A well-made paper lamp can last for decades. Our paper lamps are built to contract-grade standards, meaning they are constructed for the durability required in commercial environments such as hotels, restaurants, and design showrooms — not just occasional home use.

Longevity ultimately depends on three factors: build quality, the environment the lamp is placed in, and ongoing care. To extend the life of your paper lamp, keep it in a space with stable, moderate humidity, avoid placing it near open flames, candles, or high-heat sources, and dust it gently with a soft brush as needed. With these simple precautions, your lamp is built to be lived with for years to come.

No, the paper used in our lamps was intentionally selected to be contract-grade — meaning it is built to resist tearing while still diffusing the soft, warm glow that makes paper lamps so inviting. The majority of our lamps use Japanese washi paper, a type of paper made from long mulberry fibers that has been prized for over a thousand years for its natural strength, flexibility, and luminous quality. Compared to the lower-grade rice paper used in many mass-market paper lamps, our paper is 2x more durable and significantly more resistant to tearing, yellowing, and warping. That said, like all delicate handmade products, paper lamps should still be handled gently — especially when moving, dusting, or installing.

All of our paper floor lamps and table lamps are compatible with standard E26 or E27 light bulbs, giving you flexibility to choose the bulb that best suits your space.

For ceiling pendant styles, the cord set is sold separately. Our shades are designed with a universal E-shape cord hook that securely attaches to any standard cord set on the market, so you can pair your lamp with the cord and bulb of your choice. For the most flattering glow, we recommend warm-white LED bulbs (2700K or lower), as LEDs emit minimal heat, protecting the paper shade and extending the life of your lamp.

Both options work — it's entirely up to you. Our paper pendants are designed with a universal E-shape cord hook that securely attaches the cord set to the shade, allowing you to pair your lamp with whichever cord set and bulb best suits your space. This means you can choose a hardwired cord set for a clean, ceiling-mounted installation, or a plug-in swag cord for tool-free setup — whichever fits your room and style. Cord sets are purchased separately unless otherwise noted on the product listing, giving you full flexibility to customize the look and function of your pendant.