Illumine Boutique - Bespoke lampshade workshop
Since 2008

ILLUMINE

The art of weaving light
into exceptional lampshades

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Master Artisan title awarded by the Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat de Normandie
Official title CMA Normandy

MASTER ARTISAN

A distinction awarded by the Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat, recognising exceptional skill in lampshade creation. A title held by only a handful of artisans in France.

The time of craft

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They talk about me

France Bleu
L’Éveil normand
FÊNo
Paris Normandie
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Lights on stage

My creations

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Ecran Médaillon RUBEL

Ecran Médaillon RUBEL

On request
ABAT-JOUR "Les Marguerites" - Les abat-jour d’illumine

ABAT-JOUR "Les Marguerites"

150 €
ABAT-JOUR CONIQUE TONQUIN "BLEU SAUVAGE"

ABAT-JOUR CONIQUE TONQUIN "BLEU SAUVAGE"

On request
ABAT-JOUR PAGODE BIRMANE "Chinoiserie exotique"

ABAT-JOUR PAGODE BIRMANE "Chinoiserie exotique"

On request
ABAT-JOUR " FLEURS DE LIN "

ABAT-JOUR " FLEURS DE LIN "

On request
Abat-jour conique plissé "CAMPAGNE CHIC"

Abat-jour conique plissé "CAMPAGNE CHIC"

On request
ABAT-JOUR CONIQUE "TAKANA"

ABAT-JOUR CONIQUE "TAKANA"

On request
Abat-jour de lustrerie Velours brun

Abat-jour de lustrerie Velours brun

On request
Sylvie Lemarchand in her workshop, crafting a handmade lampshade
The rare craft

The Lampshade Maker

A rare craft passed down since the 18th century. The lampshade maker — or abajouriste — shapes light by hand: pattern tracing, bias cutting, hand stitching, trimming. Each piece is unique, born from the dialogue between fabric and flame.

  1. 01Trace the pattern in chalk
  2. 02Cut along the fabric grain
  3. 03Stretch the silk over the frame
  4. 04Sew with invisible hand stitching
  5. 05Apply the trimmings
  6. 06Test the light diffusion
  7. 07Sign each piece
Wild Silk
Cultivated in India, woven in Lyon

Wild Silk

TranslucentSuppleGolden light

The silk thread flows through my hands like a stream of light. Its translucency reveals hues that only a trained eye can capture — a golden veil that transforms every room into a jewel case.

Norman Linen
Grown in Normandy, woven in the region

Norman Linen

SturdyLiving textureWarm light

Born of Norman soil, linen carries the soul of the land. Its irregular weave catches the light with an honesty that cannot be faked — every thread tells the story of a wind-swept field.

Aged Brass
Artisan forges, hand-finished

Aged Brass

Natural patinaClassic eleganceWarm reflections

Brass ages like fine wine. Its patina tells of passing time, of the hands that shaped it. In every frame, it is the noble structure that supports the beauty of the fabric.

From silk to light

The creative process

01

Meeting

Discussing your wishes, your space, the desired light. We talk colours, materials, shapes.

SketchbookColour chart
02

Sketch

Drawing the pattern, choosing proportions. Every line is drawn by hand.

Tailor’s chalkJapanese ruler
03

Material selection

Fabric selection from Norman linen, wild silk, Egyptian cotton. Translucency test.

Swatch bookTest lamp
04

Cutting & Assembly

Cutting along the fabric grain, tensioning on the frame, invisible hand stitching.

Japanese scissorsCurved needles
05

Finishing

Applying trimmings, braids and garnishes. Every detail is checked.

Glue gunTweezers
06

Light test

Checking light diffusion, chromatic warmth, and balance.

Ampoule 2700KLux meter
07

Delivery

Careful delivery and installation if desired. Your piece comes to life.

Cotton glovesTissue paper
Craftsmanship

Expert Guides

Bespoke Lampshades

Shapes, fabrics, fittings: everything you need to choose your custom lampshade.

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Fitting Systems

Lyre, socket, clip-on: which fitting system suits your light fixture?

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Pagoda Lampshades

Chinese, Burmese, rectangular: the timeless elegance of pagoda shades.

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Art Deco Style

Geometric shapes, noble materials: the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

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The Lampshade Maker’s Craft

Techniques, training, distinctions: a rare and precious art.

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Artisan Manufacturer

Why choose an artisan manufacturer for your lampshade?

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Lightisnotmanufactured,itissculpted.

The Illumine Workshop

Behind the scenes

Hands at work

Artisan work on a lampshade
Shaping on the frame
Sylvie’s hands sewing a silk lampshade
Hand sewing
Knot and trimming details
Knots & trimmings
Light and ambiance test
Light test

In the darkness of a Norman workshop, light is born…

Testimonials
A lampshade that transformed the atmosphere of our living room. The workmanship is remarkably fine, and the light it casts is incomparably soft.

Marie-Hélène D. — Deauville

The Illumine workshop-boutique in Cormeilles, Normandy
Your Project

Let us create
your light together

Dreaming of a unique lampshade, perfectly suited to your interior? I will guide you from design to completion, to create the piece that will elevate your light.

Discuss your project

26 Rue de l'Abbaye, 27260 Cormeilles
06 95 12 59 48
illuminehome@gmail.com

Ready to create your light?

Every project begins with a conversation. Let’s talk about your vision.

Request a quoteVisit the workshop