In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, the art of handmade lighting is a powerful reminder of the value in craftsmanship. There is an innate warmth that emanates from an object shaped by human hands, empowering a room with a sense of individuality. The tactile nature of these objects, from the smoothness of hand-turned wood to the intricate pattern of handwoven rattan, speaks to a long legacy of craft passed down through generations.
These lamps gathered here aren’t just sources of light—they are living expressions of history, culture, and artistry. While the price points are higher than those you might find at larger retailers, this assortment can be considered collectible, like a piece of three-dimensional and functional art. To embrace handcrafted lighting is to honor past craft traditions while illuminating a future filled with authentic and original design.
1. Shroom Chic
With an idiosyncratic glazing technique and mystical color ways, artist and designer Matthias Vriens puts the fun back in fungus.
2. Linear Layers
Horsehair and silver threads unexpectedly elevate this modern, organic piece by art-school-kids-at-heart Ben and Aja Blanc.
3. Earthy Elegance
Hand-thrown in stoneware, the Griffin Lamp by Danny Kaplan Studio exemplifies a masterful blend of ancient ceramic tradition and contemporary form. Each lamp comes with a Vellum shade and custom options are available.
4. Playful Glow
Designed with Sophie Lou Jacobsen, this piece features marble-like dots that honor the centuries-old practice of glass adornment.
5. Folded Light
Made from a single sheet of clay, the gracefully folded shade speaks to the discipline and art of Japanese origami.
6. Go With the Glow
Blurring the line between lamp and sculpture, artist James Cherry uses recycled materials to create his inspired, original work.
7. Ethereal Material
With a lamp that symbolizes a spiritual gateway, Irisa and Aaron Kawabi let their diaspora heritage inform their design lexicon.
8. Classical Turn
Working within the American craft tradition of wood turning, designer Jessica Stambaugh lathe-sculpts new forms rooted in classicism.
9. Rattan Clan
A decorator favorite that recasts the shape of a 13th-century Islamic jar in rattan, the lamp has developed its own cult following
This story originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Elle Decor. SUBSCRIBE
