12 of the best paper pendant lights for minimalists

Paper pendant lights are as much sculptures as they are lights.  They’ve been around for ages but until fairly recently, you would only find the round paper ball pendant light.  As beautiful as that is, paper pendants have since become a real design feature. They come in all shapes and sizes and best of all, there are paper lights for all budgets, big and small.

For those who love Scandinavian design and decor, like me, there are lots of Scandi designed paper lights that are both minimal in style yet make a statement – and we know how important feature lighting in in every room.  The lights have an organic look and feel which is what makes them so stunning.  I’ve picked out some of the best minimalist paper pendant lights that will add warmth and style to any room in your home.  And as always, there are lights for every budget, with a couple of lights coming in at just over a tenner.

12 of the best paper pendant light shades

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1. Formakami (US here) – a modern take on classic Asian paper lanterns. This pendant light comes in a few different forms, all combining round shapes in different sizes.

2. tropez – the wide shade has a slight curve and ruffled edge that is reminiscent of the brim of a hat. A beautiful and thoughtful detail that is also functional as it spreads and emits a soothing and harmonious light.

3. origami (US here) – inspired by origami crafts, this geometric paper light is simple yet striking. It would work well in practically any room in the home.

4. hexagon – another origami style light but in a hexagonal shape. This light is not only super stylish but it’s very budget friendly too.

5. puff twist (US here) – this paper lampshade has a fun, voluminous form comprising two circles merged into one peanut-shaped bubble.  It’s part of a collection of paper lights so you can always hang a few together for even more impact.

6. ellipse (US here) – light up any room with this white lantern-style shade. Crafted from delicate rice paper and bamboo with an iron frame, it’s designed to emit light outwards, filling spaces big and small with a warm, diffused glow.

7. hyo – it’s hard to believe this is a paper light because it looks so much like fabric. But it’s paper! It comes in three sizes and is one of the most expensive on the list, so if you’re on a budget, this isn’t the one for you.

8. risbyn (US here) – this is another super budget-friendly find. I love the onion inspired shape and the subtle wood details that finish off this simple but stylish light.

9. akari 16A  – inspired by the traditional lanterns used by local Japanese fishermen for night fishing, this sculptural light has a beautiful organic shape. There are many more beauties in the collection but these aren’t for the budget minded amongst us.

10. krusning – this very budget-friendly paper light resembles ripples on water and has a dreamy look and feel to it. I especially like it for a bedroom but it would also work well in a living space and in a hallway.

11. onion – this light has a harmonious design in paper with an exciting expression and a leaf-like structure. It’s ideal as a ceiling lamp for lighting in the living room or dining room.

12. tense (US here) – this pendant light is like a cloud floating in the middle of the room, creating a soft lighting and ethereal atmosphere in any space. It’s not actually made of paper but the material looks very much like paper so I included it because it was too stunning to exclude.

Which is your favourite light? I have my eye on the Formakami paper pendant (the first one) as I think it would make quite a statement in my bedroom.

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