Wicker light fixtures: a natural, softened light
Key takeaways:
- A wicker light fixture is a pendant light or ceiling light whose shade is woven from wicker strands, a light plant fiber that softens the light and warms the decor.
- The most useful selection criterion is the proportion between the diameter of the shade and the volume of the room, then the density of the weave, tight for a soft light, open for plays of shadow.
- Installation and connection are a job for a qualified electrician, the bulb is an LED that gives off little heat, and wicker, which fears humidity, is reserved for dry rooms.
A wicker light fixture is a ceiling light fixture, pendant light or ceiling light, whose shade is woven from wicker strands, the young, flexible shoots of the willow, which let the light filter between their meshes. Wicker and rattan are authentic materials, with a thoroughly natural elegance, that bring a rustic and warm touch to any interior decor, and that combine the useful and the beautiful, to light the home as much as to decorate it.
Its light, softened by the weave, creates a welcoming atmosphere in a living room, a bedroom or a closed, well-sheltered sunroom. This collection mainly brings together hanging models, and you will find all the other styles in our full range of pendant lights.
Styles and materials
Natural or dyed wicker, bell, globe or basket shapes: the material lends itself to very different silhouettes, which all keep the same plant grain. It pairs with light wood, linen and green plants, for a bohemian or country decor.
Three fibers appear most often in woven light fixtures, alone or combined: wicker, rattan and bamboo, each with its own shade, its own flexibility and its own way of letting light through.
Rattan and wicker
Rattan and wicker are among the most popular materials for light fixtures, because of their woven texture and their ability to bring an elegant note, both vintage and modern. Wicker comes from the willow, rattan from a climbing vine of the palm family.
These natural fibers are sturdy, hold up well over time and give each room a unique character, in the living room as in the bedroom. Our rattan light fixtures also offer similar shapes, which blend easily with wicker in the same room.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another natural material often used in light fixtures. Known for its strength and flexibility, it makes it possible to create models as varied as they are refined, from floor lamp to pendant light.
Several pendant lights in this collection combine wicker with bamboo, rattan, wood or a metal frame. The exact composition of each model appears on its product page, and our bamboo light fixtures extend the same plant-based inspiration.
Types of wicker and rattan light fixtures
The pendant light forms the heart of this collection. Woven floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces come next as complements, to repeat the material at different heights in the room.
Pendant lights
Wicker and rattan pendant lights come in a wide range of shapes and diameters, and are very well suited to lighting the dining room or the kitchen, whose elegance they enhance. With its soft light, a wicker pendant light creates a soothing atmosphere.
Above a table, a bell-shaped model gathers the light on the tabletop, as a classic dining room pendant light does. In a low room, a model mounted flush with the ceiling keeps the passage clear, in the manner of our natural ceiling lights.
Floor lamps and table lamps
These light fixtures are ideal for adding a source of soft light in a reading nook, or near the sofa, in the living room. Available in varied heights and styles, they complement the general lighting, while adding a decorative element to the space.
Unlike a ceiling light fixture, they plug into a simple power outlet. A wicker lamp placed on a bedside table thus picks up the fiber of the pendant light. Near an armchair, a natural floor lamp plays the same role.
Wall sconces
Wicker wall sconces and rattan wall sconces save space, since they free up the floor and the furniture, while offering supplementary lighting. They suit a hallway very well, and their installation, too, is entrusted to a qualified electrician.
Near a bathroom mirror, however, wicker is out of place: the fiber tolerates steam poorly, and the NF C 15-100 standard defines safety zones there, with an IP44 rating at minimum. A model designed for this use is then needed, to be chosen from our bathroom light fixtures.
Choosing your pendant light well
Above a table, allow about 75 to 90 cm between the bottom of the pendant light and the tabletop, and in a walkway, at least 2.10 m below the light fixture. Choose warm white LED bulbs, referring to the product page, which indicates the base and the maximum power accepted by each model.
Choosing the right light fixture
Take into account the diameter and the height of the light fixture, so that it fits the space well without weighing down the atmosphere. Its size must remain proportionate to the room, in order to preserve balance and harmony: a large pendant light comes into its own in an open living area, like most of our living room light fixtures.
In a smaller room, a modest diameter and a tight weave are enough, and this is the most frequent choice among our bedroom light fixtures. The table below summarizes these guidelines, room by room:
| Room | Recommended model | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Dining room | Bell pendant light above the table | Bottom of the shade about 75 to 90 cm from the tabletop |
| Living room, living area | Large pendant light, or several grouped models | Match the diameter to the volume of the room |
| Bedroom | Pendant light of modest diameter, with a tight weave | Warm white bulb, for a soft light |
| Kitchen | Pendant light above the table or the island | Away from cooking steam and water splashes |
| Entryway, hallway | Ceiling light or short pendant light | At least 2.10 m of clear passage below the light fixture |
Customizing your light fixture
Several options let you match the light fixture to an existing decor, within the limits of the variants offered on each product page: depending on the model, you choose the dimensions of the shade, the type of lamp holder, and sometimes the color of the cable.
A light wicker goes with a blond parquet floor and linen curtains, whereas a fiber dyed black suits more graphic furniture. This search for simple pairings is shared by all of our natural light fixtures.
Wicker and safety
Use an LED bulb, which gives off little heat, and respect the maximum power indicated. A warm white, between 2700 and 3000 kelvins, extends the golden shade of the fiber, as on our warm light fixtures, and on a dimmer, the bulb must be marked "dimmable".
Wicker tolerates humidity poorly: reserve these light fixtures for dry rooms. On a terrace or under an awning, only a model designed for this use will do, with its IP rating shown on the product page, to be chosen from our outdoor light fixtures.
Installation and maintenance
The installation of a wicker light fixture must be carried out with care, following the instructions, so that the lighting is both safe and effective. A pendant light or ceiling light is connected to the home's electrical network: entrust the installation to a qualified electrician, after checking that the ceiling fixing point can bear the weight of the light fixture.
Regular cleaning then keeps the light fixture's appearance and proper operation. Dust it with a soft cloth, with the light switched off and cooled, without abrasive products, following the direction of the weave.
Where to buy a pendant light?
At Lustria, you will find a wide choice of wicker and rattan light fixtures, presented with detailed descriptions and the options available for each model. Each product page indicates the characteristics of the light fixture and its price.
Our team is at your disposal to answer all your questions, support you with your order and advise you on the choice of options, as well as on the installation of your new light fixture.
Final thoughts
Wicker, rattan and bamboo light fixtures are not just sources of light: they are decorative pieces in their own right, which bring to the interior as much beauty as comfort.
With their natural style and rustic elegance, they suit everyone who wishes to give their living space an authentic touch that is also warm.
Frequently asked questions about wicker light fixtures
Here are the answers to the questions that come up most often:
What are the advantages of a wicker light fixture for the home?
A wicker light fixture brings a natural texture and a bohemian or rustic style, which make the decor warm and welcoming. Wicker is also a light and sturdy material.
Its light, scattered by the weave, remains soft, and gives charm and elegance to any room.
How do I fit a wicker pendant light into a minimalist decor?
Choose a model with a clean design, in a natural color or in neutral tones. Hang it above a table or in a living room corner, to add texture and visual interest, without cluttering the space.
Wicker then becomes the natural element that completes a minimalist interior, bringing it a discreet aesthetic dimension.
What size of wicker light fixture should I choose for a large living room?
In a large living room, opt for a wicker pendant light of large diameter, or for a set of several light fixtures, to create a striking focal point.
The size must remain proportionate to the space, to preserve the balance of the room. A large pendant light lights the living area effectively, while playing the role of centerpiece of the decor.
Can a wicker light fixture be used outdoors?
Only if it is a model designed for outdoor use, treated to resist humidity and temperature swings, and whose IP rating is shown on the product page.
The light fixtures in this collection are intended for indoor use: they find their place in a closed, dry sunroom, but not on a terrace.
How do I maintain and clean a wicker light fixture to keep it for a long time?
Dust it regularly, with the light switched off and cooled, using a soft cloth or a soft brush. On a stain, use a cloth lightly moistened with soapy water, then dry immediately, so that water does not seep into the fibers.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and humidity, in order to preserve the shape and natural color of the wicker.
What colors are available for wicker light fixtures?
Wicker light fixtures most often come in natural tones of beige, brown and gray. Some models are painted or dyed, to meet more specific decorating wishes.
You can thus find black or white wicker light fixtures, and more rarely bright colors, to bring a bold note to the room.
Which wicker light fixture should I choose to create a cozy atmosphere?
Choose a wicker light fixture with a soft, diffuse light, with a dense weave, which filters the lighting and draws pretty plays of shadow on the walls and the ceiling.
Warm light bulbs, in the pendant light as in the accent lamps, further reinforce this warm effect.
Which bulb should I choose for a wicker pendant light?
An LED bulb: it uses little power and gives off little heat, which matters for preserving the natural structure of the wicker.
Take a warm white for a welcoming atmosphere, or a neutral white, around 4000 kelvins, for a brighter lighting, close to daylight.
Where can I find a quality wicker light fixture?
At Lustria, the collection brings together wicker, rattan and woven-fiber pendant lights, each product page of which details the dimensions, the materials and the type of compatible bulb.
To judge a model, look at the regularity of the weave in the photos and the nature of the frame. The price appears on each product page.
How do I customize a wicker lamp to match my decor?
You can paint it in a color matching your interior, or add ornaments to it, such as ribbons, beads or fabrics, kept away from the bulb. You can also choose a model with a different weave pattern, to create a particular visual effect.
Never modify the electrical part: any work on the cable or the lamp holder is a job for a qualified electrician.
Can a wicker light fixture be installed in a bathroom?
No, wicker is a natural fiber that tolerates steam and water splashes poorly: it is reserved for dry rooms, such as the living room, the bedroom or the dining room.
In a bathroom, the NF C 15-100 standard requires respecting safety zones, with an IP44 rating at minimum, which calls for a light fixture designed for wet rooms.