Lighting Design at Etrà

Few things set the mood for a perfect Los Angeles evening quite like the pairing of low ambient light and a menu made with love. Etrà opened its doors shortly before 2023 came to a close, and word spread quickly about the restaurant’s curated selection of designer lighting. Clients flooded our gallery with questions about the Hans Pendants by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Vaarnii. With so much excitement, we had to see the installation for ourselves.

Vaarnii + Hans-Agne Jakobsson

When Vaarnii began exploring the use of pine wood in lighting design, Hans-Agne Jakobsson‘s work was the first to come to mind. After careful research, it became clear that Jakobsson’s iconic designs of the 1960s could not be reimagined in a better way. When pine is selected thoughtfully, its tone and grain achieve striking effect in designs that suggest material mass while remaining remarkably light. Vaarnii has re-engineered three of Hans-Agne Jakobsson’s classic pendant designs using solid Finnish pine to support circular strips of high-quality pine veneer, reintroducing these 20th-century icons to the market after decades of absence.

How Hans Pendants Are Made

Hans Pendants are handmade in Finland from solid pine wood and the finest pine veneer. The irregular nature of pine means that each pendant is truly unique. Pine is a characterful material: naturally occurring oils and resins cause it to shift in color as it ages.

Understanding the intricacy and care that goes into each light deepens your admiration when you see them in person—and makes you want one in your own space. It’s hard not to imagine that Etra’s installation is exactly how Hans-Agne Jakobsson intended these to be displayed: in a low-lit, intimate setting surrounded by comfort.

Designing for Refined Comfort

Since the pandemic, we’ve noticed a growing trend among Los Angeles restaurateurs: a move toward cozier, more inviting environments that offer an escape from the city’s bustling energy. These intimate spaces invite guests to slow down, relax, and indulge. If you’re looking to bring that same warmth to your project, we’d love to help you find the perfect piece from our curated collection.

Book an appointment to visit our gallery M–F | 9–5 pm

---