The wicker chandelier, the art of basketry
Key takeaways:
- A wicker chandelier is a ceiling light fixture whose shade is woven from willow strands, sometimes combined with rattan, bamboo or metal, and which gives off a soft, subdued light.
- Choose its diameter according to the room: a dome or bell shape above the dining table, a large size in the living room, a compact model in the bedroom.
- Wicker is meant for dry rooms and should be fitted with an LED bulb that gives off little heat, while the installation and electrical connection of the chandelier must be entrusted to a qualified electrician.
A wicker chandelier is a ceiling light fixture whose shade is woven from wicker strands, the flexible willow stems that basket makers have worked for centuries to make baskets and trays. Now turned into a light fixture, wicker keeps from this tradition a regular weave, round and enveloping shapes, and a blond or honey tone that warms the light. More rustic than rattan, it evokes country houses and authentic interiors, where it lights a room as much as it decorates it.
This Lustria selection brings together pendant lights in wicker or woven fibers of the same spirit: woven domes and bells, large organic shapes, pendant lights with a Japandi or Asian inspiration, black and natural models, compositions in hemp and wooden beads, and floral shapes in straw. From bohemian style to contemporary design, the exact composition of each model is given on its product page. To see all of our models, browse our chandelier collection.
Wicker, rattan and bamboo
Wicker comes from the willow and is woven into fine, regular strands, for a rustic and warm look. Rattan, which comes from a tropical vine, is more flexible and allows freer shapes, as our rattan chandeliers show. Bamboo, light and rigid, gives large, airy volumes, which you will find among our bamboo chandeliers.
The three materials often look alike at first glance, and the product page states the exact material of each model. Light and sturdy, these fibers lend themselves to natural shapes as well as modern lines: some light fixtures add black metal or wooden details for a more contemporary style, and others a paper or fabric shade, which gives a soft and pleasant light.
The benefits of a wicker chandelier
The wicker chandelier combines three qualities that are rarely found together: the durability of its material, the flexibility of its style and the softness of its light.
A light and sturdy material
Wicker is a strong fiber that easily withstands daily use as long as it stays dry, and its tight weave gives the shade good durability over the years.
Its lightness is another advantage, even though the exact weight of the light fixture, given on each product page, remains the first piece of information to pass on to the electrician who will carry out the installation.
A style that suits every interior
Whether your decor is bohemian, rustic or modern, a wicker chandelier easily finds its place. It comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and suits a welcoming living room just as well as a minimalist bedroom or a trendy kitchen.
Its natural colors, such as beige, light wood or black, add a touch of elegance to every room. To widen your choice to other fibers, browse our natural material chandeliers.
A warm atmosphere
Thanks to the soft light that filters through the weave, a wicker chandelier creates a warm atmosphere that is conducive to relaxation, while its strands draw a delicate play of shadows on the walls.
This subdued light is perfectly suited to resting spaces, such as the bedroom or the living room. It does not rule out functional lighting in the kitchen or the dining room, however, where the chandelier lights the table directly.
How to choose the right wicker chandelier?
When buying, look at the dimensions of the light fixture, the type of compatible bulb (most often an LED), the hanging height and the style of your room. A chandelier that is too small gets lost in a large living room, while a model that is too wide overwhelms a small bedroom.
Fully woven models, with visible strands, have a rustic character that the irregularities of the fiber make unique, while modern designs readily combine wicker and metal for a contemporary touch. The table below summarizes the most common choices, room by room.
| Room | Recommended model | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Dining room | Woven dome or bell | 75 to 90 cm above the tabletop |
| Living room | Large size with a clean design | In the center of the room |
| Bedroom | Bell or compact model | Warm white LED bulb |
| Kitchen | Pendant light above the table | Away from the cooktop |
Where to install a wicker chandelier
Above a farmhouse table or a large wooden table, a wicker dome creates a friendly and warm atmosphere: allow 75 to 90 cm between the bottom of the light fixture and the tabletop, as with all our dining room chandeliers. In a living room, a large woven piece becomes the centerpiece of the decor.
In a bedroom, a wicker bell gives a soft light, like our most understated bedroom chandeliers. Wicker does not tolerate humidity well: keep it for dry rooms, never in a bathroom or outdoors, and keep it away from the cooktop.
Pairing wicker with your decor
Wicker goes well with raw wood, washed linen, terracotta, ceramic and plants, in a country or bohemian spirit. For a bohemian decor, pair your chandelier with natural wood furniture, jute textiles and plant fiber accessories.
Paired with black or clean lines, it brings a natural touch to a contemporary interior, in the spirit of our Scandinavian chandeliers. If you prefer an industrial style, choose a model with black metal finishes and pair it with exposed bulbs, as on our industrial chandeliers. In every case, a warm-toned light brings out its honey color.
Installation, safety and care
A chandelier is connected to the electrical network: entrust the installation to a qualified electrician, who checks that the support is solid and carries the weight stated on the product page, and that the fixing system suits your ceiling. When the cable is adjustable, this professional also adjusts the hanging height at the time of installation.
These light fixtures are intended for indoor use, in dry rooms: in a bathroom, the NF C 15-100 standard defines safety zones and requires an IP44 rating at a minimum, to be checked on the page of each of our bathroom chandeliers. Use an LED bulb, recommended for its soft light and low heat, and respect the maximum wattage stated on the product page, as natural fibers must never be exposed to strong heat.
For care, switch off the power, let it cool down and dust with a soft brush, a feather duster or a soft cloth, without water or cleaning products. In case of a stain, wipe with a cloth barely dampened with slightly soapy water, then dry immediately, because excessive moisture damages natural fibers.
Current trends and new arrivals
Long associated with country houses, wicker has found a place in the most up-to-date interiors.
Modern shapes
Wicker chandeliers are reinventing themselves with geometric shapes, black metal details and XXL sizes, like those of our XXL pendant lights. These new arrivals meet the needs of modern decor, while keeping the natural charm of the woven fiber.
Some models are fitted with integrated LEDs, while others take a screw-in bulb: the product page states the type of light source of each light fixture.
Outdoor use
A woven pendant light is a dream on a terrace or in a garden, but the wicker chandeliers in this collection are designed for indoor use, because rain and humidity damage the fiber.
Outside, only a model designed for this use is suitable, with an IP rating stated on its product page, and its connection is also entrusted to a qualified electrician. You will find these models among our outdoor light fixtures.
Where to buy a wicker chandelier?
Lustria offers a wide selection of wicker chandeliers, from compact models to large sizes, which you will also find among our wicker pendant lights. Each page details the dimensions of the light fixture, its material and the compatible type of bulb, and the price is shown on each product page.
Before buying, check these dimensions and the bulb type, then compare models to find the one that fits your budget and your needs. Also measure your table and your ceiling height, in order to rule out models that are too large or too low.
The final word
The wicker chandelier is much more than a light fixture: it is a full-fledged decorative element, which brings warmth and elegance to your interior.
With its many styles, it fits into almost every dry room of the house: discover our selection now and light up your interior with style and a natural feel.
Frequently asked questions about wicker chandeliers
Here are the answers to the questions that come up most often before choosing a wicker chandelier.
What is a wicker chandelier?
It is a ceiling light fixture made from woven natural fibers, most often from wicker, a material recognizable by its natural look and its durability over time.
It brings a warm, bohemian note to your interior, while giving off a soft and welcoming light.
What is the difference between wicker and rattan?
Wicker comes from the willow and is woven finely; rattan is a more flexible vine, which allows freer shapes.
The two materials have similar tones and are easily mistaken for each other once woven. The product page states the material of each model.
Why choose a wicker chandelier for your home?
Because it brings into the room a decorative element that is both natural and elegant, whose distinctive design suits a variety of styles, in particular bohemian, rustic and contemporary.
It fits just as well in the living room as in the bedroom or the dining room.
What are the benefits of wicker chandeliers?
They combine three, which come from the material and the light it lets through:
- a natural look, which brings an organic and warm touch;
- good sturdiness, as wicker is a resistant fiber, suited to daily use;
- a soft light, because the weave lets through a subdued glow, ideal for a welcoming atmosphere.
How to bring a wicker chandelier into a modern decor?
By pairing it with neutral colors and materials such as black metal or light wood. Place it above a wooden table, or in a minimalist living room, to create a contrast.
Complete the look with a few natural fiber accessories or linen cushions.
What style of wicker chandelier should you choose for the living room?
For the living room, choose a large wicker chandelier with a clean design: a dome or woven bell shape makes a striking effect.
Pair it with wooden furniture or natural textiles for a harmonious and elegant whole, and compare shapes among our living room chandeliers.
Do wicker chandeliers come in several sizes?
Yes, they are offered in a wide range of sizes. Compact models suit small rooms, such as a bedroom, while XXL sizes are made for large spaces, such as a living room or a dining room.
Check the diameter and height on the product page before buying, for a chandelier that is well proportioned to the room.
Which bulb for a wicker chandelier?
An LED that gives off little heat, in a warm tone, within the wattage limit stated on the product page: its low heat spares the natural fibers of the wicker.
A warm white, between 2700 and 3000 K, enhances the welcoming atmosphere of the room, as on our warm light chandeliers. With a dimmer, check that the bulb is "dimmable".
How to care for a wicker chandelier?
With the power off, dust it regularly with a soft brush, a feather duster or a soft cloth, without water or cleaning products.
If a stain appears, clean it gently with a barely damp sponge and a little soapy water, then dry immediately. Avoid any prolonged exposure to humidity.
Can a wicker chandelier be used outdoors?
No, the light fixtures in this collection are intended for indoor use, in dry rooms, and rain and humidity damage wicker, even under a covered terrace.
Outside, only a light fixture designed for this use is suitable: check the manufacturer's instructions and the IP rating stated on the product page.
Where to buy a quality wicker chandelier?
At Lustria, which brings together wicker chandeliers and pendant lights in all sizes, from the small bedroom model to the large dining room dome.
Before finalizing your purchase, read the model's page carefully: the material, dimensions and bulb type are detailed there.