Paper Lamps

Rice Paper Lamps for Table or Floor, Inspired by Akari

Our paper lamps have handmade rice paper shades stretched over light metal frames, in the tradition of the Akari lanterns Isamu Noguchi began designing in 1951. The paper turns a single bulb into the soft, even, glare-free glow that makes a Japanese paper lamp so calming, and each design has a sculptural shape that works as decor during the day. They're Lamp Boy's own designs and aren't affiliated with Noguchi, Vitra or Ozeki.

Find the Right Paper Lamp

• Keichi Paper Lamp: 60cm tall with a 40cm tiered shade, our tallest design and the one to use as a paper floor lamp
• Kyusei Paper Lamp: 42cm tall with a wide, pyramid-like shape
• Hachi Paper Lamp: 43cm tall, a rounded shade on a slim tripod, ideal as a paper table or bedside lamp
• Roku Paper Lamp: 41cm tall with a square, stacked shade

Paper Floor Lamp or Paper Table Lamp?

Our paper lamps are compact rather than full height. The 60cm Keichi is designed to stand on the floor beside a sofa, bed or reading chair, where it glows at low level like a lantern. The Hachi, Roku and Kyusei are table-height designs that suit a sideboard, side table or bedside table. Paper Floor Lamps: Where They Work Best covers placement in more detail.

Why Rice Paper Light Feels Different

Rice paper spreads light in every direction instead of throwing it in one beam, so a paper lamp lights a room gently and never glares. Paired with a warm white LED bulb, it creates the relaxed, low-level light that suits living rooms, bedrooms and reading nooks, and the handmade paper gives each lamp a slightly different texture.

Specs at a Glance

• Shades: handmade rice paper over a lightweight metal frame
• Bulb: 1 x E26/E27 LED bulb (use LED bulbs only)
• Sizes: 41 to 60cm tall and 23 to 40cm wide
• Power: plug-in, 100 to 240V, with a 135 to 150cm cord
• Dimming: not built in; a smart bulb adds app-controlled dimming

Paper Lamp FAQs

Are these Noguchi Akari lamps? No. They're our own designs inspired by the Akari tradition. Noguchi-Style Paper Lamps: What to Look For explains what makes the style work.

What's the difference between a paper lamp and a paper lantern? Not much in practice. A paper lantern is usually a hanging light, while a paper lamp uses the same rice paper technique on a base. Paper Lamps vs Rice Paper Lamps: What's the Difference? goes deeper.

Are paper lamps fragile? The shades are more delicate than fabric or glass, so keep them away from pets, young children and knocks. With normal care they're a durable everyday lamp.

Do I need to assemble the lamp? The Keichi arrives with straight legs that you gently bend outward, a little at a time, to reach the shape in our photos.