Paper lighting is my new favorite way to add a soft glow to any room – here are 9 best picks
Paper lighting is a Japanese-inspired design trend that’s taking over. Here are my favorite pieces that’ll let you incorporate it into your home


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.
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.
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.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Nikhita is the Style Editor for Homes & Gardens, making sure our home-savvy readers are always aware of the latest trends and deepening their knowledge of classic design. Nikhita graduated with her Master of Arts in Magazine Journalism from New York University, and has spent a decade in interior design and shopping roles at shelter publications ELLE DECOR and Domino Magazine.
-
Mandy Moore's modern, minimalist entryway is the perfect mix of textures and patterns – shop the look from $50
Mandy Moore combines natural materials with bold patterns to create an entryway that is both contemporary and timeless, and it's simple to replicate
-
Don't dismiss this prolific plant as an irritating weed – it's actually a climate resilient, secret superfood packed with health-boosting nutrients
Discover how to grow dandelion greens for food, with advice from expert growers
-
Wayfair has some utterly stylish kitchen decor – these are the 12 must-have buys for a quick refresh
Chic yet affordable – these are the kitchen decor pieces to pick up at Wayfair ASAP
-
Way Day solar light deals – how to get a good discount on solar lighting
The Way Day solar light deals have huge discounts on solar lights, including my favorite set of outdoor string lights
-
Wayfair is a great place to shop for garden tools – I'm adding these top picks to my fall gardening kit
As prices drop after summer, fall is a clever time to save on gardening essentials. You can save even more money by grabbing a deal in the Way Day sales
-
I've found the best pieces in Wayfair's Bed & Bath sale so you don't have to – here's what to buy while there's up to 60% off
Now is the perfect time to update your bedroom and bathroom, and I've found the best pieces in Wayfair's sale so you don't have to
-
Best Ninja deals – which gadgets to shop and where to get the lowest prices
This is our ultimate guide to finding the best deals on Ninja's coolest appliances
-
Best KitchenAid deals – how to get the biggest savings on iconic cookware
Here's everything you need to know about shopping the KitchenAid sales, from where to look to what to buy and when to save, according to our eCommerce Editors
-
I just found hundreds of dollars off grills and pizza ovens in Wayfair's Anniversary sale
There are plenty of cheap grills and pizza ovens in Wayfair's Anniversary sale. I went through hundreds of deals to find the very best
-
Where to buy shower curtains – here's where to shop for the most stylish options
Say goodbye to boring shower curtains – these are the places to buy stylish pieces that match your bathroom aesthetic