If you’re looking for innovative upcycled lighting solutions, cardboard pendant lights are an excellent choice for sustainable home design. The Spaced Cardboard series by Shiner International demonstrates how this humble material can be transformed into stunning, functional art. Created by Atlanta-based design studio Shiner, these cardboard pendant lights prove that landfill-bound materials can become heirloom pieces with a warm, natural glow that elevates any space.

Cardboard has emerged as a favorite material among upcycling designers, and for good reason. Just like the popular Scraplights and Beute lamp, the Spaced Cardboard series leverages this versatile, eco-friendly material to create beautiful lighting fixtures. What makes cardboard pendant lights so appealing is their ability to produce a warm, inviting glow while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The natural texture of corrugated cardboard catches light in subtle ways, creating visual interest without overwhelming a room’s design.
Design Innovation: The Spaced Cardboard Series

The Spaced Cardboard series represents a breakthrough in sustainable pendant lighting design. Shiner International crafted this collection by cutting corrugated cardboard and plywood into multiple geometric shapes—drums, squares, and clovers—then spacing them strategically and illuminating them from within. This layering technique creates depth and visual complexity while maintaining the organic warmth that makes cardboard pendant lights so desirable for eco-conscious interiors.
Each pendant in the series showcases a different silhouette, offering designers flexibility in choosing a fixture that complements their space. The interplay between light and shadow across the spaced layers creates a dynamic, ever-changing ambiance that’s both sophisticated and approachable.
Sustainability Meets Style
What truly sets the Spaced Cardboard series apart is the studio’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. According to Shiner International’s founder Joe Manus, the vision is clear: “It is our goal to transform tons of landfill-destined materials into killer design. By building heirloom pieces out of disposable elements, we refine the future by upcycling the past.”

This philosophy extends beyond just the cardboard. Every component—from steel and hardwoods to lexan and linen—is diverted from incinerators and landfills. All products are proudly manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia, supporting local production and reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping.
Why Choose Cardboard Pendant Lights for Your Home?
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from recycled and upcycled components destined for landfills
- Warm, Natural Glow: Creates inviting ambiance perfect for living spaces, bedrooms, and dining areas
- Unique Aesthetics: Each piece is distinctive, adding character and personality to your decor
- Sustainable Craftsmanship: Handmade in the USA with ethical manufacturing practices
- Long-Lasting Quality: Built as heirloom pieces designed to last, not disposable fixtures

The Future of Upcycled Lighting Design
The success of the Spaced Cardboard series has sparked interest in strategic partnerships with refuse and recycling leaders. This demonstrates that sustainable design isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming contagious among manufacturers and designers who recognize that beautiful, functional products can emerge from materials we typically discard.
For anyone interested in sustainable home décor, cardboard pendant lights offer proof that upcycling doesn’t mean compromising on style or quality. The Spaced Cardboard series shows that with creativity and commitment, landfill-bound materials become luminous works of art that bring warmth, character, and environmental consciousness into our homes.
Design by Shiner International






















