At the heart of Khalima Lights are our roots as coppersmiths and custom lantern makers. We proudly carry on the centuries-old tradition of handcrafted lantern making, with a determination to see this quickly vanishing trade preserved. Each custom lantern commission begins with a visit to the home or building (either in person or through client-provided photographs) where we observe the architecture, scale, and surroundings of the area and get a general feel for the personal taste of the client. From there we sketch our ideas, submitting the design concepts for approval. Once approved, hand-drawn scaled designs are provided and construction begins. We take raw materials of copper and brass and cut, bend, shape, and solder in our workshop until what began as a thought comes to life and we create a light, perfectly suited to its space and fulfilling its necessary purpose while adding beauty and lasting value- not just to its venue but to the surrounding community as well. Lanterns may be made in either gas or electric versions. Depending on the complexity of the design and scope of the project, custom handcrafted lanterns can take anywhere from 6-14 weeks on average.

Our goal in choosing these Old World building methods over the mass-market production processes adopted by most lighting companies is two-fold: we wish to elevate the craft of lantern-making to a true art form by creating unique artisan pieces in each lantern that we build, and perhaps even more importantly, we wish to create places of remembrance. As our culture pushes toward an ever quickening, ever disposable, and ever disengaged future, we feel the need all the more to make something that lasts somewhere - something that will give its admirer a sense of time and place, and bring to mind the feeling of home when looked upon. In the same way that a common item can hold an uncommon place in one’s soul because of what it represents to them personally, so can our homes, our communities, and the works that adorn them. We wish to create that kind of work. Not only will our copper lanterns last from generation to generation, but as unique works of art in themselves they will continue to increase in value as time moves on.

To begin the commission process for your custom lantern project, please contact us either by email or phone. We look forward to meeting you and creating something special for your space.

Email us any time at craftsmen@khalimalights.com or call us at +1 (843) 737-5705, Monday - Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.