Lasting a lifetime

Healthy living

Made in Britain

Materials

Packaging

Lifetime Guarantee

Sustainability & Responsibility

Lighting Designed to last

Carefully crafted and built to last a lifetime, Coolicon Lighting focusses on durable, long-lasting products as a strategy for sustainable living. Handmade from quality materials and traditional manufacturing techniques that have been passed on for generations, Coolicon pendant shades have stood the test of time since 1933.

 

Rather than creating more, we create better; designing for durability, refining materials and packaging, and minimising waste at every point. Through transparency, and responsible practices, we help customers make conscious choices. Longevity is at our core, and to us, sustainability means honouring heritage and responsibility by crafting designs that stand the test of time.

 

Coolicon lighting strives to continually develop products which are made to last for generations to come. With that, comes a responsibility to reduce climate impacts, reduce environmental footprint and ensure fair working conditions throughout the entire supply chain. 

Made from high quality materials we know that, when looked after, our lampshades will last a lifetime. Our materials and authentic processes have survived the test of time, from 1933 to present day.

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Healthier Spaces

A light for healthy living

Every breath we take is essential to our health. Even indoors, where we spend much of our time, good indoor air quality plays a vital role in our wellbeing.


In all spaces and often unnoticed, everyday products release chemicals into the air which have an adverse affect on our health. These emissions, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), can affect indoor air quality and are commonly found in soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning products, paints, plastics, fuels and lacquers.


As more people prioritise sustainability and healthier interiors, choosing products with low VOC emissions can help create cleaner indoor environments.

@Creating_a_cottage

The advantages of Enamel

Volatile Organic Compound Free Lighting

Because Coolicon Lampshades are made from durable, Vitreous Enamel, they’re built to last. Composed of natural elements such as; glass frit, with natural minerals and oxides fused into it. Fusing these natural elements inside glass means that, unlike painted or powder coated products, Coolicon lampshades will not release VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or chemical gases into your living space.

 

Products that emit low levels of VOCs contribute to healthier indoor environments. Public Health England recommends health-based limits for common indoor VOCs and emphasises reducing emissions at source by selecting low-emission materials and products.

 

Guideline values for selected VOC's in the UK

European Union legislation on VOC's

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HANDMADE IN BRITAIN

Coolicon Lighting are proud to continue manufacturing within the UK, the original place of production since the brand was first founded in 1933. Born during the height of Britain's industrial era, Coolicon became part of a legacy of British innovation, skilled craftsmanship, and family-run businesses that we continue to rely on and that continues to inspire us today. Our heritage literally shapes everything we do, but it's our commitment to the future that keeps us moving forward.

Every Coolicon lampshade is still proudly made in Britain, using the expertise of skilled craftspeople and trusted British manufacturers. Although some stages of production are machine-assisted to improve consistency and efficiency, craftsmanship remains central to what we do. The skill and care of our team are essential to producing shades of lasting quality. And it's this dedication to quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship that has defined Coolicon Lighting for over 90 years and will continue to do so for years to come. 
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BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP

We believe sustainability is about more than the materials we use, it's also about the people who make our products and the communities they support. Wherever possible, we work with and make regular visits to skilled British manufacturers and family-run businesses that have passed their expertise from one generation to the next for decades. The factories we work with benefit from strong employment standards and long-serving workforces, with many employees remaining for 15, 20 or more years across most of our manufacturing partners. 

By sourcing and manufacturing closer to home, we help reduce transport-related emissions while supporting local jobs, preserving traditional craft skills and strengthening regional economies.

LOCALLY SOURCED & CRAFTED

Every Coolicon product carries an authentic story of British craftsmanship. From metal forming and wet enamelling to slip casting and finishing, each stage reflects the pride, precision and experience of the makers hand. These long-standing partnerships allow us to create products that are made with care, built to last and produced in fair, safe working environments. Supporting local craft means investing in skills, heritage and responsible manufacturing. Ensuring traditional techniques continue to thrive for future generations while creating timeless lighting that customers can enjoy for years to come. Every supplier in involved in the making of a Standard 1933 Design Lampshade is certified by ISO 9001, an internationally recognised standard for quality management. It helps ensure consistent processes, rigorous quality control and a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing and supply chain partners.

ISO 9001

DESIGNED FOR THE FUTURE

Every Coolicon lampshade begins with materials chosen for their longevity and ability to live many lives. Crafted from high-recycled-content steel and vitreous enamel paired with highly recyclable brass and carefully packaged with highly-recyclable cardboard. 

As timeless design classics, we encourage every shade to continue its journey. Pass it on, restore it or donate it so it can be enjoyed again. 

When it eventually reaches the end of its use as a lampshade, the steel can be melted down and transformed into something new, the brass can be recycled and the paper-based products composted, becoming part of the next generation of products. 

Rather than ending in waste, the materials can continue in a circular lifestyle, retaining their value and helping to reduce the need for virgin resources. That is the principle of sustainable thinking: Materials that are made to last, made to be reused and made to begin again. 

Steel

Vitreous Enamel

Brass

Ceramics

Cardboard

Electrics

STEEL

Coolicon products are made from high-quality steel containing a high percentage of recycled content. Sourced from trusted European suppliers to reduce transport emissions and fully traceable and produced in accordance with ISO 14001 for environmental protection, to help support responsible manufacturing.

 

While the process of producing steel remains energy-intensive, the steel used to produce Coolicon lampshades today requires 60% less energy to produce than it would have 50 years ago.


Built to last, steel is a durable, infinitely recyclable material that can be reused again and again without losing its quality. To reduce waste during production, we maximise material efficiency through carefully planned nesting patterns. This process allows us to achieve a high material utilisation rate, reducing offcuts and making the best possible use of every sheet of steel. All steel offcuts are collected and recycled to help support a circular economy. 

Recycling Steel Coolicon Products

ISO14001.org
Worldsteel.org

Recycling Steel

Recycling The Standard Collection

Recycling our Ceiling Cups

Recycling The Standard Collection

Recycling our Ceiling Cups

Recycling our Candle Sconces

Recycling our Flip Candle Holder

Recycling our Candle Sconces

Recycling our Flip Candle Holder

Recycling The Standard Collection

Recycling our Ceiling Cups

Recycling our Candle Sconces

Recycling our Flip Candle Holder

VITREOUS ENAMEL

Coolicon lampshades have been crafted from vitreous enamel since the original design was introduced in 1933. Producing shades from vitreous enamel is an energy-intensive process, and we're transparent about that. It requires high temperatures and significant manufacturing input to create their distinctive finish.

 

For us, the value lies in what that process produces. Vitreous enamel is exceptionally durable, resisting corrosion, scratches and wear for decades. It was the material trusted by Britain's industrial workplaces because it was built to withstand demanding environments, and those same qualities make it just as relevant today.

 

Designed for longevity, our vitreous enamel finish requires minimal maintenance and retains its appearance over time, promising to never fade, supporting a longer product life.

 

Rather than creating products designed for regular replacement, we invest energy in creating lighting that can last a lifetime. A Coolicon shade isn't something to replace every few years; it's something to use, restore if needed, and pass on. We believe that longevity is one of the most meaningful ways a product can reduce its environmental impact, making the initial investment in vitreous enamel a worthwhile one.

 

Learn about Vitreous Enamel

BRASS

Coolicon products feature high-quality, lead-free brass chosen for its durability, timeless appearance and exceptional longevity. Naturally strong and fully recyclable, brass is a long-life material that can be reused again and again, helping to conserve valuable resources.


Our brass components are RoHS compliant, meeting strict standards that limit the use of hazardous substances and free of any varnish or lacquer which may contain VOC's or toxic solvents. Opting to allow the brass to develop a gentle natural patina over time, a visual representation of the products lifecycle that adds a character to each product, while preserving its quality and performance for years to come.

 

Learn about our Signature Brass

Recycling our Brass Suspension Sets

Recycling our Brass Suspension Sets

CERAMICS

Our Craftsmans Collection shades are handcrafted from Natural Terracotta and Fine Bone China ceramics, a material made to last a lifetime, by skilled artisans who take pride in every piece they create. Their expertise, developed over years of experience, ensures each shade reflects the quality, care and craftsmanship that define Coolicon.

 

By working with specialist ceramic manufacturers, we help support skilled employment, preserve traditional craft techniques and contribute to local economies. Creating products that are made with care, built to last and responsibly produced which reflects our commitment to a more sustainable future for both people and the planet. Wherever possible, our potters fire our ceramic shades using a solar-powered kiln, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower the environmental impact of production. And any waste or scrap material are responsibly recycled as sustainable inert aggregate.

 

Learn about Natural Terracotta

Learn about Bone China

Recycling our Bone China lampshade

Recycling our Natural Terracotta lampshade

Recycling our Bone China lampshade

Recycling our Natural Terracotta lampshade

CARDBOARD

Our uncoated cardboard product packaging, protective fitments and outer cartons are 100% recyclable and made from 70%+ recycled content, carefully selected to protect your order while completely eliminating the need for any plastic. With graphic elements printed using water-based inks, the cardboard we use can be recycled and composted.

 

Strong, lightweight and easy to recycle, cardboard is an efficient packaging material that helps minimise waste throughout the product's journey. By designing packaging that uses responsibly chosen cardboard fitments instead of excess plastic, we help protect every product in transit while supporting a more sustainable, circular approach to packaging.

Recycling our Cardboard Packaging

Recycling our Cardboard Packaging

ELECTRICS

Our over-braided black fabric cable is made from Rayon. A semi-synthetic fibre made from plant cellulose, a sustainable alternative to polyester which makes the product more durable. It is inherently biodegradable but is not widely recyclable through standard domestic recycling bins. We support this trade off in our attempts to extend our products lifespan.

 

Coolicon Lighting are dedicated to safely extending the lifespan of our accessories where possible; we offer a full replacement parts service to repair any faulty Standard Suspension Sets covered under our product Lifetime Guarantee. Using standardised E14. E26 and E27 fittings provides greater compatibility across light bulbs and electrical components, making repairs or replacement simpler and more cost-effective. Adopting universally recognised fittings also helps to reduce the need for replacement. Additionally, retrofit LED bulbs offer significant energy savings while allowing existing fixtures to be upgraded without requiring complete replacement.

 

More about Coolicon Accessories

Recycling Coolicon Electrics

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations

Recycling Coolicon Electrics

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations

Packaging done well

At Coolicon Lighting, our aim is to design out waste wherever possible. All product packaging is 100% plastic-free, using robust cardboard fitments to protect products while reducing weight and minimising transit damage. The priority is protecting products with care and efficiency, through their entire lifecycle so we still use plastic pallet wrap for larger B2B shipments and document pouches to protect shipping labels in transit, where no practical alternative currently exists. When selecting packaging materials, our aim is to:

 

  1. Eliminate single use plastics & all non-essential packaging elements.
    2. Re-use supply chain packaging where possible.
    3. Reduce the volume and amount of packaging through lightweight alternatives and optimisation.
    4. Maximised cardboard material efficiency through optimised cutting patterns. 

 

Guidance on recycling

Forest Stewardship Council® - FSC®

FSC® stands for the Forest Stewardship Council, an international non-profit organisation that sets standards for responsible forest management, ensuring materials come from well-managed forests or recycled sources.

 

Coolicon uses FSC® Mix-labelled cardboard for its product boxes, along with FSC®-certified envelopes for electrical suspension sets made from 75% recycled content, and all paper-based packaging is 100% recyclable.

 

Choosing FSC-certified materials helps reduce environmental impact by supporting sustainable forestry, preventing overconsumption, supporting the wellbeing of local communities, protecting biodiversity and ensuring more responsible use of natural resources, while still maintaining high-quality, durable packaging suitable for shipping and protection.

 

Visit the FSC® website

Lifetime Guarantee

True sustainability comes not just from how a product is made, but how long it is kept. Our 1933 Design Standard Utility Coolicon Lampshades are built for generations, not seasons. Designed to last a lifetime and beyond, they are often inherited as valued design classics. By choosing to cherish, repair and pass on your Coolicon shade, you help ensure it fulfils its intended purpose: to be enjoyed for generations. Register your lampshade today for a Lifetime Guarantee.

Register your lampshade

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Coolicon Lighting a sustainable brand?

Coolicon focuses on durability rather than disposability as its core sustainability strategy. Lampshades are handmade in Britain from high-recycled-content steel, VOC-free vitreous enamel, and lead-free brass, built to last a lifetime and covered by a Lifetime Guarantee rather than designed for regular replacement.

Are Coolicon lampshades VOC-free?

Yes. Coolicon lampshades are made from vitreous enamel, a glass-based finish fused at high temperature rather than painted or powder-coated. Because it contains no paint, lacquer or solvent layer, it does not release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into indoor air.

What is vitreous enamel and why is it used?

Vitreous enamel is a natural glass finish made from glass frit fused with minerals and oxides onto steel. It has been used on Coolicon shades since the original 1933 design because it resists corrosion, scratches and wear for decades, requires minimal maintenance, and does not fade or emit VOCs.

What materials are Coolicon lampshades made from?

The Standard Collection is made from high-recycled-content steel finished in vitreous enamel, with lead-free brass fittings. The Craftsmans Collection is handcrafted from natural terracotta and fine Bone China ceramics. Packaging is 100% plastic-free cardboard.

Are Coolicon products made in the UK?

Yes. Every Coolicon lampshade is manufactured in Britain, using skilled craftspeople and manufacturing partners based in Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire, Edinburgh and Stoke-on-Trent, continuing production in the country where the brand was founded in 1933.

Is Coolicon packaging plastic-free?

Yes. All product packaging is 100% plastic-free, using cardboard fitments made from 70%+ recycled content instead of plastic protection. Coolicon also uses FSC-certified cardboard and envelopes, with graphics printed using water-based inks. Plastic pallet wrap is still used only for larger B2B shipments where no practical alternative currently exists.

Does Coolicon offer a warranty service?

Yes. Coolicon's 1933 Design Standard Utility Lampshades are covered by a Lifetime Guarantee when registered.

Are sponsorhips available in return for shades?

Sponsorships can be discussed on a case by case basis. Please contact the Coolicon team for more information. 
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