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Johan’s practice is rooted in his background in industrial design, where he worked in both the consumer electronics and furniture industries. “What drew me to furniture design was its potential for longevity,” Johan shares. “When you design a good lamp, it’s something that can last for decades. With electronics, the pace of change is much quicker.” This desire for durability and timelessness shapes much of his design philosophy today. 

  • A spacious office with large windows, two desks, and Johan holding a Muuto Ease portable lamp. The workspace is decorated with plants, shelves, and design objects.
  • Johan in a brown shirt sits at a desk in a design studio, with a light blue Muuto Ease portable lamp in front of him and shelves filled with books and objects behind him.
  • A black-and-white portrait of Johan smiling wearing a dark button-up shirt, captured in a candid moment.
Johan van Hengel “When I started working on Ease, I wanted it to feel effortless, fitting into different settings while still maintaining its character. Whether indoors or outdoors, I wanted the lamp to adapt and enhance the space without dominating it.” Johan explains.

The Ease Lamp begins with a solid, grounded base, which is simple yet thoughtful in its form. Johan drew inspiration from organic curves found in nature, creating a piece that feels both stable and unobtrusive. From there, the lamp was designed to be portable and adaptable—its lightweight structure allowing it to move with ease from one environment to another. 

  • A lit Muuto Ease portable lamp with a blue top and white base sits on a desk, accompanied by a black lamp cover, keys, and textured material samples.
  • Johan’s hand reaches for a glowing Muuto Ease portable lamp placed on a desk near a window overlooking a canal, with plants and office supplies around.
  • A taupe Muuto Ease portable lamp emits a warm glow on a metal shelf, alongside a glass cup, a small white lantern, and neatly arranged office supplies.

The light was equally important in the design process. “I wanted the lamp to create a warm, ambient light, something similar to candlelight,” Johan reflects.  

 

Johan van Hengel “There’s a special quality to the glow from candles—they create a sense of intimacy and calm. I wanted Ease to do the same but in a more modern way.”

The lamp’s top was designed to reduce glare, providing a soft, diffused glow that suits both indoor spaces like the warmth of a living room and outdoor settings like a summer terrace, making it a versatile companion for any environment.  

 

  • A sleek, modern Ease Lamp emits a warm glow on the edge of a swimming pool, next to a casually draped towel.
  • A compact Ease Lamp sits on a dark green rolling cart filled with neatly rolled towels, placed outside a rustic stone house with wooden shutters.
  • A wooden outdoor dining table with sage green chairs sits on a deck, surrounded by lush greenery. An Ease Lamp and a glass vase with wildflowers decorate the table.

“The key was making sure it was functional but still maintain a friendly character,” Johan says. “Whether it's lighting a room or setting the mood outside, the lamp is meant to blend in rather than stand out. It’s subtle but always effective.” 


Ease’s versatility makes it particularly suitable for spaces like cafes and restaurants, where the lamp can be placed on tables in repetition, creating a consistent atmosphere. “We thought about how the lamp would look in multiples, on every table in a café or restaurant,” Johan explains.  

A dimly lit café setting with multiple Muuto Ease portable lamps casting a warm glow on dark tables, accompanied by blue drinking glasses and soft chairs.
A cozy courtyard setting with light blue metal chairs and a small round table, illuminated by a soft-glowing Ease Lamp. A drink and snacks rest on the table.
Johan van Hengel “It needed to be unobtrusive, complementing the space rather than overwhelming it. A lamp like this can help foster an intimate atmosphere without demanding attention.”

Beyond its ability to transition between spaces, the Ease Lamp is more than just a portable light—it’s a companion that adjusts to the changing rhythms of life, whether indoors or outdoors. 

Four Muuto Ease portable lamps glowing in a dimly lit room, placed on a metal shelf among wooden and metal objects, creating a warm ambiance.
An outdoor café with dark green tables and chairs, each featuring a glowing Ease Lamp. The setting blends indoor and outdoor spaces with open glass doors and potted greenery.

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