Porta Romana

Each year’s new collection presents new technical challenges to their craftsmen. Achieving a particular surface finish faithfully, realistically and without any hint of the processes involved, is all part of the magic. Porta Roma has grown from its beginnings in a tiny workshop in London to one of the leading interiors brands in the world, its quirky and original products gracing the finest homes, hotels, yachts and movie sets.

The company values craftsmanship very highly, and works with talented craftspeople across a variety of disciplines. Learning the skills necessary to achieve a Porta Romana finish takes time, and the company starts all its new technicians as apprentices even though some may already be graduates and practicing artists.

Porta Romana lampshades are made to their own high specification, which they have named the Gold Standard. All the wirework is 4mm thick and powder coated, the extra rigidity helping to prevent kinks and allowing the shade to travel well. The stitched side seams are also hallmark feature of a Porta Romana shade. Special consideration during the design process is taken to the glow of the shade. The transparencies of Porta Romana’s lampshade linings are created purposefully to give the right glow when lit because every material, be it silk, velvet or satin, requires a different thickness.

In Porta Romana’s painting studio, known as ‘the workshop,’ simple metal, wood and composite is transformed and detailed to become one of their exquisite finished pieces. Over the years the company has created scores of new and elaborate techniques that includes 16 different shades of gold.

View and buy Porta Romano's creations:

• Olivier Floor Lamp
• Motu Desk Lamp
• Duck Feet Lamp
• Giacometti Leaf Table Lamp