My Cool New Thrift Haul- Artemide Mercury Ceiling Light

Hey guys! Just want to share a recent thrift haul update from Hong Kong! 

I still can’t believe my luck—I just scored an Artemide Mercury Ceiling Light on Carousell for only 800 HKD! That’s practically a robbery (the legal kind, thankfully). If you know anything about Artemide, you know their designs are iconic, and the Mercury is no exception. Sleek, minimalist, and oh-so-futuristic, this baby usually costs a small fortune. But thanks to the thrift gods (and a very nice seller), it’s now mine. 

First, let’s talk about why this light is so special. Designed by Artemide, the Mercury is a masterpiece of understated elegance. Its "balls" are made of aluminium cast, suspended like a little space orbs in mid-air. The light it casts is soft and ambient (but not very bright I have to admit)- perfect for creating a cozy yet sophisticated vibe. 

And because it’s Artemide, the craftsmanship is flawless. No cheap plastic here—just pure, refined Italian design. I’ve been eyeing this piece for ages, but retail prices? We’re talking around $25,000 HKD for a new one. So when I spotted this on Carousell in great condition, I practically jumped at the chance. The seller was super sweet and even helped me check for scratches. 

I don't have a photo of the actual thing since it's still wrapped up, but it looks like this: 

Hanging The Lamp 

Now, the fun part—getting this bad boy up on my ceiling. I’m no electrician, so I have to hire someone to help me do it. The catch is that is costs A LOT to hang up lights here in Hong Kong. Services are costly!

It's expensive because it's hard to assemble the suspension. The light hangs from a thin cable (so sleek!), and the diffuser just needs to be secured into place. Thinking of keeping it just high enough to avoid head bumps but low enough to make a statement. If all else fails, I’ll bribe a handy friend with pizza to help me out. 

Why Secondhand Thrifting is the Best in Hong Kong (seriously)

This whole experience just reaffirms my love for thrifting high-end design. Carousell, Facebook Marketplace, and even closing down sales are goldmines for designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. People upgrade, move, or just don’t vibe with a piece anymore—and that’s where we savvy shoppers swoop in. 

So, if you’re into interior design but don’t want to break the bank, start stalking those secondhand listings. You never know when a barely-used Artemide, Flos, or Louis Poulsen might pop up for pennies. 

Anyway, I’m off to admire my new ceiling jewel. Once it’s up, my apartment is going to look like a design magazine spread—on a budget. Life is good. 

Take care and stay tuned for more updates!