In conversation with Tom Chung

Tom Chung's design practice blends simplicity, functionality, and context, creating adaptable objects that reflect how people engage with their surroundings. Recently, Muuto introduced a larger version of his Beam Table Lamp, giving it an even bolder presence. Muuto sat down with Tom to explore this new iteration of the lamp, his design philosophy, and the impact of living and working in the Netherlands on his creative process.

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Tom, originally from Vancouver, Canada, chose to develop his design practice in the Netherlands, drawn by its central European location and vibrant, supportive design scene. "It’s a place where different cultures come together, and the design infrastructure is incredibly strong. That openness to international collaboration is vital to me as I continue to grow as a designer," he explains.

Today, both his studio and home are based in Amsterdam, though this wasn't always the case. Until recently, he lived in Rotterdam, and he reflects on how living and working in such a compact urban setting has shaped his perspective.

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"Living in Amsterdam, you really get a sense of how people navigate smaller, shared spaces. It influences the way I design—focusing on practicality and making sure things can fit into real lives."

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This environment—where diverse influences and ideas intersect—has naturally informed Tom’s approach to designing flexible, multifunctional spaces. “I always begin with a specific context, a particular need. If the design works well there, it often ends up being adaptable to other spaces too,” he explains. Simplicity is central to his process. “The products I create are often simple in form but developed with a clear, defined purpose. That makes them, in a way, open to interpretation and usable in a wide range of settings.”

This philosophy is evident in the Beam Table Lamp, a project that pairs minimalist design with functional versatility. Inspired by an interior commission that required both upward and downward lighting, the lamp’s dual-sided design showcases Tom’s commitment to purposeful, adaptable solutions. The result is a piece that delivers practical function while maintaining a strikingly simple aesthetic.

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"I wanted to simplify the adjustment mechanism while still offering the same flexibility in how the light is directed"

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Tom’s partnership with Muuto led to scaling up the Beam Lamp, introducing a larger size and new features. "The larger version of Beam allows it to stand on its own as a statement piece," he says. "I wanted to take the opportunity to not just scale up, but to refine the design—integrating a user-replaceable LED light source and upgrading the materials."  

The shift from plastic to glass for the diffuser and the new polished aluminum finish is part of a broader effort to refine the design while staying true to the lamp’s core concept. Reflecting on the updated features, Tom elaborates, "The user-replaceable LED was important and an innovative solution because it ensures the product can be repaired to extend its life cycle. If the light source malfunctions, the user can easily replace it themselves instead of relying on a professional."

Tom also points out that the polished aluminium finish brings a touch of refinement, enhancing the lamp’s larger scale and making it well suited to both modern and more traditional interiors.

When it comes to how the Beam Lamp fits into contemporary living spaces, he sees it as a highly adaptable piece. “Its presence really depends on the size and finish. The black version is more understated and blends in, while the polished one stands out as a decorative object,” he explains.

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Shop the Muuto Beam Table Lamp in polished aluminium at Utility today, with free UK mainland shipping.