Manooi believes that a well-thought-out lighting concept can create a uniquely personal universe: an empowering and affirming space for individuals. The home of timeless crystal chandeliers, MANOOI strives to bring light into life, creating new universes every day.
As the symbol of luxurious design and outstanding craftsmanship, OZERO gives a stunning sparkling effect to the interior. Thanks to its flexibility, it looks gorgeous in a cluster or on its own, too.
ozero black
A sparkling crystal chandelier is so much more than a ceiling-mounted light fixture . These stunning design features can create a dramatic effect in any room. They are popular for their elegance and the mesmerizing sparkle. The beautiful crystal elements, the exquisite shapes, ornate designs, the thrilling appearance of the sparkling and glittering crystals will find their place in every interior, whether classic, traditional or modern. A crystal chandelier brings elegance to the interior and fits perfectly the most relaxing place in our homes, the bedrooms.
In RIO asymmetry is combined with the perfect regularity of the circle. It is the chandelier of choice for those wishing a twist on the regular symmetrical forms. It is the chandelier of choice for those wishing a twist on the regular symmetrical forms.
Our flagship and one of the most successful Manooi models, ARTICA combines the classic sparkling effect of crystals while showing off its non-regular but perfectly planned form. It is ideal for placement in a wide range of spaces due to its smooth and curved shapes.
In an elegant bedroom design with crystal chandeliers created by Studia54 the relaxing time is ensured. Bedroom decor trends definitely could come and go, but there’s one thing that will stay timeless: the crystal chandeliers. And as the home of timeless crystal chandeliers, MANOOI strives to bring light into life, creating new universes every day.
MANOOI crystal chandeliers are the best choice for interiors decorated in a classic style but due to their elegance and versatility, crystal chandeliers will also decorate any interior in a modern style. Our OZERO crystal chandelier has been chosen as the centerpiece of the dining area of this elegant-yet-modern style interior in Buda.
The dining area has an elegant atmosphere due to the light and dark contrast of the interior. The black shade of the OZERO crystal chandelier reflects the dark colors of the interior while the lighter colors are in perfect harmony with the crystal sparkle.
The black shade and the yellowish brown color combination of the OZERO makes the atmosphere complete. All Manooi chandeliers are only assembled with premium-quality crystals. These crystals are coloured within their own material to stand the test of time, and ensure the durability of the colours for eternity.
Since debuting in the main hall of the Hungarian Art Gallery in Budapest, OZERO remains the symbol of luxurious design and outstanding craftsmanship.
The refined shades of this contemporary pendant lamp are available in various color solutions, while the crystal adornments can be customized in multiple color variations.
OZERO is one of the most versatile crystal chandeliers of MANOOI. It comes in many different color combinations, the sparkling hemisphere of ICEBERG crystal chandelier is combined with matching shades to fit any interior.
The restyling of this villa consisted of a bespoke color and material that reflects both the modern architecture and aesthetic of the villa but also adds a touch of elegant luxury. In most of this villa’s divisions, the harmony was carried out with different shades of the color grey, by Martinuzzi Interiors. The villa has a luxurious interior design with a very relaxing atmosphere provided by the nature surrounded.
MANOOI‘s LINEA crystal chandelier have been designed to enhance the atmosphere of the space it is placed in. LINEA fits the villa’s spacious dining area perfectly with its regular shape. There is also a little extra sparkle in the contrasting harmony of the light and dark colours of the interior like grey, beige and black. Due to the contrast of colours crystal sparkle is even more recognizable.
LINEA is a rainfall of light with sparkling drops of crystal. Like an endless crystal curtain, this stunning crystal chandelier is striking in its length. Various lengths of crystal rows give off the effect of a continuous flow to the chandelier. It is frequently installed in rectangular, narrow spaces such as corridors or passageways, but is also an ideal choice for suspending over a counter to highlight any interior. This time LINEA highlights one of the most important spaces of the villa, the dining and sitting room area.
MANOOI was proud to have been present at the 2nd National Salon of Applied Arts and Design 2022 with a very special crystal light creation. Two hundred eight artists first came together during the first Salon of Applied Arts and Design in the Műcsarnok (the Budapest Hall of Art) in 2017, showcasing the latest developments in the Hungarian art scene. Now, at the 2nd Salon exhibition, which took place this year, more than 300 members were in attendance, and 10 branches of art shared a ‘common space’. The concept was to show the “Form of Time”. Seen from below, our INFINITY model forms the number eight, or a Lemniscate when viewed from its side. The infinity symbol signifies the concept of limitlessness or eternity, especially when used in mathematics and or when talking about the feelings of true love.
INFINITY – THE INFINITE GLAMOUR
We produce our crystal chandeliers in our very own workshop using traditional artisanship. This classic technology allows us to create one-of-a-kind lighting creations. They are unique pieces of art that add immense character to the scheme. Its never ending loops awake the power of the infinity and due to this it symbolize eternity, empowerment, and everlasting positiveness.
The 2nd National Salon of Industry and Design at the Műcsarnok (the Budapest Hall of Art) on Hungarian designers’ most exciting works. One of the most prominent participants of the exhibition was the MANOOI crystal chandelier manufactory, whose co-owner and designer Judit Zoltai was interviewed.
We are proud to be present at the HELLO HUNGARIAN DESIGN stands surrounded by many talented designers of furniture and accessories. The most prominent representatives of the interior design and design profession were presented in meticulously designed interiors. Among these inspiring stand of the S/ALON BUDAPEST, MANOOI was presented with its more classic collection style chandeliers, RIO from the Crystalight Collection. And for the contemporary design lovers we presented two crystal chandeliers, ORIGO PULSAR, HANABI and FINELINE from our Personal Universe Collection.
Rio crystal chandelier
This chandelier demonstrates the effect of gravity in space: RIO is asymmetry combined with the perfect regularity of the circle. It is the chandelier of choice for those desiring a twist on the everyday symmetrical forms.
Origo Pulsar crystal chandelier
With the play of asymmetry and harmony, Origo Star was further elaborated to create Origo Pulsar – unique and inimitable crystal creation, redefining the idea of a crystal chandelier as it is known. The combination of contemporary materials with the classical view of crystals creates an exclusive look of an interior.
Hanabi Spark crystal chandelier
HANABI from Manooi grasps the sensation and effect of the shimmering light of fireworks. Creating a splendid impression using the finest crystals and high-tech LED components, this contemporary designer lighting can be combined limitlessly in compositions filling enormous spaces with the elegant play of light.
Fineline crystal chandelier
Exquisite FINELINE is a curved beam of pure light, frozen in the flash of a second. The combination of fine geometry and its luxurious crystals makes FINELINE a great choice for a wide range of interiors. This chandelier looks especially striking in compositions, with the possibility to create truly peerless and playful lighting solutions.
It’s like a star up in the sky that hypnotizes you with its radiant beauty. The centrepiece of any space, our elliptical ARTICA model chandelier looks best above dining room tables, in living rooms, or in just about any place where it is allowed to define a space. As an element of exquisite interior design composition, it boldly shows off its strong character and can really animate a room – completely changing it by adding a classic elegance.
Inspired by classic chandeliers in an archaic, old-world shop, MANOOI’s ARTICA reinvents the genre by having no identical cross sections. In fact, the lamp has a dynamic fluctuation to it, which our designers intended. This means that from every angle you look at it, it’s like a statue – exhibiting harmony, but also giving off a welcoming warmth.
ARTICA is so emblematic that MANOOI approached Swarovski to come up with a crystal stone specifically mimicking its shape; today, it’s a company trademark of sorts, as one of these custom-designed crystal pieces is featured on every MANOOI chandelier.
ARTICA not only looks stunning, we also have great affection for us as it was MANOOI’s first lighting creation. Its designer, János Héder, says his objective was a lamp that had some sort of directional dynamic within the space – a front and a back. He also sought out a form that had a deep harmony, where the inner and outer contours shared the same line. With a strong belief that people love pebble-like forms, he was convinced they were onto something.
After coming up with numerous drafts, he showed it to his wife and MANOOI co founder, Judit Zoltai, and she told him which version was best. He says she “nailed it”, and they assembled their first mock-up of ARTICA in the cellar of their home.
ARTICA made its fabulous debut at a Milan design show in an exhibition booth, which was a partially open space. János Héder recalls the objective was to come up with lighting that would really catch people’s attention and lure them into the booth. He says he didn’t want to install something totally classical, because that’s not what the show was about – but he also didn’t want it to be too modern. Visitors swarmed the booth in Milan – ARTICA proved a smashing success!
With a very serious aura and staying power, ARTICA has been MANOOI’s bestseller ever since. What’s more, the company’s co founders, Judit and János, are still so fond of their luxury chandelier, they even have one hanging in their home.
Hungarian brand Manooi Light Creations stands for two main principles: a passion for light, and a labour of love. Founded by Judit Zoltai and János Héder, the designer couple manage the business together, overseeing a workshop prides itself on creativity, innovation and craftsmanship. Using only raw materials, including Swarovski crystals, its lighting designs are always handmade and true works of art.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Judit: We both graduated from the Hungarian University of Applied Arts. Since we were children, we have been making lighting objects and lamps on our own, so Manooi is also a similar inspiring game for us as adults, a place where we can use our creativity and create completely new shapes and chandeliers. It’s all about making our environment better to the extent we can by determining the images of our future.
We were both born in Budapest, so Manooi is a European company registered in Hungary, but in terms of its market and partnership it is an international brand and our products can be found almost all over the world, and we present our collections at international exhibitions.
Judit: Since I graduated as a porcelain major, the technology of processing glass, ceramic and porcelain materials attracted me. Before Manooi, I designed and made glass and porcelain lamps for individuals, office buildings, and restaurants.
János worked as an architect and interior designer at Inarchi Architecture Studio, established in 1996, which dealt with the complete image design of retail chains such as Libri, Retro, and Salamander.
In 2005, a crystal chandelier of ours was exhibited at the stand of a company called Mobilia Artica at the EuroShop in Düsseldorf, where it attracted great interest. Thanks to this success, we established Manooi, which is exclusively engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of luminaires. Our very first model was named Artica, a fixture which is still in high demand today.
János: When I was young, I wanted to be an astronomer and the infinity of the universe gave me infinite inspiration. I lived for years in Algeria, where the purity of the desert sky is indescribably beautiful. The impact of this duality can still be found in the design of Manooi, inspired by several of our models. To offer a couple of examples: Our Ciel model (sky), depicts the glow of the stars on particularly clear desert nights, while the Wissh chandelier is about making a secret wish upon a star.
I always felt I should do something creative. At the age of 18 I decided to study architecture. But It was too solid for me, too technical, and had nothing to do with creation. I realized this was not what I wanted to do so I went to the Hungarian University of Art and Design where I graduated as an interior designer.
“Creation is our ‘mother tongue’.”
Becoming a designer was not something I was born with, but the result of my observations about the world around me, which led to an evolution in my thinking. All of our creations are inspired by natural light. We seek to design radically modern, innovative shapes, whose radiance demands that they be focal points in a given space.
János: Creating on my own is a different journey compared to working in collaboration. Each Manooi chandelier is the fruit of an intensive creative process by our team of designers, who seek to bring beauty and luminance to the world, providing exclusive illumination to your atmosphere.
Every piece is chosen and manufactured with close attention to detail in our workshop, which means that each and every chandelier is an exclusive artistic work!
Judit: First of all our ARTICA crystal piece serves as a Manooi certificate. It validates our chandeliers, and we put it on every chandelier where it fits the style and form.
On the other hand we have signature shapes, which over time have become a signature of our brand, just like our first crystal chandelier, Artica.
We strive for perfection and pay attention to the smallest details, both in terms of quality and design, so that our products are unique. We don’t bargain and our team works with a full commitment every day to create something special. The founding of our company entails our goal to create lasting artistic value.
We both came from the field of design, but a company requires a lot of resources and expertise in other areas as well, so I am continuously delving into new aspects of the business. According to my official job, I am the chief executive, but of course we decide cardinal issues together, both in planning and in our future directions.
As a designer, it is my responsibility to create a more harmonious and high-quality world with our products.
We also form a couple in our private lives: we have 3 children and I have to run our family as a mother at home. In the company, similarly, my job is to keep things running smoothly, to achieve our goals, for our colleagues to enjoy their work, and to develop continuously internationally as Manooi the company. Basically, I take the responsibility for having a well-functioning, ethical and recognized design company.
We really like to fulfil special requests. This is how the Milky Way Crystal Cow was created in cooperation with Swarovski, a piece of art which was sold at a charity auction which benefitted sick children. This crystal cow had already travelled to several countries representing the Manooi and Swarovski collaboration.
We are also proud to have created Manooi’s co-brand, Inarchi, as a modern, architectural lamp design company, with which we also achieve success in international professional circles.
In addition, we introduce a new collection every year, a ritual which we plan to take in a whole new direction this year. We innovate with very exciting materials and techniques. In fact, this is what inspires us to create new and completely unique designs all the time.
Our coloured crystal chandeliers are becoming more and more popular.
We work with more than 40 different colours of crystals, and so far Manooi chandeliers have been made with more than 200 colour combinations.
Our most used crystal shape is the octagon crystal.
Up to thousands of Octogon crystals per lamp make for a richly textured surface, a wealth of detail that has now become a trademark of Manooi. For example, our Burj model has a longer set of crystal chains than the Champs-Élysées. When decorating, we choose different crystal pendant variations to suit the basic shape.
Personally, I’m always looking forward to the innovations of the Swarovski crystal each and every time, and when I pick up the presentation palette, I admire the glittering shapes as if I were a child discovering the contents of a box full of surprises.
When choosing a crystal, shape is the decisive factor, depending on whether the goal is to create larger surfaces or more filigree shapes. While Swarovski beads crystals are used for our Halo and Wissh crystal chandeliers, “rectangular” crystals are used for Manooi’s Hanabi model.
Most of our crystal chandeliers are made up of octagons.
The choice of colour is definitely determined by the customer’s needs, but if the choice is left to us, we will ask for the interior design plans and our 3D modellers will suggest the most appropriate format and colour for the given interior.
Judit: The Artica chandelier has become an iconic symbol of the Manooi brand since Manooi was founded, and has also become the company’s logo.
The main motivation was to create a crystal for this spirituality that reflects the uniqueness and authenticity of Manooi.
Swarovski has been Manooi’s conceptual partner from the outset, inspiring our designers with the brilliance of its crystal, so we then approached Swarovski with the idea of making a bespoke, Artica-shaped crystal. János would design the shape and Swarovski’s skilled technicians would create it. The resulting Artica cut would embody the synergy between the two companies—a unique partnership.
Judit: The Artica crystal decorates each of Manooi’s pieces to provide proof of authenticity. As a tribute to enduring partnerships and to a brilliant artistic vision, it’s the ideal embodiment of the philosophical foundations of the brand. The Artica crystal acts as a kind of certificate of authenticity.
We also use Artica crystal as jewellery, pieces of which we give as a gift to our very special partners.
Tucked away on a quiet street on Budapest’s “Rose Hill” is an enchanting, stately old house called the “Neuschlosz Villa”, where Manooi Light Creations’ headquarters are located.
The mansion looks like a castle of sorts, mixing neo baroque and neo renaissance styles. Long-ago pictures of the villa reveal the peak of its tower section topped by a steep crown like one might see adorning many of the towers in Prague. These days, however, it’s flat on top – one of the mansion’s battle scars from the Second World War. And it does have a number of open-air and covered verandas – added later – that offer spectacular views of the city.
Today this unique structure at Apostol Street 13 in the 2nd district is a testament to both the creativity and perseverance of Budapest.
Named after its first owner, Ödön Neuschlosz, the grand old house was completed in 1898 according to a plan by Hungarian architect Ignac Alpar, unknown at the time, but who would become one of an esteemed generation of architects who were responsible for Budapest’s architectural development at the turn of the century. Indeed, after designing the villa, Alpar won broad acclaim for his planning of the Vajdahunyad Castle for the Millenium Celebration in City Park (“Varosliget”) and went on to design the Budapest Stock Exchange, the Hungarian National Bank and the quirky “Anker” building right downtown near Deak Square, all landmarks of architecture in the Hungarian capital.
That sort of deep history and grandeur were exactly what Judit Zoltai, Manooi’s co-founder, was in search of when she began looking for a company headquarters about 10 years ago. She says she has a special approach when it comes to finding an office space or picking out a family living space. “For me, it’s important that the place has a story and some history behind it,” she explains.
The Neuschlosz Villa, says Judit, was no different. It had a strange advert that piqued her interest.
She remembers, “The ad had a weird picture that showed the carved wood interior, which is fantastic, but the picture was odd and dark. Still, it was apparent from the ad that the space had some soul to it; I’m not always looking for something that would be ‘good.’ What I choose needs to have a certain ‘something.’”
Judit explains that whenever she and her husband, Janos Heder, Manooi’s co-founder, are looking for a property, she’s the one who does the legwork before showing him the “finalists”.
If the unusual exterior of the Neuschlosz Villa doesn’t wow you, just step through the heavy and massive wooden door at the mansion’s main entrance which opens up to reveal an archaic wooden staircase. Past that, one steps into an expansive parlour filled with intricately carved redwood from South America. The stately old room is big enough for throwing a ball. And just next door, to the left of the parlour, is a stunning, olde-world library. One can easily imagine it filled with classic books. Off the right side of the parlour are the offices of Manooi.
Judit says she also remembers seeing those things for the first time.
“So on the day I went to see the villa, it was enchanting because I entered, looked up and saw all of the handcrafted wood, then I went into our possible office space and looked out over the Danube, and the place really grabbed me. One of the small rooms in the back is especially bright and is a bit different than the other ones – it looks down on Margaret Island and Margaret Bridge. I found it really charming.”
“Janos also liked it, immediately,” she adds.
Part of the reason Manooi chose the villa was the impression it makes with clients who come for a visit.
“We definitely were searching for the kind of space that would accommodate our chandeliers,” Judit explains. “Crystal chandeliers have the same effect on both modern spaces as they do on classic ones, but they definitely give their best to very special rooms, so they absolutely suit our headquarters and are in harmony with it, and our clients are really impressed – they’re taken aback in a positive way when they enter the parlor, where we’ve installed a giant chandelier on purpose, to transport them into a dream, away from life’s everyday hustle and bustle.”
She says Manooi’s offices are a contrast to the Bauhaus-era house that she and her family live in, but most of their time is spent at work in the villa.
“I remember we weren’t quite sure we wanted to stay because the space was a bit dark, but the house representative encouraged me, saying, ‘Judit dear, you’ll see that you’re going to end up staying here longer than you think.’ And she was right! We really love being and working there,” admits Judit.
As for whether there is still something to discover for her in the Neuschlosz Villa, Judit says one of her friends shared some old photos with her that revealed what the interior of the house looked like back in the old days. “Originally, the walls and the windows were much different, and when you see where there were paintings and furniture, vases – what life was like 100 years ago – that gives a really interesting peek into how it used to look.”
But, Judit says, the mansion is hiding an even greater secret about which few are aware – a tunnel that is accessible from the cellar and allegedly leads all the way to the Danube.
“We asked if anyone had ever gone down the full length of the passage,” she reports. “They haven’t, but say that parts of it are walled in, because there could be mines or who knows what in the tunnel.”
And that’s why, even though it’s no secret what a great space Manooi found for creating and exhibiting its luxury chandeliers, the old house will keep some things to itself.
