Inspirations

“Light Filtered by Fabric”: Ethereal, Eco-Minded Lights by a Small Workshop in Spain

Spotted via Instagram: handmade cloth lamps by Chamusquina in Spain. The project of interior designer Catalina Alós, Chamusquina started as a collaboration between friends in Barcelona in the 1990s and continues on that way. “In our small workshop we design and make our pieces with simple materials: iron frames, linen fabrics, cotton, ribbons, ropes,” according to the site. “All our lamps are handmade, cut, sewn, and assembled with great enthusiasm. We attach great importance to the warmth of the light filtered by the fabric.”

Take a look at a few of the simple but ethereal, poetic designs—now coveted by all of us.

Photography via Chamusquina.

a look at the collection. “the designs are exclusive, and in each o 9
Above: A look at the collection. “The designs are exclusive, and in each of them we look for simplicity and quality of light,” according to the workshop’s site. “Today Chamusquina is made up of two enthusiastic, dynamic, and creative friends who are committed to responsible consumption and a positive impact on society and the environment.”

the lámpara colgante duende ($119 usd) is made up of a linen shade and  10
Above: The Lámpara Colgante Duende ($119 USD) is made up of a linen shade and a silk-covered wire cable.

“From the beginning the designs were very minimalist,” according to the Chamusquina site. “Our purpose was to achieve light quality by making the lamp disappear as an object. The iron structures were very fine and the screens very simple. Later we removed the structure and we were left with the simple screen that hung from a steel cable.”

the same shape is also available as a table lamp: the lámpara de mesa duen 11
Above: The same shape is also available as a table lamp: the Lámpara de Mesa Duende ($119 USD).
in the workshop’s early days, some thirty years ago, “o 12
Above: In the workshop’s early days, some thirty years ago, “Our little experience in electrical matters caused some cables to ‘scorch’ us, and from there came the name of our brand” (the Spanish word for “scorch” being “chamuscar”). Shown is the sweetly named Lámpara Muffin in the “salmon pink” colorway ($130 USD for a smaller 14 cm size and $152 USD for a 22 cm size).

and the lamp in off white folded linen (also $130 usd for the small size and  13
Above: And the lamp in off-white folded linen (also $130 USD for the small size and $152 USD for the larger).

the components of a light are stripped back entirely to create the 100 percent 14
Above: The components of a light are stripped back entirely to create the 100 percent cotton Lámpara Bag ($65 USD), a “surprising pendant lamp,” according to the site, that’s hangable anywhere. The workshop notes that many of the lights—including this one—should only be used with LEDs, which are not only more energy efficient but don’t get as hot.