Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
Willowlamp bespoke chandeliers, pendants, and monumental installations are not mass-produced… etc. etc.
We answer some of your frequently-asked questions below:
Quotes, Pricing & Payments
Why is the price different for colour finishes versus metallic finishes?
All willowlamp designs can be produced in metallic finishes (Black Oxide, Brass, Copper, Silver Chrome, Smoke Gunmetal, Mixed Metallics) or powder-coated colour finishes (White, Black, Red). Metallic finishes involve additional material treatment and hand-finishing processes, which impact cost. Each chandelier is custom-made to order, so final pricing reflects finish selection, scale, and tailoring requirements.
How much does a bespoke chandelier cost?
Pricing depends on bespoke tailoring with diameter, drop length, finish selection, and installation complexity. As each piece is bespoke, costs vary by specification. Please enquire for a tailored quotation.
How do I purchase a custom willowlamp light?
To purchase a bespoke willowlamp chandelier or sculptural lighting installation, submit an enquiry including your preferred design, diameter, ceiling height, and project location. We prepare a formal quotation with tailoring specifications. A 50% deposit secures your production slot. Production begins once technical drawings are approved. All pieces are made to order in Cape Town and delivered internationally.
Do you offer trade discounts or commission to architects and interior designers?
Yes. willowlamp works extensively with architects, interior designers, and hospitality developers. We offer a structured trade discount programme for qualified professionals working on residential, commercial, and hospitality lighting projects. Trade accounts receive technical drawings, finish guidance, and design consultation support.
How long is a quotation valid?
Quotations are valid for 30 days due to material pricing and exchange rate fluctuations. Please reconfirm pricing if your project timeline extends beyond this period.
What payment terms apply?
A 50% deposit is required to commence production, with the balance payable prior to dispatch.
Warranties and Returns
What is the warranty period on a willowlamp chandelier?
We offer a standard 1-year warranty on electrical components. The stainless steel structure and ball chain system are designed for long-term architectural durability. Electrical components are replaceable and comply with international standards.
What is your return policy?
All willowlamp pieces are bespoke and made to order. As such, we do not accept returns unless the product is damaged in transit or defective. Any concerns must be reported immediately upon receipt.
Freight and International Orders
How long does it take to manufacture a bespoke or custom chandelier?
Lead times typically range between 4–6 weeks depending on scale, complexity, and current production schedule. Large-scale hospitality installations or fully custom sculptural lighting installations may require extended timelines. Production schedules are confirmed upon order placement.
How are willowlamp chandeliers packed?
Every willowlamp chandelier is designed for intelligent flat-pack shipping. The laser-cut metal frames and cascading ball chain curtains are packed efficiently to reduce freight volume and risk. This system lowers international shipping costs and minimises breakage, and is environmentally friendly and recyclable.
Do you arrange shipping, or can I use my own courier?
We can arrange international shipping via trusted freight partners, or you may nominate your own courier. We provide packing specifications and collection coordination as required.
Who covers international freight and local charges?
Orders are shipped on a DAP (Delivery At Place) basis unless otherwise agreed. Import duties, VAT, and local clearance charges and local delivery are the responsibility of the client.
Do you have agents in my region?
We have selected international representation in certain territories. Please contact us to confirm availability in your region. Direct orders from the Cape Town studio are always welcome.
Installation
Can willowlamp chandeliers be installed internationally?
Yes. willowlamp ships globally and provides installation drawings and technical specifications for international electricians and contractors.
Do you provide installation guidance?
Yes. Detailed installation drawings and specifications are provided with each order. Remote support can be arranged if required.
Do you provide an installation service?
We do not offer installation as part of our service since we export all over the world. Occasionally on really large scale projects we may assist with supervision on site.
Product-Related Questions
What is the difference between Black Oxide and Black Chain Finishes?
Black Oxide is a chemical treatment applied to stainless steel, producing a deep charcoal metallic finish with subtle tonal variation. Black Chain refers to a powder-coated painted finish, creating a uniform matte black appearance. Black Oxide is considered a premium architectural finish, while Black Chain provides a bold, solid aesthetic.
Do you manufacture lighting from materials other than ball chain?
No. The stainless steel frame and cascading ball chain system form the core of the willowlamp design language. This proprietary construction method defines the brand’s sculptural identity.
Do you keep stock items available?
Most willowlamp pieces are bespoke and made to order. On occasion, we may have showroom samples available. Please enquire directly.
What ceiling height is required for a statement chandelier?
Ceiling height requirements depend on chandelier scale and drop length. Double-volume spaces and entrance halls allow for larger sculptural forms, while standard residential ceilings may require proportionally adjusted designs. We provide design guidance during the quotation stage.
Can you adjust a design to fit my ceiling height or space?
Yes. Tailoring adjustments are included to ensure each chandelier suits your ceiling height, drop length, and architectural proportions.
Are willowlamp chandeliers suitable for double-volume spaces?
Yes. Many willowlamp installations are designed specifically for double-volume foyers, hotel lobbies, and architectural stairwells. Proportions are customised to suit spatial height and viewing angles.
What is the difference between tailoring and custom design?
Tailoring refers to proportional adjustments to an existing design collection, such as diameter or drop length. Custom design refers to the development of an entirely new sculptural lighting concept created specifically for a residential or hospitality interior design project.
Do you offer fully custom lighting design services?
Yes. In addition to our permanent collection, willowlamp offers fully custom lighting design services for luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. The process includes concept development, 3D visualisation, technical drawings, and production. Custom projects are led by founder Adam Hoets and the Cape Town studio team.
Do you offer 3D models and BIM files?
We only offer 3d models and BIM files on a case-by-case basis on request.
How long does a willowlamp chandelier last?
willowlamp chandeliers are designed as long-term architectural lighting features. The stainless-steel structure does not degrade under normal indoor conditions, and electrical components are replaceable. With proper installation and maintenance, a willowlamp chandelier can last decades.
What type of lighting is used?
Most designs incorporate smaller size G4 or G9 LED repacable lamps but some use integrated LED solutions, depending on specification. We also use E12/14 & E26/27 & GU-10 LED lamps for some applications. Electrical configurations comply with international standards.
How do I clean a willowlamp chandelier?
To clean your chandelier, gently remove dust and loose dirt using a feather duster, followed by a light wipe with a dry, soft cloth. For grease or fingerprints on the stainless-steel frames, use a microfibre cloth with a suitable stainless-steel cleaner. If any chains become tangled, carefully comb your fingers through them to separate. Dust regularly, particularly in high-traffic or humid areas, and avoid harsh chemicals. Use only stainless-steel cleaner on frames and dry methods for the ball-chain. Never apply liquid solvents to the chain, as this may damage the finish. For our cleaning and maintenance guide click here: https://willowlamp.com/finishes-materials-user-guide/#Care
Company Ethos and Brand
When was willowlamp established?
willowlamp was founded in 2005 in Cape Town and has completed installations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Asia.
Are willowlamp products sustainable?
Sustainability is embedded in the manufacturing process through durable stainless steel construction, replaceable LED components, flat-pack shipping efficiency, and made-to-order production that eliminates excess stock waste.
What makes willowlamp different from other chandelier brands?
willowlamp’s signature system uses a laser-cut stainless-steel frame combined with cascading ball chain curtains suspended using a patented notch system. This creates flowing, fastener-free forms that transform light into sculptural architecture rather than traditional decorative lighting.
From where do you draw inspiration for the designs?
Everything that I come into contact with and everything around me. Inspiration is everywhere! But Nature and scared geometry are my main sources of inspiration. Sacred geometry is nature in its purest essence. Its almost like the template for nature & reality. So, for me in terms of the design process it’s about distilling the abstract understanding of how nature is made, crystalizing it and then reflecting it back into the world in a way that intensifies natures beauty.
What is the background story to how willowlamp began?
Back in around 2004/2005 I had a lull between architectural projects. So I started tinkering and playing around with the ballchain material that my partner had in her jewellery studio. After a few failed attempts, we happened across the idea that really underlies the whole of willowlamp, the tiny notch which is laser-cut into stainless steel sheet metal and enables the ballchain to clip into place without any fasteners. We realised very quickly that this idea had tremendous potential as it could easily be translated into an almost limitless variety of forms, so we immediately went about applying for a patent on the idea. Then it was all about launching a design brand and building a business, which is where all the hard work really started.
Are willowlamps designs all original?
Not only is the signature technique a truly original idea but so all of the designs. All our designs are our own unique ideas and creations. We do not copy or reproduce the work of other designers.
Are you willing to or open to collaborating with other designers?
Yes of course! We love it when other designers collaborate to develop new ideas using our materials and techniques. Sometimes this bives birth to a whole new range of designs we may never have thought of.
How has willowlamp changed, evolved and grown over the years?
willowlamp’s journey began with a simple yet ingenious idea: creating lampshade curtains using ball chains, which were fixed to laser-cut frames via a tiny patented notch. The early designs were minimalistic, influenced by the novel idea and a Scandinavian aesthetic. However, it quickly became clear that what captivated people most were the intricate, sculptural chandelier designs. Over time, Willowlamp expanded its creations, moving from art-worthy chandeliers to large-scale centrepieces, and eventually to “ceilingscapes” art installations that cover entire ceilings with geometric architectural landscapes.
What is the importance of decorative lighting?
The importance of decorative feature lighting is in transforming a space, giving it life. Often, architects and designers focus so much on making sure light sources are hidden that they forget how lighting can bring life, movement, and drama to a space. Willowlamp encourages designers to use lighting as a tool to create atmosphere and energy, which can elevate an ordinary space into something extraordinary.