More Light!

A true classic that continues to shine is the paper lantern. In the Western design world, these lights became especially popular through the work of Japanese-American designer Isamu Noguchi. To this day, many are still handcrafted in the Ozeki workshop in Gifu, Japan. They fit perfectly into the category of mood lighting: the soft, diffused glow filtered through paper creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. Even the most minimalist interiors gain a sense of comfort and depth from these timeless designs.

Lamps made of paper or silk stretched over bamboo frames likely originated in imperial China during the Han dynasty. As so often in East Asia, China acted as both a filter and a catalyst for what we now describe as trends.

Today, the tradition of paper lighting (often mistakenly labeled simply as “Japanese paper lamps”) inspires a new generation of designers, including the Taiwanese brand Kimu. Their pieces reinterpret historical concepts, such as the Japanese milk-glass lamp, which they translate into paper under the name “Paper Milk.” In Taiwan in particular, where cultural influences range from Indigenous heritage to the legacy of Japanese rule, such designs carry a powerful symbolic resonance.

As announced in our 2026 trend forecast , the new year is going postmodern. After seasons dominated by creamy neutrals, topped off by Pantone’s “Cloud Dancer,” a shade of white, there’s a growing desire for color again, especially after the long, grey winter months.

If repainting the entire apartment feels like too much, a postmodern classic can introduce a bold accent, such as the Super floor lamp by Martine Bedin. Alternatively, consider contemporary design: the playful, height-adjustable Tiro lamp by the Italian brand From Lighting, which resembles an umbrella, adds an instant splash of personality. Guaranteed to lift the mood, and for committed minimalists, it’s also available in silver-grey.

Not exactly new, but far too good not to mention here (and playful enough to be described as neo-postmodern) is the Set Table Lamp, designed by Jamie Wolfond for Muuto. Conceived as an oversized screw, its adjustable “nut” can be twisted up and down to regulate the light source. The result is an object that not only illuminates a space, but also doubles as a kind of spatial toy for grown-ups.

What we would like to see more of in the new year: lamps and chandeliers made of Murano crystal glass, freshly combined with light, minimalist interiors. The Italian label 6:AM, which has its lights produced in a manufactory in Murano, has demonstrated how this can be achieved. A tip for all bargain hunters: similar pieces can also be found on vintage platforms.

The legacy of vintage "ice glass" is finding a second life through the work of Rotterdam's Laurids Gallée. Moving beyond simple lighting, Gallée creates what are essentially light sculptures that play with the tension between fluid-looking forms and solid structures. By using tinted resin (one of the design world's current favorite materials) he produces organic, translucent pieces that feel like frozen liquid. Whether suspended or standing, these sculptural works prove that functional light can double as high art.

Hungry for more? You can find our trend forecast for 2026 and other interior design trends in our idd inspiration archive .