Where to Buy the Paper Lantern Lights You're Seeing Everywhere
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If you’ve noticed that paper lantern lights are seemingly everywhere these days, you’re not alone. These lights—often a single bulb that’s concealed within a paper shade—are definitely having a moment right now. As any serious collector may know, they’re not new; they’re simply back. So when and where did paper lanterns first hit the market? Well, various cultures have utilized such fixtures for centuries, but the most referenced ones were originally made famous by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. Though he was known in the design community for more than his transfixing paper lanterns (his Noguchi Coffee Table is quite famous, too), his lights have found their way back to center stage.
Noguchi launched his first paper lantern, which he named Akari (meaning “light” in Japanese) back in 1951 when he traveled to Gifu, Japan. The then-mayor commissioned the beloved artist to revitalize the city’s fading lantern industry by designing more modern options that were more than just a means of, well, light. So Noguchi got to work and created Akari, a series of similar-looking sculptures that double as lamps.
Though the Akaris were a much-welcomed addition to the design community’s myriad of unique pieces, they didn’t and still don’t come cheap. Some, for instance, are going for more than $7,000. As much as we appreciate Noguchi’s artistic contribution to the world, for those who might not be able to justify spending that much, but want that paper lantern aesthetic, peep our under-$250 alternatives below. We did, however, include one original Noguchi Akari lantern as an homage to a highly iconic light fixture, so if you want to invest in a piece of art, add it to cart. For everyone else, feel free to scoop up the dupes.
Rice Paper Shade
HAY is a relatively new brand (founded in 2002 by Danish husband and wife Mette and Rolf Hay) and owned by Herman Miller, which makes sense considering the two brands celebrate the same midcentury modern-inspired look. This perfectly round spherical light is a good intro to the brand if you've never shopped it before. This lampshade comes in two shapes (one of which is available in three sizes), but doesn't come with the hanging cord, so if you want to add this to your space, add the HAY hanging set to your cart in addition to the lantern.
White Round Paper Latern
"When my pendant light dropped on the floor, the exterior plastic shell completely cracked, exposing the lightbulb. Since I couldn't find the exact pendant again, I opted for a paper lantern instead," Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says. "To be honest, I had little hopes that this would look nice in our apartment because it was only $32 and seemed wrinkly. However, when we hung it up, the light emits a soft glow from within the paper and the lantern actually looked...nice? It definitely holds up well because I've accidentally knocked the shade to the floor, since it's not secured in place, and the paper has not ripped! If you're looking for something affordable and temporary, especially in rentals, I'd recommend this."
Large Paper Lantern
Most of Noguchi's lamps are made using unbleached rice paper, but we're all for a pop of color. This one is an unassuming blush shade when the pendant is off, but when it's on, it fills the room with a warm, watermelon-colored light that instantly softens the mood. If pink isn't your thing, this lantern also comes in white.
Paper Lamp
For an obvious Noguchi-inspired reference, you can shop this Akari 1A lookalike. While the original is hard to find, this Amazon option is still in stock and super affordable for those who like the look of an egg-shaped lamp. It's propped up on a paperclip base and comes in several other shapes like a "mini" and "floor" model. You can even opt for one with LED lights that will illuminate your space in pink or blue lighting. Go ahead and snap up this beautiful lantern.
Astri 1 Pendant
This Joss & Main piece seems to be inspired by Noguchi's Akari 50EN, a ceiling pendant that hangs from a super-skinny wire, making the lantern appear as if it's floating in mid-air. Plus, because it's hanging, it will probably hold up better than a floor or table lamp that you're physically touching more than you would a pendant. The wire is also adjustable, so if you're worried it will hang too close or high above your bed, dining table, or reading chair, fret not.
Soft Paper Pendant Light
This lantern is loosely based on Noguchi's work, with a few creative liberties, including the shape and the black metal base. Most of Noguchi's hanging lanterns are totally round, whereas this one features a flat top and bottom. Noguchi also rarely displayed any material other than the paper, but we're into the black metal base here because it adds another level of dimension and some much-welcomed contrast.
Daughtry 1 Pendant
The Daughtry 1 pendant is quite reminiscent of Noguchi's Akari 100D, which boasts that kind of perfectly imperfect feel with the internal webbing and wiring. It's not in a perfect grid like some of Noguchi's other lamps, but that's what we love about it too. As you may be able to see from the photo, this beautiful light is available in three sizes, all of which are affordable. (The largest one is only $62.95).
Rice Paper Lampshade
This may seem like an odd shape, considering most of the options on our list are more round, this lampshade (the bulb and base are not included), is a dead ringer for the Akari 25N, which is going for $1,800 on the Noguchi website. If you're wondering what on earth you're going to do with just a lampshade, know that you have options: You can either hang it from the ceiling or buy a separate base and use this as a table lamp.
Noguchi-Style Lamp
The second Nogy piece on our list is almost identical to Noguchi's Akari 7A, which features the same wooden details on the top and bottom, square shaped shade, and tripod base. If there are any die-hard Noguchi fans who don't want to spend the money on the real thing, this is a pretty legitimate dupe. It's even made of the same toned rice paper and features the same bamboo ribbing.
Akari 55A
Last but certainly not least, the real thing by Isamu Noguchi. He designed model 55A early on in his light sculpture journey, in 1951. It is one of the more basic designs that was originally manufactured in Gifu by trained artisans who understood the way the materials, handmade washi paper and bamboo, worked together. Though vintage furniture and lighting tends to bear a few signs of its age, this piece is marked as pristine by the seller.
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