Ever since the unique light sculptures where first designed in 1951 by the renowned artist and designer Isamu Noguchi, they have become a staple piece in interior decor.
Being crafted with traditional Japanese paper and bamboo, they perfectly encapsulate the design culture from the country, after being inspired by Japanese lanterns and by the name 'Akari' translating to light in English.
The light scultpures quickly gained popularity across Europe and the USA, and haven't stopped growing since they first caught wind. Now with over 100 products, organic forms are at the centre of these decor pieces. But these pieces are quite expensive, so be prepared!
Image via: SCP / Photo by: Dan Budnik
Due to the materials used for the lights, Noguchi had the ability to develop all kinds of different deisgns. This means that there are dozens and dozens of different sculptures for you to choose from.
Another benefit the materials have is they can blend in with all kinds of design styles. Some of the lights have unique designs on them; hopefully at least one of them will blend in with your space. Here are some of my favourites that I feel can fit with most spaces (note: I am not paid in any way for this post!):
Akari 70F
Product: Akari 70F via Noguchi Shop
One of the most popular choices for an Akari light is the 70F design. This design is a ceiling hanging light, and is one of the more simple designs compared to others.
Its simplicity is the main reason for its popularity, as it can blend in with so many different design styles. Whilst being so simple, the uniqueness it holds manages to give it its own personality in a space, even if you already have other decor pieces that have a similar effect. But don't worry, it won't take anything away from these pieces, it will only add to your space overall.
If you're looking for a simple, yet unique ceiling light sculpture, definitely save the 70F as a potential option, no matter what your design style may be.
Akari 2A UKAI
Product: Akari 2A UKAI via Noguchi Shop
Leaning into the more graphic type designs for the sculptures, the 2A UKAI design adds that little extra tradition to your space, with the traditional Japanese art work printed on the paper.
Much smaller than the 70F, this lamp is perfect for sitting on desks, drawers, or anywhere you have a bit of extra space. A similarity it shares with the 70F (and pretty much every other sculpture) is that it makes such a statement whilst being on the simpler side of decor design. This is the case especially with this lamp due to the extra graphic design, which isn't used for many others.
For a smaller light that has some additional yet subtle details compared to other lights in the Akari range, the 2A UKAI will best the best choice for you.
Akari UFN-33N
Product: Akari UFN-33N via Noguchi Shop
The first of the floor lamps in this post, and is one of the most popular choices for this style. It's one of the few designs that features a spiral design, making it so interesting in any space.
In regards to where you actually end up placing this lamp, you have a lot of options due to the simpler design. Like most lamps in the collection, they can blend in pretty much anywhere whilst retaining a unique profile. The swirl design used for the UFN-33N adds even more character to the lamp whilst retaining the simplicity aspect.
The height of this lamp also means that it can create verticality, which can work wonders in smaller spaces to make them feel bigger overall. See our post on optimizing small spaces HERE.
Akari BB1-30DD
Product: Akari BB1-30DD via Noguchi Shop
Being one of the sculpures that features a pull-chain switch, the essence of tradition is at the forefront of this design. The lamp is 12" x 24", so you'll be best having this in a space such as your office or bedroom to add a little warmth.
The paper itself doesn't feature any additional graphics and comes in the traditional spherical shape. To me, this style is the smoothest of the range and is the easiest to blend with any space. Especially due to the size, it's ideal for adding a little softness to a roomthat may lack it. The curvature throughout the design reinforces the softness that it creates, doing wonders in creating a relaxing space.
Akari 30P
Product: Akari 30P via Noguchi Shop
My personal favourite sculpture of the ceiling lamp range, the Akari 30P moves away from the traditional curve-based, smooth design and embraces bold geometry instead.
Whilst retaining some of the softness thats almost impossible to avoid due to the paper material that's used for all the lights, the use of stacked rectangles makes this light more of a feature piece. The size of this lamp (19.6" x 65") means it can easily be a feature piece in your space, as it can be hung by itself, in it's own dedicated space.
By focusing on hard lines instead of soft curves, the 30P will stand out in your space more than others, however it will still complement your home style no less than other products in this post. Due to the same organic materials being used across the entire range, it retains the softness that these sculptures have become known for.
Akari 10D
Product: Akari 10D via Noguchi Shop
Moving back to the standing lights, the 10D combines so many of the perfect qualities of other sculptures to make one of the smoothest, calmest lights in the range.
The tall, super thin legs used for this lamp make it so versatile when it comes to where you can place the light. With smaller rooms, standing lights can be fairly difficult to find, however the 10D's legs help create a free, open feel to a small space, whilst adding warmth and coziness through the light and paper.
As with larger rooms, there may be a gap that your not sure what to do with. This light can seemlessly blend into your space due to the simplicity of the design, whilst adding such a difference to your overall lighting.
Overall, no matter what size space or what design style you have, you'll have no trouble finding an Akari lamp to complement your space.