AKARI CLOUD: INSTALLATION VIEW, THE ISAMU NOGUCHI FOUNDATION AND GARDEN MUSEUM (2018-19). PHOTOGRAPHY: NICHOLAS KNIGHT
Some designs become instant icons. Isamu Noguchi’s “Akari” lights, made of rice paper fit squarely in that category. We see them everywhere, adding a weightless sense of architecture to ceilings. Still stately and geometric, their clean classic forms remain a designer go-to across many different styles.
For this double height beachy living room, I used the fixture to add visual density and light. When lit, it has almost a photo studio quality - soft and uniform fill for a room. Their universal appeal and timeless nature are certainly worthy of a round up of similar options - click on over for some of our favorite light and lovely paper shades.
Rice Paper Shade Light
Soft light emits from this rice paper shade with a ribbed bamboo frame by HAY.
Terrene White Pendants
A spin on the classic Japanese chochin lantern with its simple shape and dramatic scale, this pendant is crafted from lightweight white linen and finished with a twisted brown fabric cord
Akari Paper Shade
This washi paper lantern is the OG, first designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951, it's an icon of Japanese handcraft in modern form.
Tense Pendant Light
For those looking for a soft diffused light without the spherical shape, this floating cloud-like pendant should be your modern go-to.
White Round Wire Frame Paper Lantern
Paper lantern realness but on a budget in a variety of sizes.
Formakami Jh3 Pendant
Rice paper sections combined with black stained oak rings give this pendant a unique shape with an open bottom to provide maximize amount of light.
Paper Moon Large Hanging Shade
Minimal ribbed paper shade hangs on a thin wire with bronze metal accents.
Rice Paper Shade Light
Soft light emits from this rice paper shade with a ribbed bamboo frame by HAY.
Terrene White Pendants
A spin on the classic Japanese chochin lantern with its simple shape and dramatic scale, this pendant is crafted from lightweight white linen and finished with a twisted brown fabric cord
Akari Paper Shade
This washi paper lantern is the OG, first designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951, it's an icon of Japanese handcraft in modern form.
Tense Pendant Light
For those looking for a soft diffused light without the spherical shape, this floating cloud-like pendant should be your modern go-to.
White Round Wire Frame Paper Lantern
Paper lantern realness but on a budget in a variety of sizes.
Formakami Jh3 Pendant
Rice paper sections combined with black stained oak rings give this pendant a unique shape with an open bottom to provide maximize amount of light.
Paper Moon Large Hanging Shade
Minimal ribbed paper shade hangs on a thin wire with bronze metal accents.
Clean & Classic
