6 Best Japanese Floor Lamps for Living room & Where to Buy
Floor lamps not only serve as a source of light but also play a crucial role in shaping the ambiance of a room. If you desire an atmosphere of "coziness," "tranquility," and "sophistication" that resonates with Japanese cultural aesthetics, then Japanese floor lamps are an excellent choice for your living room. However, with a plethora of Japanese lamps available, the lack of clear design categorization and the prevalence of similar styles can make the selection process time-consuming. This article presents a curated selection of Japanese floor lamps categorized by type, recommends shops where you can find them, and suggests interior design ideas that harmonize beautifully with these lamps. Let's embark on a journey to create your ideal cozy living room with the inclusion of a Japanese floor lamp.
3 Best Japanese Shoji Lamps for Your Living Room
Experience the essence of Japan with Shoji lamps, a type of Japanese lamp inspired by the "Andon" lanterns that were predominantly used indoors during the Edo period. The name "Shoji lamp" originates from their structural and design similarities to "Shoji," the sliding doors commonly used in traditional Japanese rooms. The most prevalent design of Shoji lamps features a rectangular wooden frame covered with Japanese paper, serving as the lampshade.
1. Japanese Floor Lamps Kasu - Mihome
The Japanese Floor Lamps Kasu is a Shoji lamp with an orthodox design. Its simple design and light-colored wooden frame easily blend with various interior styles, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a floor lamp with a subtle presence. Available in three different heights with a consistent diameter, it offers flexibility even in limited spaces. Made in Japan, it boasts a durable construction using high-quality Russian pine for the frame and an acrylic panel for the lampshade, ensuring safety for households with children.
Specifications
Price: $212.95
Sizes: Small: 410mm height × 230mm width
Medium: 610mm height × 230mm width
Large: 910mm height × 230mm width
Bulb size: E27
2. Japanese Bamboo Floor Lamp "Moonlight
The Japanese Bamboo Floor Lamp "Moonlight" is handcrafted by artisans who have inherited the bamboo craftsmanship techniques of Shizuoka, Japan, with a history spanning approximately 800 years. This lamp embodies the essence of Japan in a refined form, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a modern floor lamp. The soft light filtering through Japanese paper and the shadows cast by the bamboo create an atmosphere of tranquility. The intricate bamboo work, which takes 5 to 10 years to master, showcases the exceptional skills of Japanese artisans. This floor lamp is recommended for use in combination with other lamps, such as table lamps.
Specifications
Price: $420
Size: Height 35 cm (13.8 in) × Width 19 cm (7.5 in) × Depth 19 cm (7.5 in)
Bulb size: E26
Review:
"Elegant lamp! Very beautiful, elegant lamp. The ombre of the bamboo design is super unique and is a big reason I chose this lamp. The lamp fits well on the nightstand. The light is not super bright, so better for dim light at night. Definitely recommend! Makes me feel like I need to step up the rest of my interior design game."
3. Japanese Kumiko Lantern "Asanoha" - Large
The Japanese Kumiko Lantern "Asanoha" - Large is a Japanese floor lamp featuring Kumiko Woodworking with a 1400-year history. It is recommended for those seeking a statement floor lamp with a unique Japanese design. Kumiko is a technique of assembling small pieces of wood without using a single nail, requiring such precision that a deviation of just 0.1 mm can ruin the piece. This floor lamp is crafted over 20 days by 3-4 skilled artisans using approximately 600 pieces of wood. Although its square box shape is unusual for a lamp, its ability to harmonize with various interiors is a significant appeal. To fully appreciate the interplay of light and shadow created by the Kumiko, it is recommended to place the lamp with some space around it, slightly away from the wall.
Specifications:
Price: $780 (at the time of writing)
Size: Height 22.5cm (8.9 in) × Width 21.0cm (8.3 in) × Depth 21.0cm (8.3 in)
Bulb size: E26
3 Best Japanese Paper Floor Lamps for Your Living Room
Japanese paper lamps draw inspiration from "Chochin," the traditional Japanese lanterns. Their basic structure is simple, consisting of a slender frame and a paper lampshade made of materials like Japanese paper. This design gained popularity through the Akari series, created by the renowned artist Isamu Noguchi, based on Gifu Chochin (a traditional Japanese craft).
1. Akari 1A
The Akari 1A is a Japanese paper lamp characterized by its simple, round, and charming design. As functional art, Akari is recommended for those who value artistry. Each Akari lamp is handcrafted by Japanese artisans using bamboo sticks (thinly shaved and bent bamboo) for the frame and high-quality Japanese paper from Kochi Prefecture for the lampshade. The Akari 1A is one of the most famous Akari models, with numerous imitations in the market. Authentic Akari lamps bear a red circle and crescent moon mark, derived from the Japanese character for Akari, "明," where "日" represents the sun and "月" represents the moon, expressed in these shapes. To fully appreciate its exquisite design, it is recommended to place this floor lamp in an eye-catching location.
Specifications:
Price: $175.00
Size: Length 10in (26cm) x Depth 10in (26cm) x Height 17in (43cm)
Bulb size: E26
2. Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "SLENDER"
The Japanese Paper Floor Lamp "SLENDER" is a beautiful Japanese floor lamp with flowing lines and a handcrafted Japanese paper texture. As a space-saving stand-type lamp, it is recommended for those who desire a lamp with a significant presence without occupying a large area. The lampshade of the SLENDER is made from "Mino Japanese paper," Japan's finest Japanese paper with a 1300-year history. The natural fibers softly diffuse light, creating a warm atmosphere. It is recommended to place it in the corner of a room to create a sense of depth.
Specifications:
Price: $175.00
Size: Length 10in (26cm) x Depth 10in (26cm) x Height 17in (43cm)
Bulb size: E26
Review:
"I recently bought the Slender Japanese Lamp for my living room. It’s elegant and minimalist, with clean lines and a quiet presence. What stands out is the warm, quality light it provides. The soft, warm glow complements the cozy atmosphere. It’s not too bright, creating a relaxing environment for reading or unwinding. The light quality is excellent, with no harsh shadows or glare. Instead, it casts a gentle, even illumination. Overall, it’s a delightful addition to my home, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. I highly recommend it."
3. Serenity Glow Akari Floor Lamp - Huga Collective
"The Serenity Glow Akari Floor Lamp" Huga Collective
The Serenity Glow Akari Floor Lamp is a Japanese paper floor lamp characterized by its large lampshade supported by three pillars. It is recommended for those seeking a floor lamp that can serve as the main lighting in their living room or those who want to effectively utilize a large space. Inspired by the Akari, it offers high design quality while maintaining affordability by using inexpensive rice paper for the shade.
Specifications:
Price: $155.00
Size: Length 20in (50.8cm) x Depth 20in (50.8cm) x Height 50in (127.0cm)
Bulb size: E27
Review:
"Obsessed with the look of my new lamp! I have been wanted this one for a long rime, its great and makes the room very cozy"
5 Shops Where You Can Buy Japanese Lamps
If you're looking for more options beyond the Japanese floor lamps introduced above, consider exploring the following 5 shops:
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Noguchi Shop: This is the official retailer of Akari lamps, operated by The Noguchi Museum in New York, founded by Isamu Noguchi. Here, you can find a wide variety of Akari designs. While we've showcased simple Akari lamps in this article, they also offer designs with colors and patterns for those seeking a more unique Akari lamp.
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Oriental Decor: This shop offers a wide array of Asian lamps and interior items. With over 10,000 orders fulfilled, they have a wealth of reviews, allowing you to make informed purchasing decisions. You might also consider purchasing matching accessories and furniture to create a cohesive ambiance along with your Japanese floor lamp.
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Buy Japan Art: This shop specializes in art pieces and traditional crafts created by Japanese artists. Although their selection of lamps may not be extensive, you can discover rare, one-of-a-kind items.
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Time&Style: Time&Style manufactures and sells interior goods and accessories that elevate traditional Japanese techniques into modern designs. This shop often collaborates with world-renowned Japanese architects and designers, offering modern and stylish products.
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Millennium Gallery Japan: Millennium Gallery Japan offers handmade items crafted by artisans skilled in Japan's exquisite traditional crafts. You can find lamps made using techniques and materials with over 1000 years of history, as well as lamps that blend the latest designs with traditional techniques.
Interior Design Ideas to Complement Japanese Floor Lamps
Harmony is key in interior design. Let's explore interior design ideas that complement Japanese floor lamps to transform your room into a more sophisticated and cozy space.
Japandi Interior
Japandi interior is one of the most sought-after trends today. This style blends the Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi" (the beauty of imperfection) with the Scandinavian philosophy of "hygge" (a concept that emphasizes coziness and cherishing happy moments). There are many similarities between the traditional lifestyles and philosophies of Japan and Scandinavia, leading to a high degree of compatibility. The defining characteristic of Japandi interiors is a balanced style that exudes both sophistication and warmth. You can create a Japandi atmosphere by selecting natural materials and furniture in lighter shades within a neutral color palette. Japanese floor lamps harmonize exceptionally well with the Japanese elements of Japandi style, making it an excellent reference for those looking to incorporate these lamps into Western interiors.
Mid-Century Modern Interior
Mid-century modern interior emerged in the mid-20th century, between the 1930s and 1960s. This style originated from a fusion of German and Scandinavian interior design elements. While it shares the element of minimalism with Japandi interiors, it differs in many other aspects. It evokes a more refined and solid ambiance, characterized by the use of modern materials, a combination of darker neutral colors with bold accents, and clean, geometric lines. Although the natural materials of Japanese floor lamps may seem incompatible at first glance, their refined designs with exceptional minimalism can seamlessly integrate into mid-century modern interiors.
We hope you were able to find the perfect Japanese floor lamp to suit your interior from our recommendations. When exploring other options, we suggest using the shapes and characteristics of these Japanese lamps as a guide to discover the one that resonates with you. Create a cozy living room with your favorite Japanese floor lamp and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Japanese aesthetics.
