Overview

The SAMBA lamp by FARO is a pendant luminaire designed for indoor spaces where light should accompany without imposing. Its oval papyrus shade in white finish and matte black metal structure give it a clean profile, with a touch of character that fits well in both a quiet bedroom and a living room with its own personality.

The option presented here is the version with a plug and five metres of cable. It does not require fixed electrical installation: it connects directly to a standard socket, and the hook needed to hang it is included. It is a practical solution for those who want to refresh the lighting in a room without any construction work or the need for an electrician.

FARO is a Spanish company with decades of experience in lighting for residential and commercial environments. Their products combine carefully chosen materials with an aesthetic that does not depend on passing trends.

Installation and specifications

For installation, the first step is to locate a firm point on the ceiling where the included hook can be placed. The five-metre cable gives plenty of room to adjust the height at which the lamp will hang. Before plugging it in, make sure the socket it will connect to is accessible and that the cable is not left taut. Check that the hook can support the weight of the luminaire before releasing the assembly.

The papyrus diffuser must not be cleaned with liquid products or damp cloths. A dry cloth or a soft brush is sufficient to remove accumulated dust. The metal structure can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth. Do not install the lamp in areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom, or outdoors. Always use a bulb that does not exceed 45 W and make sure it is compatible with an E27 socket.

• Brand: FARO
• Category: Interior
• Subcategory: Suspension luminaire
• Fixing: Ceiling
• Main material: Beige
• Body material: Steel
• Diffuser material: Papyrus
• Body finish: Matte black
• Diffuser finish: White
• Maximum power: 45 W
• Light source: E27 LED
• Light source included: No
• Voltage: 100V–240V
• Height: 350 mm
• Length: 700 mm
• Depth: 700 mm
• Total diameter: 700 mm
• Net weight: 1.67 kg

Design and use

The SAMBA has an oval shape that sets it apart from more common luminaires. The diffuser, made from papyrus, has a soft texture that filters light naturally, without creating harsh shadows or excessive bright spots. The result is a diffused light that fills the space in a balanced way.

The structure is made of steel with a matte black finish. This type of finish holds up well to everyday use and does not reflect light, which means the attention falls on the oval shade rather than on the support. The combination of matte black with the white of the diffuser is one of those pairings that works in very different interiors without feeling forced.

In a living room, a lamp of this size, with a diameter of 700 mm, can act as the main light source if the space is not too large, or as supplementary lighting in larger rooms. Placed above a coffee table or in a reading corner, it creates a warm zone of light that invites you to stay.

In the bedroom, the papyrus shade helps ensure the light does not feel harsh at certain times of day. A room with this lamp above the bedside table or centred on the ceiling has a more restful atmosphere than with a direct light source.

In the dining room, an oval pendant luminaire above the table is both a visual and functional solution. Pendant lights of this type define the table area without the need to add other decorative elements. The size of the SAMBA is suitable for medium-sized tables.

It also makes sense in the kitchen, especially in work areas or over islands. Kitchen lighting tends to be very technical and cold, and a pendant with a papyrus diffuser can soften that atmosphere without reducing clarity.

The five-metre cable is a real advantage. In spaces with high ceilings, it allows the lamp to be lowered to a useful height. In rooms with standard ceilings, it gives you the freedom to choose exactly how far from the floor the shade will sit. The plug-in version eliminates the need to install a new ceiling light point, which makes the process much easier in rental properties or partial renovations.

The papyrus diffuser gives the SAMBA a different feel from lamps with glass or fabric shades. Papyrus has a visual lightness that contrasts well with the black steel of the body. It is not a lamp that looks heavy or overly ornate, even though its size is generous.

Compatibility with an E27 LED bulb allows you to choose the colour temperature that best suits the use. A warm LED enhances the cosy effect of the diffuser; a neutral LED gives a more functional result. In any case, the 45 W limit is sufficient for a good-quality LED bulb that will light the space well.

This lamp fits in interiors with clean lines, but also in more eclectic settings where pieces of different styles coexist. The matte black and white provide a neutral base that does not clash with wood, natural textiles or more industrial surfaces. It is a piece that complements without conditioning the rest of the space.

Questions and answers

Is the five-metre cable fixed or can it be shortened to adjust the height of the lamp?

The cable has a fixed length of five metres. If you need the lamp to hang at a lower height, you can gather the excess cable and secure it neatly to the hook or to the cable itself, without cutting it, so as not to affect the functioning or the warranty.

Does the white papyrus diffuser yellow with use or with the heat from the bulb?

Papyrus may change slightly in tone over time if it is continuously exposed to direct sunlight. To avoid this, it is advisable not to install the lamp in positions where it receives direct sun. Using an LED bulb, which generates much less heat than an incandescent one, also helps to keep the diffuser in better condition for longer.

Can this oval lamp be installed in a bathroom or on a covered terrace?

No. The SAMBA is an indoor luminaire with no protection against humidity or water. It is not suitable for the bathroom or for outdoor spaces, even if they are covered. Installing it in those conditions can damage both the lamp and the papyrus diffuser, and poses an electrical hazard.

After-sales support

If you receive the product with a manufacturing defect or if it has been damaged during shipping, you have 30 days from the date of receipt to report it. Each case is handled individually to find the best solution, whether that is a replacement, repair or return.

For any queries related to defects or product replacement, write to us. We will respond as quickly as possible and work with you to resolve the issue satisfactorily.

Estimated delivery	Thu 12 Nov – Wed 18 Nov (United Kingdom)
Delivery cost	£4.95
Dispatched from	Spain

How delivery works

Martsella works with brands and their partner warehouses across Europe. Your order is sent straight from the warehouse that holds the item, so an order with several items may arrive in separate parcels. Each parcel gets its own tracking link.

14-day returns

Changed your mind? You can cancel within 14 days of delivery without giving a reason. How to send items back and what a return costs is on our Returns & Refunds page. If an item is faulty, damaged or not what you ordered, we cover the cost of returning it.

How to cancel

Email info@martsella.com with your order number before the cancellation period ends, or use the model cancellation form on our Returns & Refunds page. You do not have to use the form.