This year was a great one for lighting, and we saw more amazing designs than we can could post here. Every one of these pieces is a work of art, nearly all of them are handmade and all extremely unique. As is the case with the glass pieces, each is absolutely unique, as there is no other light that will exactly matching another. Here are our favorite lighting designs of 2009 in no particular order. Take a look at some of our favorites from the year, and also visit our lighting category for more spectacular designs.

Studio Italia Designs - Magnetita

Studio Italia Design - Magnetita

This past year there was one very sleek and stylish desk lamp that we just absolutely loved by Studio Italia Design. The Magnetita was designed by Designer Denis Santachiara, and gets its name from the magnetic system that it uses in its innovative balancing system which is based on the use of multiple magnets that gives it a smooth and precise movement. Learn more at: sid-usa.com

Slamp Creatures

Slamp - Creatures

Yet another Italian design (like many of our favorites) Creatures uses polycarbonate and plastic for their chandelier fixtures. These lights are available in Amber, Neon and Moss and were designed by Nigel Coates. Visit Slamp.it for more information.

Mellifluous Chandelier

JGoodDesign - Mellifluous

Another amazing chandelier, the Mellifluous by JGoodDesign uses melted glass to form both positive and negative space. The glass is hand blown and fused and it is available in numerous sizes, colors and finishes. These are hand crafted in New York City. Visit jgooddesign.com

Studio Italia Designs - UFO

Studio Italia Design - UFO

The UFO by designer Brian Rasmussen’s is a 30-inch pendant that we saw everywhere. From Kanye West’s blog, to gracing the pages of nearly every interior design magazine, this was one of the most popular designs in lighting that we have seen in a while. The twin-tube compact fluorescent bulb rests in a glass cylinder which is surrounded by an outer layer made of three dozen sinuous strips. The pendants can be fully customized using a mix of strips in red, green, white, or dark blue acrylic, or choose white, high-polish gold, or chrome metal. Learn more at: sid-usa.com

Baker - Anneau

Baker - Anneau

The Anneau table lamp by Baker is absolutely wonderful with its smooth shape. The lamp is created from bronze and is raised by a substantial round base complete with six-foot brown European-style power cord encased in woven fabric. This piece, like most of the others is handcrafted and has an Italian silk shade. Visit their website at bakerfurniture.com

Arteriors Home - Belize

Arteriors Home - Belize

This lamp is a unique design and is actually covered with natural shells which are applied to a resin base. It has a hard polyester shade with ivory colored lining. We just loved this lamp and thought it would be perfect for creating an eclectic mix of styles for many designers. For more information visit: arteriorshome.com

Foscarini  - Fly Fly

Foscarini - Fly Fly

The Fly Fly was designed by the Italian pair Ludovica + Roberto Palomba for Foscarini, and the light was shown at the biennial Eurofase lighting show in April in Milan. This beautiful fixture has a  polycaronate diffuser and provides 360 degrees of light. Learn more at: foscarini.com

Studio Italia Design - Maya

Studio Italia Design - Maya

Much like the Mayan Ruins of the Mesoamerican civilization, the Maya by Studio Italia Design is also known for it’s art and use in architecture.  The Maya hanging lamp shown is one of three in the line, including a wall lamp and ceiling mounted light. Created for indirect and ambient lighting and made in white lacquered metal, this design is one we will see more and more in new designs in years to come. Learn more at: sid-usa.com