Akari to Origami: The Beauty of Japanese Paper Lamps

Originating in Asia, paper lamps have become a beloved interior design element in America and Europe. Their soft, warm light diffused through delicate paper shades, coupled with unique, minimalistic designs, creates a serene and inviting ambiance in any space.

In Japan, chōchin, the traditional rounded paper lanterns, have long been cherished. Today, modern floor and table lamp designs inspired by these lanterns remain popular, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.

By incorporating elements of Japan’s traditional chōchin and using natural materials like washi paper, paper lamps produce a soft, soothing glow. They effortlessly add tranquility to living rooms and bedrooms. This article explores globally acclaimed paper lamp brands, their unique appeal, and tips for integrating them into your interior design.

What is a Paper Lamp?

Paper lamps are lighting fixtures reminiscent of traditional Asian lanterns, bringing warmth and gentle illumination to contemporary interiors. Crafted with thin paper or rice paper shades, these lamps emit a relaxing glow that envelops spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms in a calm atmosphere.

Japanese paper lamps, particularly those made using traditional washi paper techniques, have gained popularity as a design trend. The soft light and textured surfaces of washi lamps appeal to many, creating an inviting aesthetic. While deeply rooted in history, paper lamps have evolved with modern design sensibilities, offering functional and decorative variations in styles such as table lamps, wall-mounted fixtures, and pendant lights. Lightweight and portable, they bring flexibility to any space.

Paper lamps seamlessly blend traditional Asian and Japanese lighting culture with contemporary interior aesthetics. Their warm, diffused light contributes to creating a comfortable and inviting environment, making them a global favorite.

Iconic Paper Lamp Brands 

Isamu Noguchi – Akari Lamp

One of the most renowned brands in the world of paper lamps is Isamu Noguchi’s Akari series. The Japanese-American designer created these lamps as a harmonious fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and Western modernism. Using traditional materials like bamboo and washi paper, often associated with Gifu lanterns, the Akari lamps produce soft light that gently fills the space, creating a serene ambiance.

Noguchi’s Akari series is celebrated not just as functional lighting but as "light sculptures." The minimalist design combines traditional Japanese techniques with Western aesthetics, making these lamps timeless icons. Available in various sizes and shapes—from floor lamps and pendants to large-scale installations—the Akari series offers versatility. Notable designs like the “30A” and “45A” embody simplicity, while sculptural designs such as the “45D” add artistic flair. Noguchi envisioned the Akari lamps as symbols connecting Eastern and Western aesthetics, offering both functional and visual artistry.

Hayashi Kogei – Fores

Based in Gifu, Hayashi Kogei merges traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. Gifu, the birthplace of the Gifu lanterns used in Noguchi’s Akari series, is home to skilled artisans who have preserved the art of Mino washi paper for over 1,300 years. Hayashi Kogei’s paper lamps are hand-crafted with painstaking precision, using techniques like nagashi-suki to create washi that is both light and durable.

These lamps are characterized by their warm, inviting light and intricate textures. Techniques such as embedding colored paper or thread, hand-crumpling the paper for unique patterns, and creating lace-like translucent designs highlight the craftsmanship involved. Hayashi Kogei’s commitment to sustainability, through the use of natural materials, adds to the brand’s appeal. Their lamps, beloved internationally, combine Japan’s traditional paper culture with designs that suit diverse modern interiors.

ICW – Origami Lamp “Flower of Light”

Kyoto-based Innovative Craft Works (ICW) produces contemporary paper lamps using techniques rooted in Kyoto hyōgu (decorative mounting) and origami. ICW’s frameless lamps, crafted entirely from paper, showcase the intricate folds and shadows of origami, resulting in textures and aesthetics unmatched by conventional lighting.

The origami lamps, made with Kurotani washi, embody traditional craftsmanship combined with modern design. The folds themselves form the lamp's structure, ensuring durability and stability without the need for a frame. Many ICW lamps feature karakami patterns, printed using traditional woodblocks, blending Japanese and Western aesthetics seamlessly. These lamps extend beyond lighting, exploring material innovation to create stunning yet functional pieces.

The Allure of Paper Lamps and How to Incorporate Them into Your Home 

Paper Lamps and Japandi Style

Paper lamps made with traditional washi paper diffuse light gently, enhancing the cozy elegance of Japandi interiors—a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. Featuring natural materials like bamboo and wood, these lamps complement hygge-inspired Nordic or hospitality-focused American styles. In spaces with earthy tones, the warmth of paper lamps creates a serene ambiance. Their eco-friendly craftsmanship also appeals to sustainability-conscious lifestyles.

Paper Lamps for the Bedroom

Incorporating paper lamps into the bedroom introduces a sense of sophistication and tranquility. Placing a lantern-style lamp on a bedside table provides a soft, relaxing glow. Similarly, pendant lamps inspired by traditional chōchin envelop the room in a calming light conducive to restful sleep. During the day, their elegant design serves as a decorative accent, enriching the room’s aesthetic.

Paper Lamps for the Living Room

In the living room, paper lamps serve as focal points, their rounded forms and sculptural silhouettes adding softness and sophistication. In Japandi-style interiors, these lamps enhance the space’s serene, natural charm. Geometric or chōchin-inspired designs pair seamlessly with modern furniture, offering a refined cultural touch. The interplay of light and shadow created by paper lamps fosters a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

Paper lamps represent a perfect fusion of Japanese tradition and modern design, making them ideal for American and European interiors. Their gentle light brings peace and comfort, while their eco-friendly materials align with sustainable living. Infuse your home with the cultural richness and artisanal beauty of Japanese paper lamps to create a space that is both soothing and stylish.