--- title: "Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide" description: In this guide we show you an overview of the ideal materials for creating light sources for design lighting. image: https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hubfs/illuminazione-design-materiali-cell-maincover1.jpg --- - BLOG CATEGORIES - [Indoor](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/indoor-design) - [Outdoor](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/outdoor-design) - [Private home](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/private-home) - [Hotel](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/hotel) - [Restaurant and bar](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/restaurant) - [Retail](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/retail) - [Lighting technology](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/lighting-technology) - [Materials](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/materials) - [ABOUT KARMAN](https://karmanitalia.it/en/the-company/) - [CONTACT US](https://karmanitalia.it/en/contact-us/) [![storybox-karman-logo](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/storybox-karman-logo.png?width=350&name=storybox-karman-logo.png)](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en) - BLOG CATEGORIES - [Indoor](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/indoor-design) - [Outdoor](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/outdoor-design) - [Private home](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/private-home) - [Hotel](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/hotel) - [Restaurant and bar](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/restaurant) - [Retail](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/retail) - [Lighting technology](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/lighting-technology) - [Materials](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/materials) - [ABOUT KARMAN](https://karmanitalia.it/en/the-company/) - [CONTACT US](https://karmanitalia.it/en/contact-us/) ## FOLLOW KARMAN - - - - - - - - - - [mailto:someone@example.com?Subject=6%20lamps%20to%20have%20a%20fairy%20garden&Body=https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/karman-outdoor/](mailto:someone@example.com?Subject=6%20lamps%20to%20have%20a%20fairy%20garden&Body=https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/karman-outdoor/) [Outdoor Design](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/outdoor-design)  / [Indoor Design](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/indoor-design) # Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide --- Posted On 2 October 2020 > **To carefully select** the most suitable light sources for the lighting project that you have been commissioned to do, **it is necessary to evaluate a series of key technical-aesthetic factors**, which will determine the success of the entire design: whether it is used for [**private homes**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/decorative-lighting-projects-for-private-homes), accommodation and [**hotels**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/decorative-lighting-for-hotels), bars and [**restaurants**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designing-restaurant-lighting-create-atmosphere), commercial spaces and [**shops**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designing-shop-lighting-strategies)**.** First of all, **it is necessary to know if the client wants an indoor and/or outdoor installation**. This information will help you determine the types of lamps most suitable for each context. Secondly, **it is crucial to know the client’s functional needs.** In this sense, it is important to embrace **the client’s tastes and ideas** to remain faithful to the furniture concept chosen **for** the location in question. By this we mean **the preferences of the client in terms of models and materials for lamps**. In this way, you can create a composition characterized by the perfect combination of style and performance. In this article, we will show you **an overview of the ideal materials for the creation of designer light sources.**   **[![What to ask your clients before starting to design a lighting system?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3920789/interactive-166324872527.png)](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLISkEOvhPcFamgKOorEKFr50OaG5CwqvWo0w5pPZC0sWEw31sFQZa1pQhyWOkivnJohJO9Kzyg%2F8wFvd4BeAUfguQXz9g8Zno4mJelRl5wF2JPPsyMaV80%2BcXxf3CYLQ3%2FgwyVcUriZuvqN4a4ZlUTaLMH6lUz51mVAvj0O6TtfrLzHO2wXz2zsqsovkMTgSwC3vpo1fgKvMRrFYadue2grUto%3D&webInteractiveContentId=166324872527&portalId=3920789)**   ## Materials for designer lamps: the 9 best solutions for a great technical-aesthetic result Below, you will find a definitive guide of materials for designer lamps made specifically for the creation of lighting design solutions with great aesthetic and functional qualities: 1. [**Cement;**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#cement) 2. [**Glass;**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#glass) 3. [**Ceramic;**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#ceramic) 4. [**Fiberglass;**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#fiberglass) 5. [**Metal;**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#metal) 6. [**Fabrics;**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#fabrics) 7. [**Stoneware;**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#stoneware) 8. [**Technopolymer;**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#technopolymer) 9. [**Plaster.**](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide#plaster) Let's continue by analyzing the technical and aesthetic peculiarities of each material.   ![Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide Atelier](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/illuminazione-design-materiali-guida-atelier.jpg?width=960&name=illuminazione-design-materiali-guida-atelier.jpg) *Atelier* ### 1. Cement: concreteness and plasticity **Cement** is one of the the few materials capable of conveying a sense of **materiality and strength**, while at the same time giving off **an aura of solid lightness.** It is precisely this double identity that determines the extremely versatile nature of cement, undoubtedly one of the most appreciated and chosen materials for lamps for **its dense, almost velvety surface, capable** of making each piece unique. ### 2. Glass: luster and modernity **Glass is transparency that materializes in a tangible, light, refined material.** So graceful and elegant, this material is **able to enhance the refractions of light** in a kaleidoscope of glimmers and sparks capable of **attracting your gaze and enchanting you.**   ![Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide Cell](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/illuminazione-design-materiali-guida-cell-2.jpg?width=960&name=illuminazione-design-materiali-guida-cell-2.jpg) *Cell* ### 3. Ceramic: indisputable beauty in any finish **Ceramics**, with its ancient and genuine charm, **remain the emblem of origin and archetype**. It never ceases to bewitch and surprise in any design solution. With its unquestionable beauty, both in rough and satin finishes, ceramic is reaffirmed as the **ideal material for the creation of designer luminous fixtures** suitable for any scenario: from vintage to classic, from modern to eclectic. ### 4. Fiberglass: new linguistic forms **Fiberglass is an expression of plasticity, form, and creativity.** For this reason, it is able to respond to every momentum and creative idea of the designers employed in the creation of lighting design solutions. A material **capable of coining new linguistic forms** and innovative and always surprising stylistic expression methods. For external compositions or elegant installations for internal furnishing contexts, you could choose [**floor lamps with a fiberglass thread lampshade**](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/collezioni/black-out/)**.** **Ideal and versatile in any location**, similar models, which also act as decorative objects for the environment that they will occupy, **will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere**. The mesh with narrow and wide sections created by the fiberglass yarn weave, radiating with light, will give life to always different and fascinating luminous patterns.   ![Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide Atelier](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/illuminazione-design-materiali-guida-black-out.jpg?width=960&name=illuminazione-design-materiali-guida-black-out.jpg) *Atelier* ### 5. Metal: malleability and sophisticated character Strong, firm, solid: whether it is steel, aluminum or brass, **metals are capable of giving solidity and resistance to the structure of each lamp.** A powerful structure, impossible to scratch, which was born thanks to the malleability of a material of high technical quality: made by folding, curving and perforating a very thin sheet. [**Floor lamps with a steel rod structure**](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/collezioni/cell/), a concrete synthesis of these technical-aesthetic qualities, could be the perfect proposals to illuminate any location, be it external or internal, private or public. **A bright heart**, in methacrylate or white linen, **which lightens the hardness of the metal cage** by standing with undisputed refinement. **Available in different colors and sizes**, these light fixtures, with an agile and minimal design, give greater aesthetic appeal to the place they occupy, not to mention more homogeneous and well-distributed lighting, ideal for giving functional light points to the environment. ### 6. Fabrics: suggestive experimentation **The fabrics**, thanks to their varied textures and their treatments, **are able to "cage" the light** but also allow the light to spread throughout the environment in a swirl of different fantasies and bold luminous choreography.   ![Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide Cell](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/illuminazione-design-materiali-guida-cell.jpg?width=960&name=illuminazione-design-materiali-guida-cell.jpg) *Cell* ### 7. Stoneware: continuity of composition **High resistance to wear, atmospheric agents and continuity of composition**. This is the technical profile of stoneware, a material used to make the lamp supports. This material can also be "vitrified": a process that allows us to achieve a higher material yield. ### 8. Technopolymer **Flexibility, solidity and plasticity** are the peculiarities that **distinguish this innovative material,** used more frequently in the creation of luminous fixtures and various lighting proposals. If your client wishes to opt for a solution that can decorate and illuminate the environment at the same time, you could choose [**floor lamps in opaque gray technopolymer with opaque white PVC rods**](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/collezioni/dont-touch/)**.** **It is a versatile lamp suitable for both interior design and outdoor areas** and is capable of stimulating the senses with great audacity, seducing and inviting you to contemplate and touch it. If, on the contrary, your client wants to be bold and choose a solution with creative charm you could select [**a white technopolymer solution with an evocative shape**](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/collezioni/ottavo/). **A different and ironic way of illuminating the spaces** in your project and decorating the rooms without sacrificing style. To keep an evocative mood, you can still opt for [**white technopolymer floor lamps**](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/collezioni/tobia/): an original proposal to be positioned at will, wherever the client wants, indoors or outdoors. In any context, these lamps will captivate the observer's gaze and **introduce a greater number of functional light points** for the environment and thus **guarantee greater visibility and comfort.**   ![Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide Don't Touch](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/illuminazione-design-materiali-dont-touch.jpg?width=960&name=illuminazione-design-materiali-dont-touch.jpg) *Don't Touch* ### 9. Plaster **Plaster has the power to impart solidity and resistance** to the structure of the lamp, but **without sacrificing style and elegance**: two determining factors in lighting design compositions. Each of these lamp materials is able to combine **durability, modeling ability and performance** in solutions with a strong aesthetic presence and functional value.   ![Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide Cell](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/illuminazione-design-materiali-cell-3.jpg?width=960&name=illuminazione-design-materiali-cell-3.jpg) *Cell* ## Choose materials for lamps that can combine style and performance In this article, we have shown you **which materials are the best for the creation of designer lamps** that know how to combine style and performance. **Choosing handcrafted solutions** through the processing of these materials, which are highly functional and aesthetic, **means choosing quality and resistance**, a guarantee of durability and preservation of the beauty of the lighting proposals chosen for your project. Follow our guide and make your design **a real success in terms of technique and style.**   **[![What to ask your clients before starting to design a lighting system?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3920789/interactive-166324872527.png)](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLISkEOvhPcFamgKOorEKFr50OaG5CwqvWo0w5pPZC0sWEw31sFQZa1pQhyWOkivnJohJO9Kzyg%2F8wFvd4BeAUfguQXz9g8Zno4mJelRl5wF2JPPsyMaV80%2BcXxf3CYLQ3%2FgwyVcUriZuvqN4a4ZlUTaLMH6lUz51mVAvj0O6TtfrLzHO2wXz2zsqsovkMTgSwC3vpo1fgKvMRrFYadue2grUto%3D&webInteractiveContentId=166324872527&portalId=3920789)**   ### For more information, support, and assistance in choosing the right lamp models for your decorative lighting project, do not hesitate to contact us at this [link](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/contatti/). We are at your complete disposal. [Outdoor Design](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/outdoor-design), [Indoor Design](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/indoor-design) Share ![Camilla Rossi](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hubfs/VISOs.jpg) AUTHOR ### [Camilla Rossi](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/author/camilla-rossi) ## WHO WE ARE ![Karman-logo-black](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/Karman-logo-black.png?width=100&name=Karman-logo-black.png) Karman, an Italian company, was founded in 2005 in Fossombrone. The company's world moves itself with simplicity towards an original and personal decorative use of lighting in both private surroundings and public spaces. [READ MORE »](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/azienda/) ## TOPICS [Art](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/art) | [Architecture ](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/architecture)| [Indoor Design](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/indoor-design)| [Outdoor Design](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/outdoor-design)| [Materials](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/materials)| [Private Home](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/private-home) | [Hotel ](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/hotel)| [Restaurant](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/restaurant) | [Retail](https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/tag/retail) ### FOLLOW KARMAN - - - - - © 2025 [Karman Srl](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/) |  [Privacy and Cookie Policy](https://www.karmanitalia.it/en/privacy-cookie-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Camilla Rossi", "url" : "https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/author/camilla-rossi" }, "dateModified" : "2021-01-29T15:00:27.444Z", "datePublished" : "2020-10-02T07:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide", "image" : [ "https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hubfs/illuminazione-design-materiali-cell-maincover1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/designer-lighting-materials-guide", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hubfs/Karman-logo-01.png" }, "name" : "Karman srl" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "NewsArticle", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Camilla Rossi", "url" : "https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/en/author/camilla-rossi" }, "dateModified" : "2021-01-29T15:00:27", "datePublished" : "2020-10-02T07:00:00", "description" : "In this guide we show you an overview of the ideal materials for creating light sources for design lighting.", "headline" : "Designer lighting and materials: the definitive guide", "image" : [ "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/3920789/illuminazione-design-materiali-cell-maincover1.jpg" ], "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://storybox.karmanitalia.it/hs-fs/hubfs/storybox-karman-logo.png" }, "name" : "Karman Italia" } } ```