Patterns & design – Smart in the dark

Our greatest wish is for everyone – young and old – to be visible in traffic. That’s why our mission is to develop innovative reflective products where design and function go hand in hand. When we founded Smart in the Dark, we were the first to think outside the box when it came to reflectors. We asked ourselves two simple questions: Why are there no stylish reflectors on the market, and why are there so few designed for adults?

This opened up a huge opportunity to create an entirely new type of reflective collection and a fresh approach to personal safety. Today, we’re proud to offer a wide range of popular reflector products in different patterns and styles – and we’re just getting started.

Putting Nordic Light in the Spotlight

All our reflective products and accessories feature Nordic-inspired patterns – rooted in our culture and the beauty of our landscape.

The first four patterns – Cloudberry, Braid, Mountain Peak, and Northern Lights – were designed in collaboration with Nordiska Designkontoret in Borås and branding agency Gappio. Lingonberry was developed with designer Lidia Blomgren, while Nightjar and Evening Butterfly were illustrated by Frida Hammar.

Each pattern is designed to bring a piece of the Nordic outdoors into the city streets – making safety a natural part of your everyday outfit.

A More Stylish Way to Wear Reflectors

Our motto is: Stylish, Smart, and Safe! These three words guide everything we design – from the smallest wrist reflector to hats, scarves, and practical bags.
We want to elevate the status of reflectors and challenge how people think (and act). Reflectors are not “uncool” – and they’re not just for kids. With beautifully designed reflectors, you can enhance or complete your outfit – for everyday wear, year-round.

Our Nordic Reflective Patterns

• Cloudberry

This golden-red berry, often called “the gold of the North,” is a low-growing herbaceous plant that reaches just under 30 centimeters in height and thrives in Sweden’s wetlands. The berries turn from red to amber as they ripen.

• Braid

This pattern draws inspiration from traditional braided silver bracelets of Lapland. Band braiding is an ancient technique deeply rooted in Sámi craft traditions.

• Mountain top

Inspired by the rugged Swedish highlands. For a peak to be officially called a “fjälltopp,” it must meet certain criteria: the mountain must be a treeless alpine area (known as a “kalfjäll”), lie above the tree line, rise at least 50 meters, and have the distinct appearance of a peak.

• Northern Lights

Near the Earth’s poles, you can sometimes witness green, blue, or violet lights dancing across the night sky in the form of arcs, rays, or curtains. These stunning phenomena are caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field – and can be seen during the long, dark winters in northern Sweden.

• Lingonberry

A hardy shrub with evergreen, leathery leaves and glossy red berries. Lingonberries grow across Sweden, often in dry or forested soil. The berries ripen in August–September and are a beloved ingredient in traditional Swedish cuisine.

• Midnight sun

Midnight Sun draws its inspiration from the natural wonder of northern summers, when the sun never fully sets. Instead, it hovers just above the horizon, casting a soft, golden light that turns night into day. The pattern captures the sun’s slow, circular dance and the gentle shift between light and shadow. A tribute to the magical glow of the Nordic summer night.

• Night heron

A highly camouflaged, nocturnal bird with mottled grey, black, and rust-colored feathers. You’re more likely to hear than see it – its song, reminiscent of a distant motorcycle engine, can continue for hours in the twilight and darkness.

• Night butterfly

These moths (also called hawk moths) are most active after sunset and are considered nocturnal. Their movements and appearance are reminiscent of nectar-drinking birds like the hummingbird – delicate, graceful, and drawn to the evening light.

• Shoal of Fish

This pattern is a tribute to Sweden’s west coast and its rich maritime heritage. Inspired by the flowing movement of fish swimming in unison, the design captures the ever-changing rhythm of nature – with each curve symbolizing harmony and motion.

• Seashell

Inspired by the natural geometry of seashells, this pattern reflects the quiet whispers of the ocean and the slow passing of time. The shape is drawn from the west coast shoreline, where shells collect like treasures in seaweed. With its soft lines and organic form, the pattern mirrors the rhythm of the sea and the beauty found in nature’s smallest details.

Why You Should Wear Our Reflectors:

• You’ll be visible in the dark from up to 125 meters away
• Reflectors shine in 360°, so you’re seen from every direction
• Made with 3M™ Scotchlite, a premium-quality reflective material trusted worldwide