Moroccan Lamps - What Is So Special About Moroccan Lamps?

You don’t have to be an expert lighting tech with a degree in Cinematography to properly light your home. Take a look around, taking into consideration where people typically sit and what they’re doing. Do you just use the living room for watching television? Do you entertain guests, sometimes eat dinner there or read books? You’ll want to provide enough light for the activities you like to do, but also accent particular pieces of furniture you may have spent a lot of money on or that simply catch the eye. That brings us to the archetypal question: Do you want a floor lamp or a hanging lamp?

Artistic, handmade Moroccan lamps come from the foothills of the mountains to your home in both the hanging and floor varieties. The possibilities are seemingly limitless, when you consider the added variance in color, shape and pattern as well.

The Moroccan floor lamps are ideal because unlike most designs, they project the light outward and upward. Most standing floor lamps have a shade and the light shines down to the floor, which is wasteful since you’re rarely sitting on the floor doing something.

These Moroccan floor lamps are made out of dyed goat skin stretched over an iron frame and hand-painted with henna. In ancient tradition, decorating and artistic expression was a form of “Barakah” – meaning “spiritual wisdom and blessing transmitted from God.” Artisans were careful not to disobey any of their religious laws, which prevent them from drawing human figures; so instead, you will find symbols, geometric shapes, plant-like designs and nature patterns. Traditionally, these designs were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the beholder. The fish pattern, for instance, symbolizes water, fertility and prosperity. The lizard or salamander represents a seeker of the sun or the human soul seeking light. Most shapes found on your Moroccan floor lamps aim to protect, empower and command respect.

Moroccan hanging lamps (also called lanterns) are made out of stained glass and wrought iron or brass. Hanging lanterns can be a sign of upper class status in Morocco, as many lanterns were seen at the entranceway of palaces and mansions. In your home, hanging lamps are ideal for people with children (as they won’t be able to knock or tip these ones over!) and for lighting a dining area or foyer.

What says “Welcome” more than a giant glass chandelier? Chandeliers, while sometimes costly, are a symbol of elegance and status. Nothing takes one’s breath away more than a magnificent chandelier hanging in a lavish hotel or mansion bed-and-breakfast. For a more conservative and budget-friendly lamp, the Moroccan stained glass lamps are a beautiful addition to any home, whether you place them in your living room, bedroom or outdoor deck. Most of these lights are made multi-functional so you can use them indoors to bring a rustic charm to your dwelling or outdoor to light up a patio, front door or pool area.

Proper lighting is a big deal when it comes to human happiness. Whether you prefer hanging or floor lighting arrangements, there is a Moroccan lamp for you. Once you’ve assessed your home and determined where light is needed and why, you can select the appropriate color theme and begin feeling happier, more relaxed and emotionally satisfied.

Adeal Benhayoun is the writer of Star of Morocco which imports Moroccan lamps. For all of your Moroccan decor questions, call Adeal for educated answers.