Best Paper Lamps: Top 15 Picks
Paper lamps are a popular lighting choice for many because of their simple, warm design that blends well with various interior design styles. They come in various forms, including floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling lamps. In this article, we'll introduce a selection of the best paper lamps categorized by use. We'll also recommend some shops where you can find the perfect paper lamp to match your needs.
The Allure of Paper Lamps
Inspired by Isamu Noguchi's Akari lamps, paper lamps have become a major lighting category and are incredibly popular. Their appeal lies in the lampshades made from materials like washi (Japanese paper) and rice paper, coupled with a simple structure inspired by Japanese lanterns, making them highly adaptable to diverse designs. The translucent paper shades, made of washi or rice paper, have the effect of absorbing and diffusing light, creating a soft, warm glow that is the most significant charm of paper lamps. Even when not lit, the off-white color of the paper complements any interior, making it easy to incorporate into your decor.
Traditional Japanese lanterns, known as "chochin," were made with a simple structure of washi paper stretched over a bamboo frame. This simplicity allows for a wide range of design applications, and modern paper lamps inspired by chochin come in various shapes. From the classic round form to polygonal and dynamic shapes reminiscent of living creatures, there's a design to suit many interior styles. Let's elevate your space with the charm of paper lamps.
5 Recommended Paper Floor Lamps
Paper floor lamps can be used as standalone interior elements. Choose the size and design that suits your needs, whether as the main light source, indirect lighting to make your space look more prominent, or an accent piece.
1. Akari 25N
The Akari 25N is a paper floor lamp with a distinctive rounded form and commanding presence. Its large, high-quality washi lampshade significantly impacts a room, making it an excellent choice for those who want to transform their space or utilize empty areas effectively. The shape, resembling three stacked round lanterns, is inspired by "Kagamimochi," a traditional Japanese New Year decoration. All noguchi lamps are handcrafted by Japanese artisans.
Specifications:
Price: $1,800
Dimensions: Length 32.6 in (83 cm) x Height 46 in (117 cm)
Bulb: E26
2. Serenity Glow Akari Floor Lamp
The Serenity Glow Akari Floor Lamp is a Japanese paper floor lamp featuring a large lantern-shaped shade supported by three pillars. With its high light source, it's ideal as the main lighting in a living room or for those wanting to utilize a large space effectively. Inspired by the noguchi lamp, it offers excellent design at an affordable price by using less expensive rice paper for the shade.
Specifications:
Price: $155
Dimensions: Height 49 in (124.4 cm) x Width 20 in (50.8 cm)
Bulb: E27 LED
Review:
"The floor lamp improves the mood of my apartment by a lot! It's also extremely easy to set up."
3. Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "PAPER STONE"
The Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "PAPER STONE" features an elegant and unique design. While many paper lamps have a rounded design, this lamp adopts an angular, rock-like form, making it perfect for those seeking a more defined interior accent. The shade is crafted from "Mino-washi," Japan's highest quality washi paper with a 1300-year history and renowned for its strength. The Mino-washi used in Paper Stone contains hemp fibers, giving the surface tension and luster, making it emit light like a crystal.
Specifications:
Price: $360 (as of December 2024)
Dimensions: Height 22 in (56 cm) x Width 11.8 in (30.0 cm)
Bulb: E26
4. Asano - Paper Moon 4
Paper Moon 4 is a paper floor lamp characterized by its flat, rounded design. Its low profile makes it perfect for those who want to make their space feel more prominent by utilizing lower furniture. It's also attractive for its high quality, designed by Japanese designer Uchida Shigeru and crafted using the same Gifu-chochin techniques as Akari lamp. The low light source is also suitable for use in the bedroom, as it can improve sleep quality before bedtime.
Specifications:
Price: $135
Dimensions: Diameter 14 in (35.5 cm) x Height 6 in (15.2 cm)
Bulb: E17
5. Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "NIPPON" 02
The Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "NIPPON" 02 boasts a beautiful balance of size and design. It's perfect for those seeking a statement paper floor lamp without taking up much space. The shade uses "Harusame-shi," a type of Mino-washi with a water-drop pattern, which creates a beautiful speckled design when lit. Placing it next to other furniture, like a sofa, is recommended to softly illuminate the surrounding interior and add a sense of depth.
Specifications:
Price: $270 (as of December 2024)
Dimensions: Height 18.5 in (47 cm) x Width 7.8 in (20 cm)
Bulb: E26
Review:
"The HAYASHI KOGEI Japanese Paper Floor Lamp combines traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance. Its soft, warm light creates a calming atmosphere, perfect for reading, relaxation, or adding serenity.
Crafted from delicate Japanese paper, the lamp emits a diffused, gentle glow that reduces harsh shadows and provides even, ambient light. The paper's subtle textures and patterns enhance the room's aesthetic. Unlike brighter light sources, the soft light from the HAYASHI KOGEI lamp is ideal for creating a cozy environment, especially in living rooms, bedrooms, or meditation spaces. While it may not provide strong task lighting, it excels in setting a tranquil mood with a warm, inviting glow.
The HAYASHI KOGEI Japanese Paper Floor Lamp is a fantastic choice for adding understated elegance to your space while enjoying the unique soft light of paper lamps."
5 Recommended Paper Table Lamps
Paper table lamps are mainly recommended for those looking for ambient lighting. These small, convenient lamps can be used on tables, bedsides, bookshelves, and as decorative elements alongside other interior pieces. They're also great for those who want to change the atmosphere of a room subtly.
1. Akari 1AD
The Akari 1AD is a paper table lamp featuring a simple painted design on Akari's most popular 1A model. It's perfect for those who want the classic noguchi lamp design with a touch of unique personality. The painted design, resembling two connected dots, is inspired by the traditional bells used in Japanese shrines. Rather than placing it on the floor, it's recommended to display it next to other interior items or on a bookshelf to appreciate its artistic design, often referred to as a "light sculpture."
Specifications:
Price: $200
Dimensions: Height 17 in (43 cm) x Width 10 in (26 cm)
Bulb: E26
2. Japanese Paper Table Lamp "TORCHIN CIRCLE"
The Japanese Paper Table Lamp "TORCHIN CIRCLE" features a modern design and high functionality. It's a portable, rechargeable lamp, making it ideal for those who want to carry their favorite lamp around, such as from the living room to the bedroom. The lampshade, crafted using the techniques of Fukuoka's Yame-chochin, a traditional Japanese craft, is equipped with a 3-level dimming touch switch, allowing you to adjust the brightness to suit your mood and time of day. It can be used as ambient lighting, a reading lamp, or a bedside lamp.
Specifications:
Price: $320
Dimensions: Height 11 in (28 cm) x Width 7.2 in (18.4 cm)
Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Charging cable standard: USB Type-C to Type-A (cable not included)
3. HAY Paper Cube Table Lamp
The HAY Paper Cube Table Lamp features an elegant and functional cube design. It's perfect for those seeking a minimalist and sophisticated paper lamp. Made from durable washi paper crafted from recycled PET bottles, it's also environmentally friendly. Its minimalist design allows it to be placed next to other furniture and accessories, creating a synergistic effect that highlights each other's designs.
Specifications:
Price: $280 (as of December 2024)
Dimensions: Length 8.46 in (21.5 cm) x Height 12.01 in (30.5 cm) x Width 8.46 in (21.5 cm)
Bulb: E14
4. Japanese Origami Paper Table Lamp "Flower of Light" - maru M
The Japanese Origami Paper Table Lamp "Flower of Light" - maru M is a frameless Japanese table lamp that blends the 1000-year-old technique of Kyohyougu (Kyoto mounting) with an origami-inspired design. It sublimates Japanese essence into modern design, making it perfect for those seeking a sophisticated table lamp. The lampshade is made from a unique, durable washi paper that casts gradational shadows from its folds when illuminated. Placing it on a floor lamp or low table is recommended to appreciate the origami-like shadows on the upper part.
Specifications:
Price: $260
Dimensions: Height 5.9 in (15 cm) x Diameter 4.7 in (12 cm)
Electrical Appliance: 3A 125V
5. Tourou - 01
Tourou - 01 is a paper lamp born from the fusion of two traditional Japanese lighting designs. It's perfect for those seeking a modern and sophisticated paper lamp. The design is inspired by the combination of a stone lantern and a traditional Japanese lantern, known as "chochin." When placed on a shelf or table, leaving ample space around it enhances its modern design and creates a sophisticated atmosphere.
Specifications:
Price: $406 (as of December 2024)
Dimensions: Height 14.3 in (36.5 cm) x Width 10.2 in (26 cm) x Depth 10.2 in (26 cm)
Bulb: E12
5 Recommended Hanging Paper Lamps
Hanging paper lamps significantly impact a room's impression. As they become eye-catching, large interior elements, choosing the paper material according to your room's atmosphere is recommended. For a luxurious feel, opt for those using authentic washi with an off-white hue, while for a more cheerful impression, choose lampshades made from bright white rice paper.
1. Akari 37D
The Akari 37D is a hanging paper lamp with a design that exudes the warmth of handcraftsmanship. While it has a classic spherical form, the coarsely spaced frame adds warmth, making it perfect for Japandi-style spaces. By hanging a large spherical lantern in the center of a room, light is cast from the middle outwards, creating a spacious impression.
Specifications:
Price: $225
Dimensions: Length 13.4 in (34 cm) x Height 14.6 in (37 cm)
Bulb: E26
2. 28cm Tamago Niju Skashi, Natural Kozo / Khaki Hemp Pendant Light
"28cm Tamago Niju Skashi, Natural Kozo / Khaki Hemp Pendant Light" Sansho
This unique, Japanese-made hanging paper lamp features a double-layered washi lampshade. The inner shade uses khaki-colored washi, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a paper lamp that matches their interior color scheme. While only the shade is sold (bulb and cord not included), it can be easily installed on an existing pendant cord using the included clips. It comes in other colors, including navy and brown, allowing you to choose one that complements your home decor.
Specifications:
Price: $69 (as of December 2024)
Dimensions: Height 13.7 in (35 cm) x Diameter 11.0 in (28 cm)
Note:Lampshade only; can be attached to an existing pendant cord with included parts.
3. Puff Twist lamp shade, white
The Puff Twist lampshade is a hanging paper lamp with a playful design. Its peanut shape and bright white color create a cheerful impression, making it suitable for rooms with a lively atmosphere. The bright white shade also matches well with vividly colored wallpaper and furniture. It comes in various shapes, and combining different shapes and sizes is recommended.
Specifications:
Price: $96 (as of December 2024)
Dimensions: Height 35.43 in (90 cm) x Diameter 19.69 in (50 cm) x Width 19.69 in (50 cm)
Bulb: E27
4. Akari 33N
The Akari 33N is a hanging paper lamp from the Akari series, characterized by its wavy form. Its vertically elongated design makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a ceiling light that suits high ceilings or open spaces. The playful, organic design, crafted from washi and bamboo, acts as an accent in spaces with a solid impression, such as those with exposed concrete or mid-century modern styles.
Specifications:
Price: $850
Dimensions: Length 18.5 in (47 cm) x Height 62.2 in (158 cm)
Bulb: E26
5. Taiyo - PTM-31
Taiyo - PTM-31 features a design that expresses the moment the sun rises and separates from the water's surface. It's perfect for those seeking a large yet sophisticated ceiling light. By combining the techniques of "Suifu-chochin," a traditional craft from Ibaraki, Japan, with Shimane's Sekishu-washi, which allows for the creation of large washi paper, they have successfully produced a large lantern-shaped lampshade that retains its beauty. It's recommended for modern and minimalist interiors to balance the space and create a sense of openness.
Specifications:
Price: $1399 (as of December 2024)
Dimensions: Height: 28.9 in (73.5 cm) x Width: 23.6 in (60 cm) x Depth: 23.6 in (60 cm)
Bulb: E26
Recommended Online Shops for Paper Lamps
For those who want to explore even more paper lamps beyond our recommendations, here are five online shops worth checking out
Noguchi Shop
The Noguchi Shop is the official retailer of Akari lamps, operated by the Noguchi Museum in New York, founded by Isamu Noguchi. You can purchase a wide variety of authentic noguchi lamps in various designs. Here, you'll find even more of Isamu Noguchi's beautifully designed paper lamps, often called "light sculptures."
Huga Collective
Based on the Scandinavian concept of "hygge," which values comfort and coziness, Huga Collective offers warm, modern, and sophisticated products. They manufacture paper lamps inspired by Akari, achieving high design and reasonable prices through modern materials.
Sansho
Sansho offers a wide range of handmade Japanese products. In their paper lamp category, they mainly sell hanging paper lampshades. They also provide care guides for washi, the material used in paper lamps, making it an excellent choice for those who want to cherish their favorite items for a long time.
ARRIVAL HALL
This Australian shop specializes in Scandinavian design furniture. They offer a wide selection of leading Nordic interior brands like HAY, Muuto, and Vutra, and their paper lamp selection is curated for high design. It's an excellent shop for those seeking unique paper lamp designs beyond the conventional.
Millennium Gallery Japan
Millennium Gallery Japan offers handmade items crafted by skilled artisans with exceptional Japanese traditional craft techniques. You can find paper lamps made using techniques and materials with over 1000 years of history, as well as those blending the latest designs with traditional techniques. This shop is perfect for those interested in Japanese aesthetics, culture, and craftsmanship.
Adaptable to various interior styles, from classic to trendy, paper lamps are popular with many people. We have introduced various paper lamps categorized into floor lamps, table lamps, and hanging lamps. Choose the size and design that suits your needs and create a beautiful space.
