While I’m all for bold lighting and contemporary designs that make a statement, most recently, I’ve been invested in the trend of paper lights. I’ve recently started seeing these design pieces everywhere, from restaurants to lobby bars, and I can completely understand why they’re so popular. Not only do they bring a sense of serenity to the space, but this is a lighting trend that makes a statement without being too dramatic.
‘Paper lighting represents minimalism and simplicity, both trending concepts in design,’ elaborates New York-based interior designer Brad Ford. ‘Originating from Japanese culture, paper lighting truly brings a natural illumination to a room without being the full focus of the design. The ability to play with the geometric shapes of paper lighting allows for more diversity when it comes to lighting, and due to the different designs, shapes, and sizes, it has become a popular trend because of the ease with which you can incorporate it everywhere.’
So with their versatility in mind, I’ve found options for all kinds of styles, and these choices come in all sorts of various price points and colors too.
Was $89.99, now $84.99 at Amazon
This lamp has a sleek exterior and clean lines that give a Japandi aesthetic to any room. It provides soothing white light for a zen-like environment.
This style by Urban Outfitters offers a pendant look with colored paper for a warm glow. This design would look wonderful in a living room or bedroom to really soften the space.
Was $56.99, now $28.99 at H&M Home
The Pleated Paper Table Lamp from H&M has an origami-style look to it, and is available in a bunch of hues to fit your design scheme.
Was $299, now $239.20 at West Elm
The peek-a-boo shades on this paper (inspired) lantern allow for light to diffuse effortlessly. However, the light is actually made of metal so far more durable.
Was $393.25, now $263.99 at Wayfair
With a built-in LED light and weight of 15 pounds, this lamp is the simplest, most versatile way to bring the paper lighting trend into your home. It comes fully assembled, too.
Another paper-esque lamp that actually not made of paper... This delicate lamp is made of paper-thin porcelain, which makes it a little fragile while assembling, but the end result is well worth it. The almost translucent exterior is an elegant fixture in any home.
A dome chandelier is always a good idea, and this one, available in five sizes and with a simple hand-woven exterior, would look stunning in an all-white bedroom.
This unique lamp uses a crumpled paper design in order to create a leaf-like exterior that allows the light to subtly shine underneath.
Layers of ivory faux silk shades allow for a butterfly wing flutter shape, while many slender folds suspended in mid-air give the light a dynamic look.
Paper lighting offers a simple, yet artistic way to add a soft glow to your space, especially if you’re looking for a more minimal look. The textures and intricate shapes in the design stand out even more against the neutral materials, and they truly are huge statement pieces despite not being maximalist in style. For a wabi sabi-like trend, definitely consider adding paper lighting to your home.
