Materials

The materials we choose

Every Korhonen lamp is selected around its materials first: how they diffuse light, how they feel, and how they age in a home. Here is what each one is, why we use it, and how to care for it.

Polished travertine stone sample with natural pores and soft banding

Signature material

Travertine

What it isA natural sedimentary stone with open pores and soft banding. No two pieces are alike.

Why we use itIts cream-to-beige tone and matte surface diffuse light gently and bring grounded, organic warmth, overhead or on a table.

CareDust with a soft, dry cloth. Wipe spills promptly and avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals, as natural stone is porous.

Solid walnut wood block showing natural grain

Signature material

Wood

What it isSolid timber and woven bamboo, mostly walnut and pale natural woods, each with its own grain and figure.

Why we use itWarm and tactile, it offsets the technical light source with a warm, tactile character and ages gracefully.

CareDust with a soft, dry cloth. Keep out of prolonged direct sun and damp; an occasional wood-safe wax keeps it nourished.

Frosted opal glass globe lamp shade

Signature material

Glass

What it isBlown and frosted glass, including milky opal globes and clear or smoked shades.

Why we use itOpal glass spreads light evenly for a soft, glare-free glow; clear and smoked glass give a warmer, more directional light.

CareWipe with a soft cloth and a little glass-safe cleaner. Support the shade by its fitting when cleaning.

Polished white marble sample with soft grey veining

Signature material

Marble

What it isNatural marble, a crystalline stone with flowing veining. Every piece is unique.

Why we use itA cool, polished counterpoint to warm light, with enough weight to anchor table and wall pieces.

CareDust with a soft, dry cloth and wipe spills quickly. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, which can etch the surface.

Pleated woven fabric lampshade swatch in oatmeal

Signature material

Textile

What it isWoven and pleated fabric shades in soft, natural tones.

Why we use itFabric warms and softens the light and adds a quiet texture; pleating gives a gentle rhythm of light and shadow.

CareDust gently or vacuum on low with a brush head. Spot-clean lightly and avoid soaking.

Glowing round rice-paper lantern shade

Signature material

Paper

What it isTraditional rice paper and parchment, formed into lantern shades.

Why we use itPaper glows with an exceptionally soft, even warmth and a calm, wabi-sabi character; natural fibres vary subtly in tone.

CareDust gently with a dry, soft brush. Keep dry, as paper is delicate and not washable.

Matte black powder-coated iron sample

Material

Iron

What it isPowder-coated iron, used for canopies, frames, arms and bases.

Why we use itStrong and stable, it holds shades precisely and takes a smooth matte finish in black, white or colour.

CareWipe with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasives that could mark the coating.

Brushed aluminium metal sample

Material

Metal

What it isBrushed aluminium with occasional brass accents, used for housings, stems and caps.

Why we use itLight aluminium suits machined, minimal forms and helps draw heat away from the LED; brass adds a warm metallic detail.

CareWipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive polishes on brass, as a light patina is natural over time.

Frosted white acrylic diffuser sample

Material

Acrylic

What it isTechnical acrylic and ABS, used mainly as LED diffuser panels and some lightweight bodies.

Why we use itFrosted acrylic spreads LED light smoothly edge to edge for an even, modern glow, and is durable and shatter-resistant.

CareWipe with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid alcohol or solvent cleaners, which can cloud the surface.