How to Choose a Handcrafted Lamp for Your Living Room | Atelier Maus
How to choose a handcrafted lamp for your living room? A complete guide for 2024
Looking to brighten up your living room with a unique, handcrafted lamp? With so many different materials, styles, and sizes, the choice can seem daunting. In this guide, we reveal all our secrets for choosing the perfect table lamp to enhance your interior.
Why choose a handcrafted lamp rather than an industrial lamp?
A **French handcrafted lamp** offers several unique advantages:
- **Unique piece**: Each lamp bears the imprint of its creation, with natural variations in patina and materials.
- **Authentic craftsmanship**: Entirely handmade in our French workshop
- **Noble materials**: Patinated steel, natural slate, translucent mica, moonstone
- **Durability**: Superior quality that transcends years and trends
- **Timeless design**: Creations that never go out of style
## The essential criteria for choosing your handcrafted lamp
### 1. Height and proportions
**Golden rule**: The lampshade should reach eye level when you are seated, to avoid glare.
### 2. The desired style and atmosphere
Each collection embodies a particular vision of light:
**Clean, contemporary style**
- Copper or bronze finishes
- Lampshade in white or copper mica
- Warm and enveloping light
→ Discover the Halley Aura copper and white mica
**Refined industrial style**
- Black, brown, or rust patina
- Natural slate lampshade
- Soft and nuanced light
→ Discover the Kepler Halo black patina
**Bauhaus/Modernist Style**
- Clean, geometric lines
- Kepler collection inspired by Bauhaus design
- Balance between form and function
**Minimalist Style**
- Wilkins collection with compact design
- Distinctive tubular base
- Functional aesthetics
### 3. The materials: steel, slate, mica or moonstone? 
#### Patinated steel: the character of the metal
Our **exclusive finishes** developed in our workshop:
- **Black-brown patina**: Dark and deep shades, velvety matte finish
- **Glossy varnished copper**: Warm and luminous reflections
- **Bronze Powder**: Granular and matte texture, golden tones
- **Rust oxidation**: Shades of red, orange, and brown, authentic raw appearance
Each finish is protected by a varnish that preserves the nuances while revealing the subtle reliefs.
#### Slate: the mineral texture
The anthracite grey **slate sheet** provides:
- Natural mineral authenticity
- Soft and intimate lighting
- Unique variations in grey-black tones
- Slightly rough texture to the touch
Perfect for creating a cozy and refined atmosphere.
#### Mica: The Play of Light
Mica, a natural stone with exceptional translucent properties:
- **White mica**: Pure and bright light
- **Structured copper mica**: Warm reflections and visible texture
- **Silver-green mica**: Subtle and elegant shades
- **Mica Burning Forest**: Iridescent reflections of red, blue, yellow, and brown
Its ability to filter light creates unique plays of transparency.
Ideal for a zen and relaxing atmosphere.
### 4. Light intensity and quality
**Abundant and structuring light**
- Halley and Kepler collections with tall lampshades
- Ambient lighting for the entire living room
- Perfect for main living areas
**Intimate and enveloping light**
- Cassini collection with wide and low lampshade
- Lounge-like and cozy atmosphere
- Ideal for a reading or relaxation corner
**Functional light**
- Wilkins Compact Collection
- Targeted lighting for a specific area
- Perfect for a desk or bedside table
How to match your handcrafted lamp with your decor?
### With a leather sofa
**Perfect match**: Lamp in copper-plated steel and copper mica
- The warm tones of copper harmonize with leather
- Creates a warm and sophisticated atmosphere
### With a Scandinavian interior
**Perfect match**: Lamp in bronze powder and white mica
- Light and natural tones
- Clean and functional design
### With an industrial loft style
**Perfect match**: Lamp in black patinated steel and slate
- Raw and authentic materials
- Mineral and metallic appearance
### With a bohemian decor
**Perfect Match**: Rusty steel and moonstone lamp
- Earthy and natural tones
- Soft and soothing light
## Our selection by use
### To light up a reading corner
→ [Cassini Aura](https://ateliermaus.fr/collections/modele-cassini) : wide lampshade, enveloping light
### To structure a large living room
→ [Halley Aura](https://ateliermaus.fr/collections/modele-halley) : slender silhouette, sculptural presence
### For a desk or bedside table
→ [Wilkins](https://ateliermaus.fr/collections/modele-wilkins) : compact format, minimalist design
### For a Bauhaus design enthusiast
→ [Képler](https://ateliermaus.fr/collections/modele-kepler) : geometric lines, modernist inspiration
## Caring for your handcrafted lamp
Our lamps are designed to last:
- **Dusting**: Soft, dry or slightly damp cloth
- **Protected patina**: The varnish preserves the finish; no special treatment is necessary.
- **Lampshade**: Gently dust with a soft brush
- **Recommended bulb**: E27 LED, 6-8W, warm white (2700-3000K)
Why choose Atelier Maus?
- ✅ **100% French manufacturing** in our workshop
- ✅ **Unique pieces** thanks to the natural variations in materials
- ✅ **Mastered artisanal techniques** of patination and oxidation
- ✅ **Premium materials** selected for their quality
- ✅ **Timeless design** that transcends eras
- ✅ **Ready to install** with complete electrical system
## Need personalized advice?
Every interior is unique. If you're hesitating between several models or would like personalized advice for your project, [ contact us ]. We'd be happy to guide you in your choice.
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Article written by Stéphane Mausmond | Atelier Maus - Creator of handcrafted lighting since 2006