14 Times Noguchi Lamps Stole the Spotlight, Plus 5 to Buy

This last week of August, we’re revisiting summery stories from the archives, like this one:

We are great admirers of Noguchi lamps for their delicate beauty and powerful simplicity. Quite a few of us here on staff, in fact, have at least one of the iconic Japanese midcentury lights in our homes.

Of course, we’re not the only ones captivated by the rice-paper light sculptures. Architects and design-minded creatives have long turned to Noguchi lamps to finish a room. Here are 14 examples from our archives—and be sure to scroll down to the end for five favorites to buy.

Above: At Charles de Lisle’s simple-is-best spot in Sonoma (see: Off the Grid: A Stylish, Low-Impact Retreat in Sonoma by Charles de Lisle), “the bathing pavilion is enobled by a graphic Noguchi lamp,” writes Julie. Photography by Eric Petschek. Above: A Noguchi sphere makes an impact in a shades-of-neutral living room; see House Call: Shoring Up—and Unbuttoning—One of the Most Historic Haciendas in Galisteo, New Mexico. Photograph by Dani Brubaker. Above: An Akari Ceiling Lamp, Model L5 from the Noguchi Museum Store hangs in the lofty living area of this Brooklyn apartment. Photograph by Bruce Buck, from An Eclectic Apartment Inspired by Japanese Storage Chests in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. Above: Architect Jess Thomas chose a Noguchi ceiling light for her own living room. Photograph by and courtesy of Kate Sears; styling by Kate S. Jordan, from The Sentimental Minimalist: A Young Architect’s Bed-Stuy Townhouse Makeover. Above: A pair of Noguchi lanterns illuminates the space. Photograph by Richard Powers, from A Modernist Vacation Retreat in Australia, Rental Edition. Above: A Noguchi Floor Lamp Model 10A anchors a corner in the lobby of a Malibu inn. Photograph by Laure Joliet, from Hollywood-Style Zen in Malibu: Nobu Ryokan Guesthouse on Carbon Beach. Above: Jewelry designer Kathleen Whitaker upgraded her Noguchi pendant light with a cloth-covered cord and a brass ceiling plate. Photograph by Laure Joliet, from Shift to Neutral: LA Jewelry Designer Kathleen Whitaker’s Radical Transformation. Above: Noguchi lights are arresting enough to hold center court in public spaces—yet understated and intimate enough for bedrooms, like this one. Photograph by Kate Sears; styling by Kate S. Jordan, from The Sentimental Minimalist: A Young Architect’s Bed-Stuy Townhouse Makeover. Above: A galaxy of trend-resistent Noguchi lanterns illuminates the dining area of Manufactory. Photograph by Mariko Reed, from 7 Ideas to Steal from the Manufactory in SF by Commune Design. Above: A mini Noguchi elevates the kitchen scene at an architecture firm. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista, from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Fabr Studio in East Williamsburg. Above: A Noguchi ceiling light both  highlights the humble materials used in this tiny plywood-lined beach house. Photograph by Marcia Mihotich, from Two London Creatives Shore Up a Tiny Beach House, Ikea Hack Kitchen Included. Above: A Noguchi table light placed on the floor is an unexpected touch. Photograph by Richard Round-Turner, courtesy of Lisa Jones, from A Star Is Born: A Rehabbed London Maisonette from a Newly Minted Designer, High/Low Secrets Included.

Five to Buy

Above: The Globe Akari Lantern is available in five sizes ranging from 12 by 12 inch ($225) to 44 by 47 inch ($2,400), from the Noguchi Museum, in Long Island City, New York, which carries the full line of Akari designs. Note that because the designs ship flat, basic assembly is required. Above: Noguchi light sculptures feature handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, supported by a metal frame. The Akari Table Light Model 1A measures 10 by 17 inches; $195 at the Noguchi Museum. Above: Akari means “brightness” in Japanese. The Oblong Akari Ceiling Light is available in three sizes; starting from $199 at Modern Nest. Above: The Noguchi Lamp 3A is 22 inches tall and 11 inches wide; it’s available at the Noguchi Museum for $425. Above: The Akari Floor Lamp UF3-Q measures 57 by 22 inches; $728 at Surrounding.

For more on Noguchi, see:

• Object Lessons: Noguchi’s Iconic Akari Lights
• Design Sleuth: Framed Noguchi Prints

For more lighting ideas, see:

• New from deVol: A NYC Showroom and Porcelain Pendant Lights, Handmade in England
• High/Low: Wood Tripod Floor Lamp
• 10 Easy Pieces: Classic Industrial Floor Lamps

N.B.: This story originally ran on June 7, 2019 and has been updated with new and additional photos, links, and pricing.