Creating a Reading Nook at Home with Akari-Style Lighting

In the age of busy lives, noisy cities, and endless notifications, that image of curling up with a book in a warm, quiet spot feels like a real luxury. A reading nook is more than just a space — an invitation to slow down. And the single most powerful way to dictate the feel of that space? Lighting.

At Hüga Collective, we connect with people by helping them create their version of "hygge"—that mindful state of living that the Danes seem to have captured with a single word that evokes the idea of cozy contentment and well-being. Whether reading poetry, sipping tea, or doing pretty much nothing, Akari-style lighting can turn a random corner of the room into your own quiet corner.

This guide will show you how to create a reading nook using Akari-style paper lamps, explore the history behind these iconic paper lamps, and explain why our expertly crafted Akari-style paper lamps are unique.

Why Reading Nooks Should Be Taken Seriously with Lighting

Lighting isn’t just functional—it creates a space's mood. Harsh lighting can turn even the prettiest decorated room into a sterile environment, while soft, layered lighting soothes the senses and encourages lingering.

According to a study in EXCLI Journal, soothing lighting, particularly warm color spectrum lighting (2700K–3000K), has been correlated with increased relaxation and decreased stress levels. That is why picking the right lamp is crucial when styling a nook for quiet time.

That’s where Akari paper lamps come in.

The Beauty and History of Akari Lamps

Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese-American artist and designer, originally conceived the Akari light sculptures in the 1950s. “Akari” means “light” in Japanese, in both the sense of illumination and weightlessness — and that’s what these lamps symbolize.

Noguchi’s goal was to combine traditional Japanese lantern-making methods with modern design. The result was a washi-paper-and-bamboo-rib lamp that gives off airborne, organic form diffusing light softly, and evenly.

Currently, original Noguchi Akari lamps are considered collectible works of art. At Hüga Collective, we celebrate these classic forms with high quality Akari-style lamps that embody that same spirit of simplicity and warmth in your home, minus the gallery price tag.

The Hüga Collective Paper Lamp Collection

Our Akari-style paper lamps are lovingly recreated, informed by Noguchi’s original sculptures. Here’s what’s special about them:

✦ High-Quality Paper

We use a mix of rice paper, cotton paper, and washi paper — each with its own texture and capacity to diffuse light beautifully. These materials enable a soft, glowing ambiance ideal for reading without eye strain.

✦ Bamboo Rib Framework

These lamps are similar in construction to the traditional Japanese approach, employing bamboo ribs to uphold the structure, creating an elegant yet robust frame. The result is a lamp that is as much sculpture as it is light.

✦ Minimalist, Cozy Design

The designs—table lamp, floor lamp and pendant—each pair effortlessly with Scandinavian, Japanese or modern interiors. They’re the ideal companion to your Scandi coffee table or reading chair.

How to Design a Reading Nook with Akari Lighting?

Ready to create your nook? Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Pick the Right Spot

Choose a quiet corner of your home—ideally near a window for natural light during the day and your Hüga Akari-style paper lamp for evening reading. Spaces near a bedroom window or a living room corner work beautifully.

2. Choose the Best Lamp for Your Setup

• Akari-style Table Lamp: Ideal for bedside tables or shelves
  

• Akari-style Floor Lamp: Great for corners where you want soft ambient lighting
  

• Akari-style Pendant Light: Best for overhead glow in minimalist setups
  
  

Wondering where to put a floor lamp in the living room? Try placing one behind or next to your reading chair to provide direct but diffused light.

3. Add Cozy Touches

Include a soft throw blanket, a small shelf or side table for books, and a candle or diffuser. If you enjoy sipping something warm while you read, keep a tray with your favorite tea or coffee nearby.

4. Make It Yours

Hang artwork that inspires you. Add a textured rug or floor cushion. Your nook should reflect what feels peaceful to you.

Inspiration: We were thrilled to be mentioned in this article from Apartment Guide: How to Create a Cozy DIY Reading Nook in Your Home | ApartmentGuide (a Redfin
subsidiary), which shares even more ideas for creating the perfect DIY reading nook.

Why Choose Hüga Collective’s Paper Lamps Over Others?

There are many paper lamps on the market, but not all are created equal. Here’s what sets ours apart:

 

We craft each lamp with the same mindset you bring to your home: intentional, warm, and relaxed.

Beyond the Nook: Using Paper Lamps Around the Home

Once you fall in love with your reading nook, you may want that same feeling in other parts of your home. Here’s how customers are styling their Hüga paper lamps:

• Living Room: Use the Zephyr Floor Lamp near your couch for soft movie-night lighting.
  

• Bedroom: A Noguchi-style paper table lamp makes a gentle alternative to harsh overheads.
  

• Dining Room: A Noguchi style ceiling lamp above the table creates a cozy dinner atmosphere.

Taking Care of Your Paper Lamp

Your Hüga paper lamp is made to last over time, but to keep your lamp looking good, here are a couple of tips:

• Use a feather duster or soft cloth for regular dusting.

• To prevent fading, keep out of direct sunlight.

• Be careful when moving—these are delicate works of art.

Style Blending: Japanese Meets Scandinavian

Scandinavian and Japanese design principles share similar values, like simplicity, natural materials, and an emphasis on well-being. This is exactly why Akari-style lighting matches Scandi coffee tables, minimalist seating, and neutral tones.

This hybrid style—sometimes called Japandi—highlights clean lines, warm textures , and functional design. If that sounds like your vibe, a paper lamp is a perfect match.