest as the newer designs in the Scraplights Classic Series, and as the only Scraplights with angled layers. Hive tilts its layers, which gives the shade a more sculptural outline while the inner ring keeps the cord and bulb plumb.

"We use computers to design objects and create files in ways that we can use machines to get anything from the computer, and then it goes back to your hands for assembly."

Seth Grizzle, Graypants cofounder, speaking to Business of Home

Scraplights is the flagship line of Graypants, an architecture and product design studio founded by Seattle architects Seth Grizzle and Jonathan Junker, with studios in Seattle and Amsterdam. Hive is designed in Seattle, and the line has been installed in workplaces and restaurants, including the NBBJ Columbus office and the Ancestry project in Salt Lake City, both shown on the Graypants projects page.

How It Is Made

Each Hive begins as a sketch and a 3D model that becomes a set of cutting files. A laser cuts the layers from sheets of post-consumer recycled cardboard and etches a number into each one so they can be sorted. The layers are then glued up one at a time by hand with a non-toxic adhesive, treated with a non-toxic fire retardant and wrapped in recycled paper for shipping.

The laser leaves the cut edges looking dark, and that edge, together with the corrugation, is what lets the light glow warmly through the shade.

Why You'll Love It

Hive weighs only 1.1 to 1.7 lb depending on size, so it is easy to hang and easy to group. A single Hive 9 is a quiet accent; a cluster in mixed sizes turns a ceiling into a feature, and Graypants shows Hive both in same-size clusters and paired with Nest.

It works in warm, natural interiors and in white rooms alike. Natural keeps the look of the cardboard itself, while White and Blonde give you lighter options for modern, minimal spaces.

Made for Real Life

Hive 9 (9 in wide, 11 in tall) suits a bedside, a small entry or a cluster. Hive 12 (12 in by 14 in) is the all-rounder for a kitchen counter or reading corner. Hive 15 (15 in by 18 in) has enough presence for a dining table or a stair landing.

Each one hangs on a black or white 6.5 ft (198 cm) cord, with a 16 ft (488 cm) cord available, from a black or white round canopy, and takes a single E26 bulb, up to 15W LED, with 2700K warm white recommended. The bulb is not included. Graypants also offers custom cords and canopies. Hive is rated IP20 for dry locations only. To clean it, use a dry duster or compressed air; the shade is non-toxic and handmade.

Product Details

Designer	Graypants, designed in Seattle, Washington
Collection	Scraplights Classic Series
Finishes	Natural, White, Blonde
Hive 9	9 in (22.9 cm) diameter x 11 in (27.9 cm) high, 1.1 lb (0.5 kg); packed 2.2 lb (1 kg)
Hive 12	12 in (30.5 cm) diameter x 14 in (35.6 cm) high, 1.3 lb (0.6 kg); packed 3.3 lb (1.5 kg)
Hive 15	15 in (38.1 cm) diameter x 18 in (45.7 cm) high, 1.7 lb (0.8 kg); packed 6.6 lb (3 kg)
Materials	Recycled corrugated cardboard shade, non-toxic adhesive and fire retardant, powder-coated metal canopy
Fire retardant	Yes
Cord and canopy	Black or white cord, 6.5 ft (198 cm), 16 ft (488 cm) available; black or white powder-coated canopy, 4.5 in (11.4 cm) diameter x 3/8 in (1 cm) high; custom cords and canopies available
Light source	One E26 socket, up to 15W LED, 2700K recommended (bulb not included)
Voltage	120V, 50-60 Hz
Certification	UL certified; Red List Free; made in Seattle; BAA/BABA compliant
Care	Dry duster or compressed air; the shade is non-toxic and handmade
IP rating	IP20, dry locations only
Origin	Made in the United States; designed in Seattle
Item numbers	GP-261-UL (Hive 9, Natural); GP-1261-UL (Hive 9, White); GP-2261-UL (Hive 9, Blonde); GP-262-UL (Hive 12, Natural); GP-1262-UL (Hive 12, White); GP-2262-UL (Hive 12, Blonde); GP-263-UL (Hive 15, Natural); GP-1263-UL (Hive 15, White); GP-2263-UL (Hive 15, Blonde)
Lead time	Natural and White: made to order, about 2 weeks; Blonde: made to order, about 3 weeks

Handmade for You

Hive is made to order by hand, so each pendant is built after you choose your size and finish. That care is why every order is final sale, and it is why our team is glad to talk through size, finish or placement with you before you order. You are choosing a handmade piece, not pulling a stock item off a shelf.

Graypants lighting is designed to be affordable for designer lighting yet built to last, with a quality of making you can see in the cut edges and the layered build.

Not the Right Fit If

Hive is made to order, so it is not for a project that needs light within days. It is for dry, indoor rooms only, and as a paper-based shade it is not meant for damp spaces, bathrooms or covered patios.

Questions We Hear Most

Which Hive size should I choose?

Hive 9 is 9 in wide and 11 in tall, Hive 12 is 12 in by 14 in, and Hive 15 is 15 in by 18 in. For a single pendant over a dining table most people choose the 15. The 9 and 12 work well in groups, over a side table or counter, or beside a bed.

How do the Natural, White and Blonde finishes differ?

All three use the same angled-layer corrugated cardboard shade. Natural keeps the look of the cardboard itself, while White and Blonde are lighter finishes; the photos on this page show each one. Natural and White are made in about 2 weeks and Blonde in about 3 weeks.

Does the Hive come with a light bulb?

No. It takes one E26 bulb, up to 15W LED, and 2700K warm white is recommended. Brightness and color temperature depend on the bulb you choose.

Can I dim a Hive?

Dimming depends on the bulb. Choose a dimmable LED bulb and a dimmer that is compatible with it to adjust the glow.

How long will my Hive take to arrive?

Hive is made to order. Natural and White finishes take about 2 weeks and the Blonde finish about 3 weeks.

Can I use a Hive in a bathroom or outdoors?

No. Hive is rated IP20, for dry locations only. To clean it, use a dry duster or compressed air.

What should I know before installing it?

Graypants advises having a licensed electrician do the ceiling wiring, turning the power off and checking with a voltmeter, and using a cable locator before drilling. Keep the pendant out of direct sunlight, give it plenty of room, and leave at least 12 in (31 cm) between the lamp and the canopy.

Why We Love It

Hive is a quiet piece of engineering behind a soft shape: angled layers of cardboard, a hidden ring that keeps everything hanging true, and a warm glow that comes through the corrugation.

Shipping Info

Lead Time	Natural and White: made to order, about 2 weeks; Blonde: made to order, about 3 weeks
Ships From	United States