Plumen: the bulb that looks better naked

We all want to do our bit for the environment, but sometimes doing the right thing can feel like a drag. That may be about to change with the recent launch of the Plumen low energy lightbulb.

The Plumen 001 bulb uses 80% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and lasts eight times as long. So it's got the eco-stamp of approval - just like a standard CFL (low energy bulb) - plus it has two winning features: it is much better looking and it gives off a warm glare-free glow. So appealing is this bulb it can be hung up without a shade.

As with many eco-innovations, however, it comes at a price: £20. But this doesn't seem to have put people off as the bulbs are currently sold out at the Design Museum Shop. Existing bulbs come with screw in fittings, but the bayonet version is coming this month.

Designed by Samuel Wilkinson with concept and design direction by Hulger the bulb has been short-listed for Best Product in the Brit Insurance Designs of the Year 2011.

Low energy bulbs just got interesting