Ambar

Ambar is a Portuguese lighting brand producing hand-blown glass pendants, wall sconces and table lamps from a Porto workshop, known for sculptural forms and a colour palette that runs from clear and smoked glass through amber, rose and sage tones. Each piece is made by a small team of glassblowers using traditional Portuguese glassmaking techniques.
  • Heal's + Ambar City Grove Green Rug Heal's + Ambar City Grove Green Rug 140cm x 200cm
    By Heal's + Ambar
    Heal's + Ambar City Grove Green Rug
    From £429
  • Ambar Exclusive Bold Frame Square Cushion Forest Green Ambar Exclusive Bold Frame Square Cushion Forest Green
  • Ambar Exclusive Bold Frame Square Cushion Sienna Ambar Exclusive Bold Frame Square Cushion Sienna
  • Heal's + Ambar City Grove Terracotta Rug Heal's + Ambar City Grove Terracotta Rug
  • Ambar Exclusive Embossed Cord Cushion Slate Ambar Exclusive Embossed Cord Cushion Slate
  • Ambar Exclusive Bold Frame Square Cushion Slate Ambar Exclusive Bold Frame Square Cushion Slate
  • Ambar Exclusive Embossed Cord Cushion Sienna Ambar Exclusive Embossed Cord Cushion Sienna
  • Ambar Exclusive Shadow Merino Throw Sienna Ambar Exclusive Shadow Merino Throw Sienna

    Ambar lights are made in Porto, Portugal, in a workshop where hand-blown glass traditions have been practised for generations. Each piece is blown by a single craftsperson, from the initial gather on the blowpipe through to the final annealing, which is why subtle variations exist between nominally identical pieces.

    Ambar offers both long-drop and shorter-cable pendant options, with the shorter 30cm cable lengths suited to standard 2.4m UK ceilings. Cable length can often be shortened by an electrician during installation without voiding the warranty, so even longer-drop designs can usually be adapted to lower ceilings with minor customisation.

    Most Ambar pendants use E27 screw-fit bulbs compatible with standard UK LED replacements. The visible filament bulbs often specified with Ambar pieces are LED-compatible decorative designs, giving the warm vintage glow the brand is known for with the energy efficiency of modern LEDs. Bulbs are sold separately.

    Ambar glass cleans easily with a soft dry cloth or, for deeper cleaning, a lint-free cloth dampened with glass cleaner. Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the bulb holder or electrical components. The thin hand-blown glass is more delicate than pressed-glass alternatives, so avoid stacking pieces during cleaning and support the shade carefully.

    • Iconic Designer Brands At Heal’s
      Brands
      Iconic Designer Brands At Heal’s
      Here at Heal’s, we pride ourselves on being #WhereDesignLives. Over the next six weeks we're going to be shining a spotlight on an array of innovative and iconic brands at Heal's across our Instagram and online. For today’s post, we’d like to introduce you to our key brand partners and give you a little insight into the brands. Iconic Brands at Heal's Vitra Bringing together the best in iconic, contemporary design, Vitra believe that their thoughts and feelings are shaped by their surroundings. That is why they strive daily to improve interiors through the power of good design. Flos For fifty years Flos have been crafting objects of light and shedding brightness on generations of dreams. Their collection offers a range of modern lamps and chandeliers from some of the leading cutting-edge designers, and they continue to pioneer new styles. De La Espada De La Espada prides itself in putting the designer first, really appreciating and respecting the design process and valuing the modern artisan. Their furniture is where the creativity of some of the world’s leading designers meets the highest level of European craftsmanship. Porada Italian design house Porada use only the finest quality materials to produce furniture pieces that are works of art in their own right, such as the Infinity Table, Giolo mirror or their contemporary Walnut Chair. Knoll Knoll furniture is an institution of American design crafting pieces that are instantly recognisable yet always evolving. Fritz Hansen Standing on the shoulders of both iconic and contemporary designers, Fritz Hansen creates furniture, accessories and lighting designed to those who appreciate timeless designs and a product out of the ordinary. Whether you're looking for a Fritz Hansen chair or a modern Scandinavian dining table, you'll find it at Heal's. British Brands at Heal’s ercol Iconic British furniture brand ercol is known for its blend of quality craftsmanship and stylish design. Since 1920, this family business has produced luxuriously hand-crafted chairs and tables. ercol furniture is renowned across the globe thanks to its long-lasting quality. Case Working with world-renowned designers, Case is a vanguard of creativity and creates luxury wood furniture that is modern, with integrity and character. Innovative brands at Heal’s Tom Dixon Tom Dixon is one of Britain’s most acclaimed industrial designers, bringing wit, imagination and charm to everyday objects. Relentlessly innovative, incomparably creative and a true pioneer of design, where Tom Dixon innovates, others follow. Gazzda Bosnian design house Gazzda embraces its homeland’s fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, and the longstanding tradition of craftsmanship that accompanies them. The brand was created for a simple purpose; to make the world a bit more handsome and cosier than they found it, while creating furniture that will make you smile. ferm LIVING Founded in 2005 by designer Trine Andersen, ferm LIVING’s designs enhance the small and candid moments of everyday life. Based on a passion for authentic design and clear functionality, the Copenhagen-based design house is rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition and are constantly challenging themselves to shape the future. Amura Amura is a young brand rich in culture and passion, and eager to bring into your home the best of Italian craftmanship. Muuto With their name coming from the Finnish for 'new perspectives', Muuto handpicks leading contemporary designers who are strong interpreters of their philosophy. By expanding on their heritage with forward-looking materials, techniques and bold creative thinking, their ambition is to deliver new perspectives on Scandinavian design. Sustainable brands at Heal’s Kartell Continuing to break the mould in furniture and lighting, each Kartell piece is made in collaboration with prestigious international designers such as Philippe Starck and Ferruccio Laviani. Ongoing research and innovation in industrial processes have enabled the Bio Componibili cabinet to be produced with a biopolymer made from renewable raw materials, derived from non-GMO agricultural waste. Linie Design Committed to sustainable design, Linie Design rugs are produced using slow craftsmanship, without machinery, and transcend trends and the transience of time and so are passed on as a treasured heirlooms. SCP Furniture Founded in 1985, SCP is firmly established as one of the UK’s most innovative and internationally respected manufacturers and suppliers of contemporary furniture. True to its founding idea, SCP makes design products that are beautiful, functional, and made to last. Mater Named after the Latin word for mother, Copenhagen-based design studio Mater serves as a daily reminder of our connection with mother earth. Mater limits its impact on the planet by using techniques that support local crafting traditions and the environment. Riva 1920 Based on the scenic coast of Lombardy, Italy, Riva 1920 creates contemporary crafted furniture using only the finest solid wood timbers. Each element is subjected to detailed qualitative and functional compliance checks, guaranteeing an authentic and completely natural product. Gandia Blasco Gandia Blasco, based in Valencia, produces its rugs in India by artisan rug makers. Sustainability has always been a priority for GAN. From the beginning, it has been the principle that has permeated all the processes of the brand: from the manufacture of its products and the renewal of artisan techniques to the preference for natural materials. Artisan brands at Heal’s Artisan Bosnian manufacturer Artisan is steeped in heritage. Having emerged from the traditional woodworking shop Ćostović, over 50 years of experience is poured into each creation. A genuine passion and appreciation of wood is fused into the entire manufacturing process.
    • Top 5 British Furniture Brands
      BrandsDesigners
      Top 5 British Furniture Brands
      When we opened our doors back in 1810, we committed ourselves to showcasing the finest British furniture these four isles have to offer. We continue to do so today, with an unrivalled collection of designer furniture that’s made in both the UK and further afield. Each British furniture brand in our collection is specially selected to make sure it meets our high standards. Within our collection you’ll discover everything, from world-renowned British designers to up-and-coming brands who are just making their names. We also work with premium workshops across Britain to craft our exclusive collection. In this article we showcase some of the best British made furniture brands and their key designs. ercol Founded in 1920 and based in High Wycombe, ercol is one of Britain’s most famous furniture brands. Still family owned today, ercol has its own team of in-house designers who work alongside other UK designers to create wooden furniture that will last a lifetime. Integrity and quality are at the heart of everything ercol crafts, and you can tell just by looking at their creations. The ercol collection is full to the brim with responsibly sourced woods, expert craftsmanship and instantly recognisable silhouettes. Whilst taking their cues from traditional design, ercol’s furniture is firmly planted in the modern age, with gentle curves and functional shapes. If you like what you see, then why not discover more ercol furniture? Tom Raffield Cornwall based designer Tom Raffield is celebrated for his steam-bent lighting and furniture. Each piece within his collection is inspired by nature and beautifully handcrafted in the UK to the highest standards. Using traditional steam bending techniques, Raffield and his team work to create modern designs that are steeped in design heritage. Steam bending is also a surprisingly eco-friendly way to craft furniture. Not only are Raffield’s designs crafted using FSC-certified wood, but the labour-intensive technique uses less energy, creates little waste and shuns nasty glues. That makes it one of the more sustainable crafts around. Plus, the nature of steam bending means it’s hard to mass produce, meaning you can be sure every piece is expertly handcrafted. Discover more of Tom Raffield’s British made lighting and furniture. Heal’s beds We hate to toot our own horn, but a list of the best British made furniture would be incomplete without mentioning our own collection of beds. As you know, we like to offer our customers the very best. That’s why we work with a handful of specially selected British workshops to craft our Heal’s branded beds. Each of our UK made beds is expertly handcrafted using both traditional and modern techniques to guarantee it’s made to the highest standard. Did you know that we’ve been making beds since we started in 1810? Well, with over 200 years’ experience we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes a good night’s sleep. We infuse all the knowledge we’ve garnered over the years into each Heal’s bed, to make sure it helps you drift off to sleep in comfort. Interested? Then explore our collection of beds. Vispring mattresses Vispring has been improving the way Brits sleep since 1901, when its founders introduced their cutting-edge springs to the market. The British brand quickly became synonymous with luxury mattresses and was soon kitting out the beds on the world’s finest ships, a list of clients which notably includes the Titanic. But their mattresses aren’t stuck in the 1900s. Vispring continued to innovate throughout the years, and is still the name behind some of Britain’s best mattresses. Over time, they’ve experimented with fillings, using locally sourced natural materials like Shetland wool to pad their mattresses. Combined with their innovative spring technology, Vispring’s premium fillings help make their mattress some of the best in the business. For a luxurious night’s sleep, check out Vispring’s mattresses. Heal’s sofas When it comes to quality British made sofas, look no further than our own collection. We work closely with some of the UK’s most prestigious workshops to make sure every sofa is crafted to our exacting standards. That means solid hardwood frames and luxurious upholstery that will look great for years to come. Between them, our workshops have centuries’ worth of experience, meaning they’re well versed on how to craft a premium sofa. They draw upon this expertise with every creation, using a winning combination of traditional and modern techniques depending on the project. Best-selling British made sofas include the Tortona (pictured), Brunel and Lilli sofas.
    • What Brands To Buy Right Now (And Why They’re A Solid Investment)
      Brands
      What Brands To Buy Right Now (And Why They’re A Solid Investment)
      At Heal’s, we’re about curating, and creating, designs that transcend seasons and trends. Not only that, but everything we offer to our customers is built to last, supporting our ethos that if you buy well, you only buy once. This, together with the fact that we discover exciting up-and-coming talent while supporting established big-name designers, means that everything found within our store offers real investment potential. Here, we asked our expert buyers, across furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories, what brands to buy right now, and why they’re solid bets. Neva Armchair by Artisan Artisan “A genuine passion for, and appreciation of, wood is poured into the entire production process by Bosnian manufacturer Artisan. Established for over 50 years, founder Fadil Costovic and his team draw on their unrivalled knowledge of the local forest they played in as children to handcraft quality pieces of furniture that can be handed down from generation to generation. Sourcing from strictly renewable walnut, oak, cherry and more, Artisan’s designs are created from manual techniques with a modern twist. My pick is the Neva Armchair in walnut, exclusive to Heal’s, with a signature curved backrest, arms that connect seamlessly with the base, and a seat upholstered in leather. A timeless design that’ll always have a place in your home.” Berengere Favraud, Brands Buyer Componibili Cabinet by Kartell Kartell “Continuing to break the mould in statement furniture and lighting, everything from Italian company Kartell is made as part of a collaboration with a prestigious designer, from Philippe Starck to Ferruccio Laviani. Whether the Componibili Cabinet or Bourgie Table Lamp, truly iconic craftsmanship and ground-breaking innovation combine to make its pieces real collector’s items, meaning they’ll never go out of style or decrease in value. Better still, Kartell’s signature contemporary aesthetics look good in any style of home, from modern to traditional, making them versatile to boot. My favourite is the Masters Chair, made from 100% recycled material.” Sabina Miller, Buying Director Chatsworth Wool Pillow by Woolroom Woolroom “Inspired by a love of wool, Woolroom was founded in Bradford by the fourth-generation of a wool-merchant family, laying claim to 150 years of sourcing only the very best fibre from around the world. The brand famously does right by its farmers, all its products featuring the highest quality, sustainability and ethics, while its mission is to re-educate people about the benefits of this largely undervalued material. From the Chatsworth Wool Pillow, featuring a filling that’s traceable back to farm and sheep, to the organic Chatsworth Wool Duvet, sure to see you through all seasons, every piece is designed with longevity front-of-mind. All enabling you to sleep soundly, for longer, with a good conscience.” Hannah Thistlewaite, Senior Buyer Wooden Bath Bridge by Wireworks Wireworks “Combining form and function to spectacular effect, Wireworks is a brand to watch, courtesy of timeless designs, superior quality, good looks and exceptional utility. Founded in London back in 1988, its first products were made from wire, which inspired its name. Nowadays, it crafts its designs from sustainable hardwood in a variety of finishes with bespoke fittings, all sourced naturally and featuring unique variations of colour, grain and features. The collection of bathroom accessories makes everyday tasks absolutely effortless, from the Slim Bathroom Wall Cabinet with a neat silhouette that belies its storage capabilities, to the Look Magnify Mirror which incorporates a tray base for personal items, and the Wooden Bath Bridge for having essentials conveniently to-hand. Pieces that don’t just look beautiful, but are always useful, too.” Emily Dunstan, Home Buyer Almendra Linear LED Pendant Light by Flos Flos “For over 50 years, lighting specialist Flos has continued to pioneer the latest and greatest styles, while showcasing the most cutting-edge designers. Consider the modular configuration of Almendra, crafted by Patricia Urquiola, featuring shapes and colours inspired by its namesake almond tree; or the utilitarian aesthetics of Mayday, from the hands of Konstantin Grcic, incorporating a multi-purpose design inspired by worker’s lamps. These, and others, make the brand one to covet.” Claire Anstey, Senior Lighting Buyer