EO Table Lamp by Serax by Ann Ann Demeulemeester - Hong Kong Thrift Diaries

It was one of those classic Hong Kong afternoons—pouring rain, thunder rumbling, and me, hunched under my tiny umbrella, dodging puddles and wondering why I always choose the worst weather to run errands. But there I was, trudging to Central MTR because I had just snagged something incredible on Carousell: the EO Table Lamp from Serax, designed by Ann Demeulemeester—for just $500! 

Yes. Five. Hundred. Hong Kong. Dollars.

If you’ve never seen this lamp in person, let me try to describe it: imagine a poetic, almost whimsical grasshopper/insect that moonlights as a table lamp. It’s tall, really tall for a table lamp standing at 68cm. The structure is super thin, fragile, and delicate, like one strong gust of wind could blow it into another dimension. The body is made from these impossibly slim black metal rods, angular and elegant, like the outline of a praying mantis caught mid-dance.

When I first saw the listing on Carousell, I did a double take. I’d been eyeing this lamp for months—maybe even years- on fancy interior design websites where it’s listed for waaaaay more than $500. And here it was, sitting in someone’s apartment, waiting for a new home. I messaged immediately. No bargaining, no delay. “I’ll come tomorrow” I said, while lightning cracked outside.

And so began my little adventure.

When I finally met the seller outside Central MTR station, soaked but excited, he handed me the lamp carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and paper. “It’s really fragile,” he warned. And wow, was he right. Even just holding it felt like cradling a baby bird. The frame bends slightly under pressure, and the lampshade—this beautiful translucent white piece with a bold black circle—looked like it was made of rice paper and moonlight. The design is so minimalist it’s almost philosophical. It doesn’t try to be loud. It just… exists. Quietly.

Back home, setting it up was surprisingly easy. It’s light - almost too light. Once plugged in, it cast the softest, most poetic glow. Not bright enough to flood the room, but perfect for late-night reading or just creating that moody, artsy vibe that makes you feel like you live in a Soho gallery loft even though you're really just trying to hide the clutter behind your sofa.

The best part? The lampshade is removable and customisable. The original EO design actually invites you to play with it. You can swap out the paper shade or decorate it yourself. It’s not just a lamp; it’s a little interactive art piece. Right now, I’m keeping it simple with the original shade (I’m still in awe of that big black dot—it’s so graphic and chic), but I’m thinking about painting something abstract on another piece of rice paper and switching it up depending on my mood. 

Every time someone comes over, they always ask, “What is that?” followed by, “Where did you get it?” And I love being able to say, “Oh, I thrifted it for 500 bucks on Carousell. In a storm.” Because honestly, the story is half the magic. 

So, would I recommend thrifting in Hong Kong? A thousand times yes. If you love the adventure, go for it! It's so worth it. 

Note: check out this AI-generated photo of a guy with the lamp!