The Rice Paper Lamp
THE RICE PAPER LAMP - FROM TRADITION TO TREND
The rice paper lamp as we know it is still used in connection with parties and celebrations, but this is a further developed version of the East Asian lamp. In Europe, the lamp was particularly popular in the 80s. But the light material was quickly superseded by the industrial designs that brought in steel, alloys, and acrylic sheets. Now, 40 years later, the lamp has finally become part of the modern design portfolio, and numerous popular brands are creating their own impressive and lovely rice paper lamps that add a stylish, Asian expression to your existing interior design.
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Tradition Meets Modern Design
In recent years, the rice paper lamp has become one of the trendiest objects in interior design. We see them all over furniture stores and social media – circular and oval lamps in all sorts of sizes and colours. The huge version lights up the living room at different heights, while the lamp in large bunches creates an almost galactic expression.
The Danish designer brand New Works has focused on shapes, colours, and complementary materials. Their interpretation of the rice paper lamp, Lantern, is a good example of what happens when you mix retro design with new materials. At a distance, the lamp looks like a rice paper lamp, but it’s made of matted glass that creates a calm and diffuse light in much the same way as the traditional rice paper lamp.
Aside from a gorgeous pendant, Lantern is also available as a floor, wall, ceiling, and table lamp, all of which work particularly well for the cosy corners of your home. You can use them as night lights or floor lamps in your living room to ramp up the cosy atmosphere.
The popular matted glass can also be found in Foscarini’s take on the modern rice paper lamp – Rituals. This lamp expresses its magic with an incredibly exciting slit in the surface, which creates a graphic effect and is reminiscent of the original design – rice paper pulled over a slender bamboo frame.
The Danish designer brand New Works has focused on shapes, colours, and complementary materials. Their interpretation of the rice paper lamp, Lantern, is a good example of what happens when you mix retro design with new materials. At a distance, the lamp looks like a rice paper lamp, but it’s made of matted glass that creates a calm and diffuse light in much the same way as the traditional rice paper lamp.
Aside from a gorgeous pendant, Lantern is also available as a floor, wall, ceiling, and table lamp, all of which work particularly well for the cosy corners of your home. You can use them as night lights or floor lamps in your living room to ramp up the cosy atmosphere.
The popular matted glass can also be found in Foscarini’s take on the modern rice paper lamp – Rituals. This lamp expresses its magic with an incredibly exciting slit in the surface, which creates a graphic effect and is reminiscent of the original design – rice paper pulled over a slender bamboo frame.
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On the other side of the spectrum, there is Ingo Maurer who have used the traditional material and combined it with the shape of a classic lampshade to create the Maur Pendant and wider collection. The thin paper is stretched over a metal frame, giving rise to a unique and decorative lamp with similar qualities to the rice paper lamp and casting a soft and comfortable glow.
The rice paper lamp is often seen in its round shape, but this is not the only type out there. The stylish Formakami from &tradition was inspired by the Asian rice paper lanterns, and this is clearly reflected in the design. With a black-stained oak material, the lamp achieves a stylish and modern expression. The designer, Jamie Hayon, states that the lamp represents a point at which the past becomes the present. The lamps fit seamlessly with the core values of &tradition who strive to combine tradition with modern design.
The rice paper lamp is often seen in its round shape, but this is not the only type out there. The stylish Formakami from &tradition was inspired by the Asian rice paper lanterns, and this is clearly reflected in the design. With a black-stained oak material, the lamp achieves a stylish and modern expression. The designer, Jamie Hayon, states that the lamp represents a point at which the past becomes the present. The lamps fit seamlessly with the core values of &tradition who strive to combine tradition with modern design.
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If you want to combine the comfortable warm glow with a sculptural expression, note the selection of rice paper lamps from Vitra. Inspired by the Japanese paper lanterns and umbrellas, designer Isamu Noguchi started designing light sculptures in 1951. The sculptures were named ‘Akari’ after the Japanese word for ‘Light’, and the collection now comprises more than 40 lamps, all manufactured by Vitra.
Choose between pendants, table lamps, and floor lamps that light up your surroundings in the warm and relaxed light we know and love from rice paper lamps—atmospheric and decorative lighting for the entire home.
Choose between pendants, table lamps, and floor lamps that light up your surroundings in the warm and relaxed light we know and love from rice paper lamps—atmospheric and decorative lighting for the entire home.
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If you prefer the round rice paper lamp that we know and love, the Rice Paper by HAY might be perfect for you. With a bamboo frame, the lamp has an elegant light expression that appears ethereal and dreamlike. The lamp is available in three sizes with diameters of 50, 60, and 80 cm. Mount one large rice paper lamp or a cluster of smaller lamps above your couches to create volume and lift the room with a soft glow. The simple lamp lends a sense of calm and balance to your décor as it brings the floor and the ceiling together in a complete unit. Highlight the lamp by mounting it in front of a colourful wall, giving your interior design a unique personal expression.
Rice Paper Lamps in Modern Décor
Regardless of whether you choose a lamp made from rice paper or one inspired by rice paper and made from matted glass, you are guaranteed to end up with the cosy, soft lighting that the lamp is known for. The soft and comfortable glow creates an atmosphere of relaxation, which is one of the basic principles of Nordic interior design. The semi-transparent materials, organic shapes, and white or off-white colours are the perfect fit for any Scandinavian décor.
The rice paper lamp is a true design classic that will never go out of fashion. As natural materials enter into public focus – particularly with the environment and the cosy atmosphere in mind – paper is an increasingly welcome material in the world of lamp design.
The rice paper lamp is a true design classic that will never go out of fashion. As natural materials enter into public focus – particularly with the environment and the cosy atmosphere in mind – paper is an increasingly welcome material in the world of lamp design.