Raffia, palm leaves and seagrass are used in contemporary lighting design to produce everything from compact woven pendants to oversized lampshades. Each material has different properties that influence the construction, shape and distribution of light.

Understanding the Materials

Raffia is obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm. Its long, flexible fibres can be woven, crocheted or attached as fringes. Designers use it for cylindrical shades, layered pendants and lamps with loose, flowing edges.

Palm leaves are generally cut into strips, dried and prepared for weaving. Depending on the palm species and preparation method, they can be used to create structured dome-shaped shades, bell-shaped pendants and open basket constructions.

Seagrass is a collective name for several aquatic plants used in weaving. Once dried, the fibres can be twisted or braided into cords suitable for more structured lampshades. Seagrass is often used for rounded, conical and basket-shaped designs.

Different Shapes and Lighting Effects

The construction of a lampshade determines how light travels through it.

Tightly woven shades limit the amount of light passing through the sides and direct more illumination through their openings. Open-weave designs allow light to spread more widely and can create patterned shadows on nearby surfaces.

Wide dome-shaped pendants are commonly used above dining tables, while narrow cylindrical designs can be grouped at different heights. Fringed lampshades provide another option, with loose fibres extending below or around the main structure.

For practical lighting, it is important to consider the position of the bulb, the shade's dimensions and whether the fixture provides sufficient illumination for the intended space.

Design Studio

ZliZ creates handmade lighting using materials including raffia, palm leaves and doum palm fibres.

Its collection includes woven pendant lights in different sizes, with made-to-order options for larger installations. The studio also develops custom designs, adjusting the frame, weaving technique and dimensions to suit individual projects.

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