There are certain objects I find myself returning to again and again when I’m sourcing.
Italian ceramic lanterns are one of them.
I’ll be scrolling through pages of pieces - glass, brass, furniture - and then one appears and I stop almost immediately. There’s something about them that feels both playful and considered at the same time. They’re decorative, yes, but never overly serious.
Many of these lanterns come from the south of Italy, often from places like Vietri sul Mare, where ceramics have been made for generations. You can usually recognise them by their small pierced openings, sculptural forms, and softly irregular glazing. No two ever feel exactly the same.
What I’m drawn to most is their character. They often feature small details - fish, shells, sea creatures, or simple cut-out shapes - that feel almost naive in the best possible way. There’s a looseness to them that you don’t often see in contemporary (or factory made) pieces.
They also have a very particular way of interacting with light.
When lit, the glow escapes through the small openings and creates a soft, scattered pattern around them. It’s not harsh or directional like modern lighting. It’s much quieter. More atmospheric. The kind of light that makes a room feel warm without trying too hard.
Even unlit, they work beautifully as decorative objects. Placed on a shelf, a console, or a bedside, they hold their own as sculptural pieces. They don’t need much around them.
I think that’s why they work so well in modern interiors. A room that might otherwise feel quite clean or minimal can shift slightly with the addition of something like this. It introduces texture, history, and a sense of place.
Decorating with Italian ceramic lanterns is less about making a statement and more about adding a layer. They sit somewhere between object and lighting, which makes them incredibly versatile.
They’re also the kind of piece people tend to ask about. Not because they’re loud, but because they’re unfamiliar. Slightly unexpected.
When I’m sourcing for the atelier, I’m always looking for pieces that feel like this - objects that bring a quiet sense of charm and individuality into a space. Italian ceramic lanterns, particularly those from Vietri, do that effortlessly.