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Paper lamps
Soft light with a subtle, sculptural touchPaper lamps add a cosy, warm glow to any room. Its particular charm lies in the soft, diffused effect of the light: the light shines gently and without glare through the paper shade and is distributed evenly throughout the room, creating a calm, cosy atmosphere. At the same time, paper is a particularly light and versatile material that can be shaped into delicate screens, three-dimensional folds and organically flowing forms.
Paper bestseller
The variety of paper lamp designs ranges from classic paper shades with intricate folds, through round and organic-shaped lamps, to Japanese-inspired rice paper lanterns – which one is your personal favourite?
The characteristic lighting effect of paper is shown to its best advantage when combined with a warm white light source. Light colours in the range of approximately 2,700 to 3,300 Kelvin emphasise the warm character of the material and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Paper lamps for every room
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 "Selenitis by Market Set")
 "Selenitis from Market Set")
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Paper ceiling lights
A touch of light from abovePaper ceiling lights bring a warm, cosy feel to the room and provide softly diffused light. Flat or compact ceiling lights are a good choice, particularly in rooms with low ceilings. If you have a little more space to work with, you can easily make a paper lamp the focal point of a room: organic, curved shapes or distinctive folds offer the perfect opportunity to do so.
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Paper floor lamps
A guarantee of cosinessPaper floor lamps are extremely versatile – the key factor is whether they are primarily intended to provide atmospheric ambient lighting or focused reading light. In the reading nook, a floor lamp with a paper shade that directs light upwards or to the side provides a soft, atmospheric glow, whilst models with more directional lighting can also illuminate the seating area in a practical way. There is also a selection of woven paper designs, which, with their wicker-like appearance, add interesting patterns to your home décor. Placed next to an armchair or sofa, the floor lamp becomes not only a source of light but also a cosy design feature.
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Paper pendant lights
A highlight for the living areasPaper pendant lights provide brightness at the dining table, in the living room or bedroom, and create a soft, atmospheric glow, whilst also serving as a modern design feature. As they are suspended at eye level, they lend a sense of calm to the living space – whether they are pleated, honeycomb-shaped or basket-like. This is how family get-togethers around the dining table and elsewhere become a relaxing experience. When making your choice, it is the proportions that matter most: a pendant light above a large dining table can be quite generous in size, whilst a more compact design looks more harmonious above a small table.
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Paper table lamps
Area lighting with a big impactAs eye-catching accessories for shelves, sideboards or bedside tables, paper table lamps bring a warm, cosy atmosphere to living rooms and bedrooms, as well as to hallways, for example. Placed on the sideboard, for example, they provide a decorative spotlight and can create a cosy atmosphere in the living area in the evening. On the bedside table, they create a soft patch of light, whilst a small paper lamp on the shelf can effectively highlight individual compartments or favourite items.
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Paper wall lights
A haven of tranquillity in every room:Depending on the design, paper wall lights either make full use of the translucent material or combine it with wood, steel or metal. Wall mounting is particularly well suited to directing light precisely to places where there is no floor space available: next to a sofa or bed, for example, a paper wall lamp can provide soft, indirect light, whilst at the same time serving as a decorative focal point in the hallway or entrance area. What they all have in common is their ability to bring a sense of calm to a room whilst also creating design highlights.
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Japanese paper lanterns
and rice paper lanternsJapanese paper lamps are synonymous with a particularly serene and minimalist style of lighting design. A key feature is rice paper, which is traditionally used for lampshades and diffuses the light softly and evenly throughout the room. Typical colours include light, natural shades such as white, cream or beige, which emphasise the understated character of the lights. In terms of design, the range extends from simple spherical and cylindrical lights, through to lanterns, right up to sculptural shades with delicate pleats or organic contours. However, even without using genuine rice paper, a paper lamp can easily have an authentic Japanese feel: a minimalist design and a soft glow give the lamp its characteristic Japanese character, whilst also making it a harmonious element in modern, tranquil interior schemes.
The difference between paper and rice paper in lampshades lies primarily in the nature of the material and traditional craftsmanship, with rice paper often being particularly thin, translucent and associated with Japanese lighting aesthetics.
Other styles that go well with paper lamps
Paper lamps can be incorporated into a wide variety of interior styles in surprisingly versatile ways. Their light, airy feel, the soft play of light and the wide range of shapes make them an attractive choice for both minimalist interiors and naturally inspired living spaces. They look particularly harmonious in settings where natural materials, subtle colours and organic shapes create a tranquil atmosphere.
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In the Scandinavian style, paper lamps complement the light, cheerful colour scheme of white, beige, light grey and natural wood tones. Simple spheres, as well as organically curved yet graphically minimalist shapes, blend effortlessly into the interior. When combined with wood, wool and linen, the result is a cosy overall look, with the warm glow of the paper lamp adding to the sense of comfort.
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In this case, less is more. A clearly defined, visually interesting yet simple paper lamp can create a deliberate contrast to smooth surfaces, linear furniture and a restrained colour palette. A single, generously proportioned light fitting can serve as a sculptural statement without detracting from the minimalist character of the room.
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Lamps with cardboard shades combine the warm, diffused light of paper with a slightly sturdier and more dimensionally stable material. Thanks to its greater strength, cardboard is particularly well suited to sculptural, pleated or cleanly shaped lampshades, which become decorative focal points in a room. They lend the interior a cosy, natural yet modern feel.
Facts about paper lamps
Good to know:)
Folding, gluing, weaving or even sewing – paper lamps can be made in a wide variety of ways. Particularly in the case of umbrellas with intricate folds, shapes or textures, a great deal of skilled craftsmanship often goes into their manufacture. This lightweight material can be worked with precision and allows for delicate shapes that give a light its own distinctive character.
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Paper is slightly more delicate than other materials and should be handled with care. Dust can usually be removed with a soft feather duster or a dry, soft cloth. Moisture and harsh cleaning products should be avoided. A little care is also required when hanging and taking down the curtains, so as not to damage the pleats.
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Paper lamps do not have to follow short-lived interior design trends. Many minimalist and sculptural designs draw on a design language that remains contemporary even years later. Design classics and distinctive lighting fixtures demonstrate how paper – or paper-like materials – can be transformed into design objects in their own right through carefully crafted forms.
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How soft the light from a paper lamp appears depends on the paper and the design of the shade. Thin paper lets plenty of light through and creates a delicate, airy look. Cardboard diffuses light less intensely and therefore creates a calmer, more secluded atmosphere. Light shades of white, cream or beige make the light appear clear and soft, whilst natural and brown tones can give it a warmer, more subdued feel.
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Spherical paper lamps have a balanced appearance and are particularly versatile. Oval shapes appear slightly more elongated and can, for example, visually accommodate long table tops or larger rooms. If you’re looking to add a personal touch, you can deliberately create a sculptural focal point using organic or asymmetrical shapes.
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Tina Ducke
Online Editor at Lights.co.uk
Expert tip
The paper star lamp brings flair to our living rooms all year round and is a must-have at Christmas. Because the paper star simply looks best when illuminated. It can be hung up or placed on a windowsill etc. to brighten up the Advent season and provide a cosy flair of light - available in different colours from red to golden brown.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about paper lamps
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