At a time when international preferences were leaning towards lamps with metal shafts and dichroic halogen bulbs, the Básica lamp sought to champion other, warmer alternatives. A wooden column, held up by a heavy metal base with the same diameter, supports a range of shades in different shapes and colors. Although the lamp balances well in this format, an optional, wider base may be placed underneath. The Básica lamp heralded a revival of natural materials, such as wood, stitched cardboard or ribbons, and provided Santa & Cole with a springboard for international expansion, generating an alternative current in Europe that challenged prevalent tastes. A more familiar, craftsman-like and gentle form of modernity was being advocated.