Paper lamps might just be the hidden gem of interior decor. Their simple pared-back forms and organic natural texture always seem to bring both warmth and quiet elegance to a space. Ultra-versatile and with a history stretching all the way back to ancient China, they’ve been lighting up interiors for centuries.
From recycled paper pulp to the delicate glow of Japanese washi, these luminous handcrafted designs prove just how visually striking this humble yet sustainable material can be. Read on to discover some unique paper lamps that truly shine.
Hand-painted Lampshades
Painted paper pulp lamps by Palefire
A bold antidote to minimalism, Palefire Studio takes its cues from Art Nouveau, the Omega Workshops, mid-century Murano glass-making and Abstract Expressionism. Palefire works with a family-run workshop in Barcelona, who mould the lamps using paper pulp. Artists then bring them to life with hand-painted finishes in their UK studio.
Available in rich block colours or vibrant painterly patterns, every piece boasts a tactile surface, shaped by the organic qualities of the paper. Pictured are the sculptural Satellite uplighter in ‘Brick’ £540 and the elegant Cloche pendant in ‘Serpent’ £450.
Washi Paper Lamps
Flower lampshade made from washi paper
Sachie Muramatsu lives in the Japanese city of Sakura. After graduating from Kuwasawa Design School, she took an apprenticeship in ‘Kaga Yuzen’, the traditional art of hand painting silk Kimonos.
Through trial and error, she started making lampshades from washi – traditional Japanese paper. Washi paper (sometimes referred to as rice paper) is traditionally crafted from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub or paper mulberry.
Sachie’s paper lights resemble colourful flowers with delicate petals and draw inspiration from Art Nouveau glass-making. She says, “I get inspiration from flowers such as the rose or lotus, but more often it comes from the beautiful colours of the landscape and nature.
There is a wire in each petal resembling a leaf vein, making it possible to open or close them and change the shape of lampshade. “I twist the dried Japanese paper with my hands to make wrinkles and put weights on top overnight to settle them, just like making pressed flowers. The petals are painted in acrylics.” Sachie’s lamps are made to order and can be shipped internationally.
Papier rice paper lamp collection by Made by Hand
Designed by Nina Bruun for Made by Hand, the Papier collection transforms rice paper into sculptural lighting. This Danish brand collaborates with skilled craftspeople both locally and internationally, ensuring each piece reflects exceptional craftsmanship. The curvaceous, ‘floating sculptures’ come in table and pendant variations that offer a soft, ambient glow. For those in the UK looking to bring one home, the collection is available at SCP.
Midcentury Akari paper lampshades
The iconic Akari paper lamps by Isamu Noguchi feel as modern as they did back in 1951. Produced by Vitra, the same Japanese family-run Ozeki workshop in Gifu continues to craft each luminaire by hand using washi and bamboo ribbing. While a rare vintage Akari light can set you back an eye-watering £13,000+, Akari table lamps by Vitra start at around £250-300. See more of the range at Nest.
Paper Mache Lamps
Paper mache lights by Crea-re
Barcelona-based designer Maria Fiter turns unwanted newspapers from a local library into something far more luminous under her brand Crea-re*. Her handmade paper mache lighting comprises beautiful and unique desk lamps and shades with a sculptural and organic appearance.
The Copernicus collection draws inspiration from the planets, while the teardrop shaped yellow Mizuko means “daughter of water” in Japanese.
Porous, irregular, dry and cracked in appearance, the lamps also take inspiration from the Polish artist group Grupa Nowohucka of the 1950s and ’60s. Lamps are available in a range of colours and prices start at around £140.
City Lights by The Paper Moon Factory
Enchanting City Lights by The Paper Moon Factory are perfect for a child’s bedroom (or any room for that matter). The whimsical lights, sculptures and figurines created by Dutch artist Marion Westerman are a children’s book brought to life. Step into her magical world at @papermoonfactory.
Upcycled Cardboard Lamps
Recycled cardboard paper lamp by Herrwolke
A great example of lighting made from recycled materials comes from Michael Konstantin Wolke. In his Beute Lichtobjekte, he dissects and rearranges recycled corrugated cardboard. Each lampshade’s unique character is determined by (and reliant on) the imperfections, colours and typographic designs from the cardboard’s previous life.
Best Paper Lampshades Under £60
It has to be said – paper lamps really are the best choice for low-cost, big-impact lighting. At a push, you might even be able to achieve Japandi chic for as little as £2 with IKEA’s Regolit shade. For budget-friendly options, Hay’s collection offers the Common table lampshade for £39. Their classic globe-style rice paper shade is another favourite, ranging between £29-£59. Both are available at Holloways of Ludlow.*
My biggest tip for lighting? Nothing creates a more homely ambience than pools or ‘layers’ of light created by a mix of light sources (three for example). Use table lamps, floor lamps, up lights, down lights to highlight some of the more handsome areas of the room and create interest.
Happy illuminating!
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Hello from Aotearoa New Zealand. I love this site do you have a newsletter I can subscribe to.
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