Bau 18 Bauhaus Fin Pendant by Sean Lavin for Visual Comfort
Bau 18 Bauhaus Fin Pendant by Sean Lavin for Visual Comfort
$2,149.00
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Bau 18 builds a sphere from four metal fins and hides the light between them, so the fixture glows from within its own surfaces.
The Design Story
Sean Lavin looked to the Bauhaus for Bau: honest geometry, industrial process, no ornament. Four fins are stamped from metal and set at angles to form a globe.
LEDs sit in the seams and wash the inside of each fin, so you see reflected light, warm and soft, rather than a bright source.
Why You'll Love It
It is bold and calm at once. Natural Brass glows golden; Nightshade Black turns into a dramatic silhouette with lit edges.
Made for Real Life
Nothing to relamp: the light source is built in. A soft, dry cloth keeps the metalwork clean. It mounts on rigid stems, so you can set the drop precisely. Pair it with an LED-compatible ELV dimmer to go from bright to candle-soft.
Product Details
| Designer | Sean Lavin |
|---|---|
| Brand | Modern Collection by Visual Comfort & Co. |
| Model | Bau 18 Pendant |
| Finish options | Nightshade Black |
| Size | 18″ across × 18″ tall (45.7 × 45.7 cm) |
| Hang height | Up to 83.8″ overall with the included rigid stems |
| Light | Built-in LED, 42.1 W, 686 lumens |
| Light color | 3000K soft white, 90 CRI |
| Dimmer | Pairs with ELV LED dimmers (most models) |
| Where it can go | Indoors, including damp rooms, and covered outdoor spaces |
| Ceiling | Works on slopes up to 25° |
| Power | Hardwired, universal 120–277V |
| LED lifetime | 50,000 hours to L70 |
| Visual Comfort item no. | 700TDBAU18 + finish/option code (1 versions) |
Where It Shines
Over a dining table, in an entry or stairwell, or as a sculptural centerpiece in a living room. Explore the family: Bau 36 and Bau 28.
Sizing & Installation
A pendant looks right when the spacing and drop are planned. For the Bau 18:
| Pendants per island | 6 ft: 2 · 8 ft: 3 · 10 ft: 4 |
|---|---|
| Height over a counter | 30–36″ from countertop to shade |
| Dining table | a single pendant suits tables 30″ wide and up |
| Ceiling 8 ft | drop 24–30″ |
| Ceiling 9 ft | drop 36–42″ |
| Ceiling 10 ft | drop 48–54″ |
| Stems | up to 83.8″ overall |
| Hallways and entries | 7 ft or more underneath |
| Ceiling | slopes up to 25° |
Numbers assume a standard 36″ counter (our math). It is hardwired, so book a licensed electrician. Check that the ceiling box is rated for its weight.
Downloads from Visual Comfort:
Questions We Hear Most
What is the idea behind the Bau 18?
Sean Lavin designed it so that it builds a sphere from four metal fins and hides the light between them, so the fixture glows from within its own surfaces. It belongs to Visual Comfort's Bau family, which comes in several sizes and versions.
Which Bau 18 finish works with my palette?
Our take: black gives a crisp, graphic outline.
Can the Bau 18 be the only light in the room?
It is designed as mood lighting (686 lumens), so pair it with lamps or recessed lights for tasks.
Is the Bau 18 the right size for my space?
At 18″ wide it works alone over a small table or nightstand, or in a row of 3 along an 8-ft island.
Will the Bau 18 work outside under a roof?
Yes. Visual Comfort rates it for damp interiors and outdoor spaces under cover, so a loggia or covered patio is fine; keep it out of direct rain.
Will I ever change a bulb in the Bau 18?
There are no bulbs. The light comes from built-in LED modules with a 50,000-hour L70 rating, fitted at the factory.
How is the Bau 18 hung?
It is rod (stem) mounted; in the box: (2) 6" and (4) 12" rigid stems in a coordinating finish. Sloped ceilings up to 25°. A licensed electrician should install it.
How soon can the Bau 18 arrive?
All the versions we offer are in stock right now, and in-stock pieces usually leave within 2–3 business days.
Why We Love It
Bau is the Bauhaus, lit beautifully.
Working on a project? Designers and architects can open a LoftModern trade account for trade pricing and specification help.
Shipping Info
| Processing Time | In-stock pieces ship out in 2–3 business days. |
|---|---|
| Ships From | United States |
| Shipping | Ground shipping is free on orders of $100 or more within the lower 48 states. |
| Returns | Final sale. Tell us about any transit damage within 2 days of delivery. |
Shipping & Returns
Free Shipping within the U.S. for orders over $100.
Because many of our pieces are made to order or specially sourced, most items are considered final sale.
What are the items you could return?
1. Items received damaged or broken
2. Incorrect items that were shipped
3. Defective items
A replacement will be shipped right away.
Looking to save more? Ask us for a discount—we're happy to work with your budget.
We're happy to help with product questions, quotes, lead times, trade orders and design advice. Send us a message with the form below, or reach us directly:
Phone: (866) 817-1878
Email: info@loftmodern.com
Address: LoftModern, a division of Modern Design Center, Inc., 337 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
We reply to messages within one business day. For damaged or incorrect items, please see our Return and refund policy. Interior designers and trade professionals can apply for a trade account.
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