F/List, a global leader in luxury interiors for business jets, yachts and high-end residences, has unveiled Lightshifter, an innovative wood veneer material that transforms into a light source at the touch of a button.

Building on the success of its Shapeshifter technology – which uses pneumatic elements and actuators to allow furniture components to change shape – Lightshifter now brings dynamic illumination to cabin interiors, creating entirely new design possibilities.

Lightshifter integrates finely engineered illumination into wood veneer surfaces, allowing solid wood panels to become an interactive light canvas. The material remains completely flat until activated, at which point it reveals a controlled light display that adds depth, texture, and ambiance to interior spaces.

Once the lighting is switched off, the veneer seamlessly returns to its original wood finish without any visible traces of alteration. The system is fully controllable via the cabin management system and can be operated by cabin crew or passengers, making it suitable for commercial aircraft as well as private jets.

The innovation extends beyond mere illumination. Lightshifter supports a wide spectrum of lighting scenarios, from subtle, functional cabin lighting to visually striking displays that can highlight branding, create moods, or reflect personalized passenger experiences.

Customizable parameters such as color, intensity, and lighting sequences ensure a flexible and immersive environment, redefining how wood surfaces interact with passengers.

Design, application

Lightshifter’s applications are extensive. Partition walls, ceiling panels, and furniture surfaces in cabins can now function as dynamic elements that adapt to passenger needs and flight phases.

By combining natural materials with embedded technology, F/LIST has managed to maintain its hallmark craftsmanship while introducing high-tech functionality. The material is also compatible with the company’s heat-resistant veneer panels, which were released in April 2025 for aerospace applications.

The technology debuted at the Red Cabin Business Jet and VIP Interior Innovation Summit in Vienna, where over 200 industry leaders experienced the potential of Lightshifter first-hand.

Developed at F/List’s innovation hub, F/Lab, the system reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries in luxury interior design. Patrick Domnanich, Director of Research & Development at F/List explains, “Lightshifter covers the full spectrum of lighting design, enabling everything from functional illumination to expressive, brand-driven installations. It’s an entirely new approach to interiors where wood surfaces themselves become a dynamic design element.”

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