New York 2015: Brooklyn studio Workstead has created a range of light fixtures with brass disc-shaped reflectors.

Workstead introduced the Orbit series, which includes several table lamp, sconce and pendant designs, at this year's International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), during NYCxDesign earlier this month.

Like many of the studio's designs, the Orbit series takes influences from the past – in this case 18th and 19th century candle holders.

A round reflector can be rotated around the single light source, allowing for direct or bounced indirect light. The tabletop version is available with marble, travertine, and Maine green stone bases.

"With Orbit, we wanted to play with the more mysterious qualities of light and reflection," said Workstead principal Robert Highsmith, noting how the small fixture can create a wide variety of effects.

The Orbit series joins other products in Workstead's range such as the Industrial Chandelier, which has a three arms, expressed joints, and exposed fabric cord. The studio has also designed a series of lamps formed from metal rods bolted together.

"We looking for a timeless quality, which is why our lighting works in both contemporary and more traditional settings," Highsmith said. "We're searching for the beauty in utility."

Lighting has become a popular choice of product for designers in New York. Many of the city's studios design, assemble, and sell lighting directly to architects and designers as well as consumers.

Workstead, which started as an interiors firm, first began designing lighting for their own projects and then quickly decided to put them into production. The practice is now evenly split between interiors and product design.

Because the designers control the manufacturing process, the fixtures can be easily customised with different dimensions and finishes.