Paper lanterns create such beautiful atmosphere! After learning more about how Noguchi championed and revolutionised traditional Japanese paper lanterns into electrical lamps for the modern age (read my post here), I appreciate this design even more.

Whether you have a handmade original Noguchi, or a more accessible mass-produced interpretation at home, here are 5 ways you can get the most of these lamps at home. They are perfect for creating ambience through soft mood lighting, so consider where you’d like to create a cosy feel! (vs where you might need task lighting, for example)

1. Light up Forgotten Corners

Corners can often be over-looked when lighting a room, especially if there’s no armchair associated with it. However, having low-lighting in corners of your room can really add to the mood. Try a paper table lantern on a bench or side table in your bedroom, or in the corner next to your bookshelf, or on the floor in your hallway.

Noguchi Akari 1A table lamp. Image via The Design Files.

2. Mood Lighting Above Your Bed

With built-in over-head spot lighting these days, having a pendant lamp in the bedroom can seem extra. However, if you are able to hang a paper lampshade pendant over your bed, it will instantly create more focus on the bed, and will give you mood lighting for bedtime. If it’s dimmable, it’s even better! Placing a lamp over the centre or bottom of your bed also means that there’s no chance of you walking into it, if you have low ceilings!

Nogurchi Akari 55A pendant. Image via Remodelista.

3. Stand-Alone Functional Sculptures

Lamps, especially paper lamps like Noguchi’s Akari sculptures, can absolutely act as functioning art in the home. Choose a standing paper lantern to act as thoughtful decoration, as well as to create atmosphere around your place. If you have space, why not use it to soften the mood in your kitchen or dining area? A smaller table lamp size would equally work on the edge of your countertop, or windowsill.

Noguchi Akari 10A floor lamp. Nordiska Kök + Stylein via A Merry Mishap.

4. Cosifying Your Coffee Table Area

Another ideal place to create atmosphere at home is in your living room area - think about winter cuddling over hot chocolate, or long romantic conversations over wine. Mood lighting is a must! By placing your paper lantern over your coffee table, you can even hang it much lower, further cosifying the space, without literally running into it.

Noguchi Akari 50EN pendants. Image via Introspective Magazine.

5. Soft Transitions in Hallways

Hallways are thoroughfares of your home, so don’t require glaringly bright light. Here’s another opportunity to use a paper lampshade to create soft lighting, for a soft transition between rooms. Lovely! Hang a pendant lamp high above, or use a table or standing lamp on the floor, if there’s space.