Paper Pendant Light Fixtures: A Guide to Noguchi-Style Lighting

The Noguchi-style paper pendant light fixtures are a popular choice for many homeowners, and for good reason. They're a timeless and elegant addition to any room.

These fixtures are inspired by the work of Isamu Noguchi, a renowned Japanese-American designer. He created the first paper pendant light fixtures in the 1950s.

The paper used in these fixtures is typically made from a specialized paper called "papier-mâché", which is a mixture of paper pulp and a binding agent. This unique material gives the fixtures their distinctive look and feel.

The papier-mâché paper is often coated with a layer of varnish to protect it from moisture and add a glossy finish.

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Paper pendant light fixtures are a unique and stylish way to illuminate your space. They can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.

These fixtures are made from paper, which is surprisingly durable and long-lasting. In fact, some paper pendant lights can last for up to 5 years with proper maintenance.

Paper pendant light fixtures come in a variety of styles and designs, from minimalist to intricate and ornate. They can be made from various types of paper, including kraft paper, tissue paper, and even handmade paper.

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The HAY Rice Paper Shade is a great example of a paper pendant light fixture. HAY is a relatively new brand, founded in 2002 by Mette and Rolf Hay.

This spherical light is a good intro to the brand if you've never shopped HAY before. It's available in two shapes, with one of them being a perfectly round shape.

The Rice Paper Shade comes in three sizes for the round shape, but it doesn't come with the hanging cord. You'll need to add the HAY hanging set to your cart if you want to add this to your space.

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The Case Furniture Soft Paper Pendant Light is a creative take on traditional lantern designs. Its flat top and bottom shape diverges from Noguchi's typical round hanging lanterns. This design choice adds a unique touch to the overall aesthetic. The inclusion of a black metal base provides contrast and dimension.

If you're looking to add some extra ambiance to your paper pendant light fixture, consider pairing it with a lantern or lamp. Lanterns can be a great option for a more rustic or vintage look.

Paper pendant light fixtures can be paired with metal lanterns for a striking contrast. Metal lanterns can also be used to add a touch of industrial chic to a room.

A glass lamp can help to create a softer, more subtle glow that complements the delicate nature of paper pendant light fixtures. Glass lamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different decorating styles.

You can also use a wooden lamp to add warmth and coziness to a room. Wooden lamps can be especially effective in creating a cozy atmosphere when paired with paper pendant light fixtures.

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The Noguchi-Style Lamp is a great option for those who want a more affordable alternative to the real thing. It's almost identical to Isamu Noguchi's Akari 7A, featuring the same wooden details and square-shaped shade.

This lamp is made of the same toned rice paper and features the same bamboo ribbing as the original Akari 7A. The Noguchi-Style Lamp is a pretty legitimate dupe for die-hard Noguchi fans who don't want to spend the money on the real thing.

The real thing, Isamu Noguchi's Akari 55A, was designed in 1951 and is one of the more basic designs from his light sculpture journey. It was originally manufactured in Gifu by trained artisans who understood the way the materials, handmade washi paper and bamboo, worked together.

This piece is marked as pristine by the seller, suggesting that it's been well-cared for and is in great condition, despite being a vintage item.