Rice Paper Lamps

A rice paper lamp turns a bare bulb into a soft, even glow. The paper shade spreads the light in every direction, so there is no glare and no hard shadow, just a warm light that makes a room feel calm. It is the classic light of Japanese and Japandi interiors, and it sits just as easily in a Scandinavian or minimalist home.

Our rice paper lamps

Aila is a rice paper table lamp on an iron tripod, 47 cm tall and 28 cm wide, sized for a nightstand, side table or shelf. Aili is a table lamp of the same size with a layered, sculptural shade. Ailo is a floor lamp, 107 cm (42 in) tall and 25 cm wide, that fits into a corner and comes with a remote to set the brightness and a timer. Aila and Aili plug into a normal outlet.

Where a paper lamp works best

Paper glows rather than shines, so these are mood lights, not task lights. Put one on a nightstand for the last half hour before sleep, in an empty corner of the living room, or on a shelf to light the wall behind it. For reading, pair one with a wall mounted reading lamp.

Bulbs

Use an LED bulb. LEDs run cool, which is what you want inside a paper shade, and a warm 2700K bulb gives the classic candle-like glow. Cooler bulbs make paper look grey.

Caring for rice paper

Dust the shade with a soft, dry brush; never use a damp cloth. Paper dents if it is knocked, and the dents stay, so keep it out of walkways. Over the years the paper takes on a slightly warmer tone, which is part of its charm. Each shade has small variations in texture.

Frequently asked questions

Are rice paper lamps safe?

Yes, with an LED bulb. LEDs stay cool to the touch, so the paper is not heated the way it would be by an old incandescent bulb.

Are they bright enough to read by?

Not on their own. Rice paper gives soft, ambient light. Use a reading lamp for books and the paper lamp for atmosphere.

What style do they suit?

Japandi, wabi-sabi, Scandinavian and minimalist rooms, especially with wood, linen and plaster.

See more natural materials in our wabi-sabi lighting collection. Free shipping on every order.