Moroccan Lamps

Moroccan lamps and lights for every room

Moroccan lighting is made to be looked at as much as to see by. A single pierced-brass lamp turns plain light into patterns across the walls and ceiling, so one well-chosen piece can change the whole feel of a room.

• Living room — a large pendant lamp or chandelier as the centrepiece, with a table lamp or floor lamp for softer light in the evening.
• Dining room — one large pendant, or two or three smaller hanging lanterns in a row above the table.
• Bedroom — a pair of Moroccan table lamps on the bedside tables, or wall lamps where space is tight.
• Hallway and entryway — a hanging lantern or ceiling light to greet guests. In Morocco, a glowing lantern is a sign of welcome.
• Outdoors — only use pieces sold for outdoor use; the product page says if a lamp is suitable.

Types of Moroccan lighting

Moroccan pendant lamps and hanging lanterns hang from a chain or cord and are the classic choice over a dining table, in a stairwell or an entryway. Moroccan ceiling lights and chandeliers sit closer to the ceiling or carry several lights at once, which suits larger rooms and lower ceilings. Moroccan table lamps bring the same metalwork to a bedside table, console or side table with no installation at all, while floor lamps add a taller statement piece to an empty corner and wall lamps give soft accent light in hallways and beside a bed or mirror.

Moroccan lanterns are a family of their own: an enclosed metal frame with panels of coloured glass or pierced metal on every side. They can hang, stand on a table or sit on the floor, and most are wired for a bulb today. Read more in our Moroccan lighting guide.

Materials and craftsmanship

Most of our Moroccan lamps are made of brass, with its warm golden tone; others are copper, silver-coloured metal or metal set with coloured glass. The patterns are worked by hand by artisans in Morocco, punch by punch, so no two lamps are exactly alike — small variations in the pattern are part of the handmade character. The size, the material and the detail of the metalwork all shape the finished piece, and its price.

Choosing the right size

• Over a dining table, choose a pendant roughly half to two-thirds the width of the table, and hang the bottom of the lamp about 75–90 cm (30–36 in) above the tabletop.
• In the middle of a room, a simple rule of thumb: add the room’s length and width in feet — the result is a good lamp diameter in inches.
• Where people walk underneath, keep at least about 2.1 m (7 ft) of clear space below the lamp.
• For bigger shadows, pick a larger lamp with an open, pierced pattern; tighter patterns give a softer, more even glow.

Every product page lists the lamp’s dimensions, so you can measure your space before you order.

Bulbs and brightness

Moroccan lamps are mainly decorative, mood lighting. Warm white bulbs (around 2700K) bring out the gold of brass and copper; a clear bulb throws sharp, detailed shadows, while a frosted bulb gives a softer glow. LED bulbs stay cool and save energy. For reading or working, pair your Moroccan lamp with another light source. Check the product page for the bulb fitting and the maximum wattage.

Caring for brass and copper lamps

Switch off or unplug the lamp first, then dust it with a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush, and keep water away from the electrical parts. Brass and copper slowly darken over time — a natural patina that many people love. If you prefer a bright shine, use a gentle brass polish on the outside of the lamp and avoid abrasive pads, which scratch the metal.

Light and atmosphere

Moroccan lamps are known for their intricate metalwork and coloured glass, which create a warm, inviting light. Pair a lamp with a Moroccan leather pouf or a Moroccan rug to complete the room.