How to Make an Akari Lamp — Step-by-Step Guide to Paper & Light

28 août 2025

Why make an Akari lamp?

Akari lamps—Isamu Noguchi’s electrified paper sculptures—turn simple materials (washi paper + ribs) into a soft, warm light that flatters rooms and people. Originals are made by expert artisans in Gifu, Japan, using molds, bamboo ribs, and hand-applied washi; this guide shows both that traditional approach and easier DIY alternatives you can do at home.

（If you are a pure novice, you just want to make one yourself, ok, I also collected a DIY blogger's production process, in the following link: ）

https://captainsbamboo.com/blogs/news/noguchi-floor-lamp-replica-best-floor-lamps-dark-rooms-diy-akari

Materials & tools (basic and optional upgrade list)

Basic (easy, inexpensive):

Sturdy cardboard or thin plywood discs (for inexpensive molds)
Thin flexible wooden dowels, rattan, or umbrella ribs (for ribs)
Rice paper / white craft paper / washi-style paper (choose heavier washi when possible)
PVA glue or craft adhesive, brush
Light socket with cord (E26/E27) rated for household use, plug, and switch
Small base (wood block) or tripod stand
Scissors, utility knife, ruler, pencil, clamps

Upgrade (closer to Noguchi method):

Proper washi paper (Mino-washi) and bamboo strips
Wooden shaping mold (turned wood form) for precise shapes
Special glue suited for paper laminating
Sewing needle and thread for finishing seams

Safety note: Work with low-heat LED bulbs to avoid heat buildup. Ensure the electrical parts are UL-rated for your country.

The simple DIY approach — step by step (good for a first lamp)

This version uses affordable materials and gives lovely results without specialized tools.

Plan your shape. Sketch a simple round, oval, or stacked form. Common Akari shapes are spheres, ovals, or layered shells (think Akari 1A or 24N proportions).
Make a mold. Cut two identical cardboard discs and stack rings to make a temporary mold that gives the lamp a smooth shape. For a sphere, use concentric rings; for an oval, a pair of cut forms glued to a spine works.
Create the rib skeleton. Bend flexible dowels or umbrella ribs and attach them across the mold, evenly spaced, like the ribs on a lantern. Secure at top and bottom with glue or small screws. This creates the frame that supports the paper. (Noguchi’s craftsmen stretch thin bamboo ribs over a wooden form in the original process.)
Attach the paper. Cut sheets of washi-style paper into panels long enough to wrap between ribs. Apply PVA glue sparingly to the ribs and press the paper onto the frame. Work in sections to avoid wrinkles. Overlap seams slightly and use a brush to smooth glue.Don't have time to DIY? Discover our handcrafted, sustainable bamboo Akari-style lamps. [Shop Now]
Trim & finish. Once dry, trim excess paper. If using a collapsible design, a light inner ring can hold shape but allow folding (the original Akari can collapse flat because of mold removal).
Install electrical parts. Fit the light socket centrally. Use low-heat LED bulbs (warm color temperature ~2700K–3000K) for the classic warm glow. Secure wiring per safety standards, and mount the lamp on a stable base or hanging canopy.
Test & enjoy. Power on, check for even diffusion and any hot spots. Replace with lower wattage bulbs if light appears too intense.

For a visual reference of artisans using wooden molds and bamboo ribs, the Noguchi Museum and manufacturing videos are very helpful. They show how the paper is applied, dried, and the mold removed to yield the final form. The Noguchi MuseumYouTube

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A more authentic route — key differences if you want to match Noguchi’s quality

If you want an Akari that behaves like the museum pieces (and you have more time and skill):

Use a turned wooden mold to get precise curves. Artisans build a wooden form, stretch bamboo ribs tightly, then glue hand-made Mino-washi paper strips over the ribs. After drying, the wooden mold is removed so the lantern can be slightly collapsible.
Work with genuine washi for the most natural diffusion. Washi has texture and fiber that create the signature soft shadows.
Consider a local studio or maker space that can help with turning a wooden mold or bending bamboo ribs.

Troubleshooting & tips

Wrinkles: Apply paper in small panels and smooth with a soft cloth; don’t stretch paper too tight.
Sagging: Add more ribs or a gentle internal ring to support the shape.
Hot spots/heat: Always use LED bulbs and ensure at least 2–3 cm clearance between the bulb and paper.
Durability: Reinforce seams at top and bottom with thin cloth tape under the paper for extra strength.

If you prefer step-by-step photos and community hacks, several DIY posts and instructables show creative, low-cost methods (using recycled lamp parts or IKEA lamp parts as a starting point). These are great for inexpensive experiments.

Final thoughts — light as gentle design

Making an Akari-style lamp is a satisfying craft: modest materials (paper + ribs) yield a rich, living light. Whether you build a simple paper globe for your bedside or attempt a wooden mold with bamboo ribs and real washi, the reward is the same — a warm, textured light that turns ordinary evenings into gentle, memorable moments.

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Shop the Look

Akari 3A Floor Lamp

Design features: The Akari 3A is compact with a smooth, organic shape. It is “playful yet elegant” – a gentle, rounded form that looks like a glowing pebble. Its curves diffuse light evenly.
Ideal placement: Use it in smaller spaces or corners. A 3A lamp works great beside a low sofa, in a reading nook, or near a bedroom vanity. It’s big enough to light a cozy corner without dominating the room.
Lighting in dark spaces: The curved shade scatters warm light widely, turning dark nooks into soft, inviting areas. In a dim room, an Akari 3A fills its surroundings with a warm glow without harsh shadows.

https://captainsbamboo.com/products/akari-3a-lamp

Akari 9A Floor Lamp

Design features: The Akari 9A has the classic Noguchi round lantern look. It’s built to be “weightless” in appearance – its paper shade transforms bright bulbs into a “soft warmth”. The shade sits on a short pedestal, giving it a balanced profile.
Ideal placement: Use the 9A as a floor lamp or even a low table lamp. It’s perfect next to an armchair or by a sofa, where it can brighten a larger area. Because it’s wider, it works well in living rooms or studies.
Lighting in dark spaces: With its generously sized globe, the 9A throws more light than the smaller 3A. It gently illuminates a larger patch of floor and wall, making it great for reading or crafting in poorly lit rooms.

https://captainsbamboo.com/products/noguchi-akari-9a-floor-lamp

Akari 10A Floor Lamp

Design features: The Akari 10A is a taller, slender lamp with a vase-like silhouette. Noguchi’s notes describe it as “a taller, more elongated form” that looks graceful in the corner of a room. Its long vertical shape draws the eye upward.
Ideal placement: This floor lamp shines in open living areas. Place the 10A behind a sofa or in an empty corner. It reaches higher (around 48 in tall) so it lights up more of the room from above. It’s also ideal beside a tall plant or bookshelf, complementing modern interiors.
Lighting in dark spaces: The height and shape let the 10A send light deep into the space. Its light filters through the tall paper shade to flood the ceiling area and walls with a gentle glow. Even big rooms will feel cozier, as the 10A softens shadows at top and bottom.

https://captainsbamboo.com/products/akari-10a-floor-lamp

Akari 11A Floor Lamp

Design features: The 11A combines a slim cylinder shade with a sleek metal frame. According to archival notes, it has a washi paper shade wrapped by bamboo rings, supported by a black lacquered metal structure gallery-wa.com. It’s very tall (about 58 in) with a modest diameter, giving it a clean vertical look.
Ideal placement: Put the 11A in spaces with high ceilings or tall furniture. A bedroom corner, home library, or entryway are great spots. Its dark frame makes it stand out against light walls. Because it’s tall, you might place it beside a tall dresser or a long curtain.
Lighting in dark spaces: This lamp shines a column of light straight down and up. Its height and narrow shade focus the glow, brightening high shelves or art on the wall. In a dim room, the 11A’s light helps eliminate vertical shadows and makes the ceiling area feel lifted.

Akari 14A Floor Lamp

Design features: The Akari 14A is one of the tallest models. It stands about 162 cm (64 in) highshop.noguchi.org, with a very narrow cylindrical shade. Like other Akari lamps, it’s made from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing on a metal frameshop.noguchi.org. The look is simple and sculptural – a column of light.
Ideal placement: The 14A is perfect for very large or open rooms. Think loft living spaces, grand hallways, or any high-ceilinged area. It can stand alone as a statement piece (with a floor-clearing light) or pair with sectional sofas. It also works in offices or studios where a tall lamp is needed.
Lighting in dark spaces: With its great height, the 14A illuminates wide swaths of wall and ceiling. It makes even tall, dark corners feel friendly. Because the whole shade is tall, it pours light from top to bottom, effectively brightening vertical surfaces. In a dim room, the 14A casts a gentle but ample glow that makes the space feel larger and cozier.