In My Key Pieces

The Cestita lamp: pure design to brighten dark spaces

cestita lamp spanish midcentury modern design lighting boreal abode

Never underestimate the influence of a small lamp. Sometimes, that’s all you need to transform a space in seconds — and with no mess.

The secret to successful lighting design is to follow a straightforward formula. Timeless essential aesthetic + Functional features for everyday life.

The Cestita lamp designed by Miguel Milá follows this principle. A true Spanish mid-century modern classic you can own today. Let’s discover what makes it special.

Miguel Milá: A pioneering Spanish designer

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Miguel Milá is a living legend. He is an interior designer and a pioneer of Spanish industrial design. His creations, from the 50s right up to the present, are now considered timeless classics. The range of products varies from fireplaces to bathroom taps. But there’s no doubt his lamps have become the most iconic pieces.

Milá comes from an aristocratic family with strong ties with the arts. Here is a curious fact about him you may like; his uncle commissioned no other than Gaudí to build a house. Decades later, it became one of Barcelona’s modernist landmarks. The Casa Milá (aka La Pedrera). I’ve walked past that house thousands of times and it never ceases to amaze me.

STYLE TIP: Brighten up a gloomy corner with a strategically placed table or floor lamp. Choose a diffuser shade and a dim bulb to avoid harsh shadows. This will make the space feel bigger and airy.

He considers himself a pre-industrial designer. Let’s remember that back in the 50s in Spain there was no such thing as industrial or product design. It was a time of crisis where everything was handmade. Milá used his skilled artisan craftsmanship and combined it with innovative design. The result? Pieces that will never get old.

And talking about innovation. He insists you shouldn’t seek it per se. If you design with a purpose the best possible way you can, you’ll be innovating. There’s a fascinating documentary about him by Poldo Pomés (below). Even if you don’t speak Spanish, skim through the video and you can see how he presents his work.

The Cestita lamp: pure design to brighten dark spaces

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Cestita means little basket. And it’s the little sister of the Cesta lamp, both designed in 1962. Milá said he spotted a lantern-shaped glass in a market one day and bought it. Inspired by this object he designed the Cesta lamp. First using rattan and later with softwood. And the Cesta family was born.

A simple concept with Mediterranean influences

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There’s something mystical about the Cestita lamp. It doesn’t look like a lamp at first glance, but then it becomes apparent. Milá said lightning is one of the most important aspects of interior design. And that is because it’s only used a few hours every day. So the rest of the time it has to add something to the overall room design.

But, is it a table lamp?

Yes and no. You can place it on a table, but it looks stunning on the floor or on a shelf. The lightweight frame has a handle that allows for easy rearranging as needed. I have mine on a sideboard to brighten up a dark corner of my house. It generates a soft diffused light — perfect for ambient lighting.

Beautifully handmade with durable materials

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If you skip to minute 26:45 in the video, you can see part of the manufacturing process of the lamp. The structure is made of Sumatran pine wood. With minimal treatment to preserve its natural colour. For the lampshade, they use white translucent glass or polythene. I have the plastic shade which is more pet and Juan-friendly.

The black cable is also an integral part of the design. Milá didn’t disguise it. Instead, he centred and exposed it in the bottom part of the shade. Other lamps designed by him, like the TMM and TMC, feature a hanging cable that turns the lamp on/off when pulled. Avoiding unnecessary switches and maintaining the design clean.

Meet the Cesta lamp family

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Milá introduced different materials whilst respecting the essence of the original design. This is how the Cesta Metálica and Cestita Metálica were created. Both use stainless steel instead of softwood. And the Cesta Metálica has an optional leather handle. To make the design 100% portable, he removed the need for a cable in the Cestita Batería.

Regardless of the model you choose, make sure you use a bulb with low wattage. Try with the recommended LED 6W bulb for a gentle glow. Or LED 10W for the bigger models. Also, remember that this is a handmade product from Spain. Therefore, you will need an EU-to-UK socket adaptor.

Get the Cestita lamp

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It’s time to own a piece of Spanish mid-century modern design. Santa & Cole manufactures and distributes the lamps. There’s a list of all the UK shops and retailers where you can get the Cestita. I bought mine from Momentum in Cardiff. It’s also available online via Skandium and Twentytwentyone.

I have talked about my architect uncle from Barcelona before. The same uncle who gifted me the Timor perpetual calendar by Enzo Mari. Well, he doesn’t own the Cestita lamp. Shock. However, every single floor lamp in his apartment was designed by Miguel Milá. That’s lighting goals.

What’s your favourite Milá lamp?

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Is it the Cestita? Check his other lighting creations and pick your winner. I must say the TMM floor lamp is on my wish list. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

By the way, if you want to see a rattan chair being thrown out of a window check minute 13:50 in the video. I told you — a living legend!

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Juan Sandiego

I’m an Interiors & Wellbeing Coach with a passion for design and the science of happiness. I help home renovators create their ideal home and lifestyle so they can live happy and stress-free. Want to try it? Book your free session today.

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22 Comments

  1. Meera
    6 years ago

    This lamp is a beauty, absolutely timeless. Loved the video of chair being throw out too, I was sure it would’ve got damaged but NO! Amazing!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Haha! Thank you for your comment, Meera! I will never see rattan chairs the same way again (not that I plan to throw them like that). The Cestita was originally made of the same material, but it became difficult to find skilled artisans.

      Reply
  2. Claire
    6 years ago

    Love all the curves and the wood on the lamp,

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thanks for your comment, Claire! Glad you like the design.

      Reply
  3. Fawn Interiors Studio
    6 years ago

    How do we not know this lamp?? It’s so cute and it’s so lovely to hear about its history and the designer behind it.

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Tamsin! Hope you enjoyed the background of this lamp. It helps appreciate it more.

      Reply
  4. Fiona
    6 years ago

    Lovely lamp. For me it would have to be the Estadio. That is one grand light! I’d love to have one of those.

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Fiona! The Estadio pendant is dreamy. Milá still uses it in many of his interior design projects.

      Reply
  5. Ricky Vann
    6 years ago

    What a beautiful lamp! Love the mix of wood used in its creation. Definitely a stylish piece, even when turned off 🙂

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Ricky! You’re right, it’s a great addition to any space.

      Reply
  6. JENNY KAKOUDAKIS
    6 years ago

    A rattan chair, thrown out of a window? I wonder what he is on about.
    Then yes, the chair flies out of the window and the designer picks it up and sits down casually, showcasing that rattan is ACE.
    Brilliant video. I think you should guest post on VINTERIOR.

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Aw, thank you for your kind comment, Jenny! To be honest, I wasn’t aware of how strong rattan is until I watched the video, and that scene certainly made an impact.

      Reply
  7. Becky at PinksCharming
    6 years ago

    Oh my goodness, this lamp is simply stunning!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Becky! It’s so sculptural yet simple.

      Reply
  8. Rosanna Alicia Design
    6 years ago

    I always learn so much from you Juan – I love how in-depth your posts are. This lamp is absolutely stunning… I love how you can see the subtle lantern influence. R

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Rosanna! I’m glad you found it interesting. Great design deserves to be shared ?

      Reply
  9. jade wilce
    6 years ago

    A design classic looking absolutely beautiful styled in your home. thank you for sharing a little about it’s history I’m always fascinated to hear the stories behind the design.

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Jade! I’m glad you like the stories behind these pieces.

      Reply
  10. Anne Marie
    6 years ago

    Again, another great post on mid century design. I love the fact how informative they all are. You’re very passionate about what you write about and that makes your posts so pleasurable and easy to read. I love the lamp , It gives such a nice work glow. I just wish you showed us more of your house sometimes. It must be beautiful and full of treasures ?

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your kind words, Anne Marie! I really enjoy writing these posts. You’re right regarding the lack of shots of my house. But, trust me, it’s a complete mess! I’m looking forward to sharing “room shots” next year.

      Reply
  11. Sarah Elsley
    6 years ago

    I love using lamps to make small changes in the house. Lamps everywhere! Love the wooden effect on that one, and it’s such an unusual shape.

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Sarah! The lamp is made of real wood (Sumatran pine). It looks good, doesn’t it?

      Reply

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