At a time when international trends prevailed with lamps containing tubular metal structures and halogen bulbs, Santa & Cole sought to create a warmer alternative with the Básica lamp. This meant the revival, in the 1980s, of natural materials such as wood, paperboard or ribbons. This aesthetics challenged the dominant fashion at the time as it supported a warmer modernity that valued craftsmanship. It provided Santa & Cole with a springboard for international expansion, setting a new trend in Europe. The Básica lamp continues to make the same statement, 30 years later.

A wooden column held up by a heavy metal base of the same diameter, supports a range of shades in different shapes and colours, eight in total. Although the lamp is well-balanced, an optional, wider base may be placed underneath.