I can’t tell you when or where I was when I first saw a Noguchi Akari light sculpture but I can tell you that I have been in love with them since that moment. Considering they were first designed in the early 1950s and are as popular as ever almost 40 years after Noguchi’s passing, that’s like saying french fries are delicious…most people feel the same way. Not exactly a news flash. But when history, art, and innovation come together that’s when someone truly special and timeless is created and should be celebrated.
Here’s a brief history of these lights – It all began during a trip through Gifu, Japan when Isamu Noguchi was commissioned to create a couple of lanterns to help revitalize the once-booming lantern industry in that town. For him, these were meant to be functional sculptures and modernized lanterns that still incorporated traditional Gifu elements – washi paper, being collapsible, etc. On the Noguchi website, it said that “He would later refer to Akari as “‘elegant people’s art.’” I really love that for us:) And I don’t know about your feeds, but not a week (or day) goes by where I don’t see an Akari light sculpture in a beautifully designed space, in a VARIETY of home styles. They work with all of them! To me, there are a ton of reasons why they are still so popular which I’ll get into throughout this post but versatility is at the core of all of them. Today we are going to be focusing on the most popular style (at least from my vantage point) and that’s the Akari globe style pendants (not the official name because each size is simply called a different number).
The Classic Two
It’s no secret that this pendant (in both styles) has been copied more times than any of us could count. But as an owner of the one with “regularly spaced ribbing,” I can confidently say that getting the original if you can afford it, is so worth it. The washi paper is perfectly off-white and you can just see/feel the quality. The other style, which I also love, is the “random wound” spiraled ribbing. I read that he liked to alternate between the two.
How We’ve Used Them
Now I’m sure we’ve used them more than just these handful of examples but this is at least a fun way to see them used IRL!
This was my beloved first studio apartment and an Akari pendant was at the top of my list for the living room. I will never stop saying that it gives off the prettiest, softest light and my only slight regret is not getting a bigger size (couldn’t justify the extra $$). This size is of course great, but I do love an oversized look which I’ll get more into later. This one though is currently in my bedroom awaiting its reentry onto the internet and yes, it looks perfect in that room too!
If you don’t know Mel, she’s an EHD alum who worked as a designer with us years ago. She’s our neutral minimalist queen who has a deep love and appreciation for Japanese design. So naturally her Akari pendant has traveled with her to all of her homes.
For non-design enthusiasts, I’m sure this more minimalist home style would be where most people would place these lights. The styles, colors, and aesthetics are very aligned…however…
Emily also used a Noguchi-style light in her primary bedroom which is a VERY different style from Mel’s and it’s a total dream. It’s large enough to not get visually lost, it’s light enough to still make the ceilings feel tall, it talks to the light color of the rug, it adds another material and pattern, and is a fun shape! All in all, it’s perfect in here too.
Goes With Every Style
I thought it would be fun to look at more examples of how this pendant is the true design shape-shifter. It goes with everything while also making its own statement. It’s pretty cool to see it transform with each style. Come see…
Modern Organic
Since most people associate these pendants with neutral color palettes, I thought I’d show you that but in a much more modern/contemporary way…well, a Sarah Sherman Samuel way:) This home is very “organic postmodern” so the contrast of the soft and textured light makes the whole room feel a little cozier.
Eclectic Industrial
They also look so cool with that “Eclectic Industrial” loft look! Typically these spaces have a lot of straight lines with shelving, books, furniture, etc. So adding in a large, soft-lit ball in the middle of the space creates a ton of visual interest and texture. Plus the lined ribbing also complements all those straight lines. A win-win!
Collected Rustic Cabin
Probably one of my favorite styles I see this pendant used is the “Collected Rustic Cabin”. The walls and/or ceilings are clad with reclaimed wood, the furniture is mostly vintage but in modern shapes, and there’s cool collected art and ceramics all over.
So when that beautiful textured, light cream pendant is installed, it’s again, the perfect soft happy statement that visually lifts the whole space and makes it feel lighter but retains the coziness.
Euro Modern
Ok, shoot. This is my other favorite style combo. The homes that have stunning old mouldings, big marble fireplaces, and a mix of old and new furniture. Feels very European but there are of course homes all over the world that could fit that description.
With these two homes, their colorful, maximalist styles are incredible. A different ceiling light could have easily made these rooms feel more intense and serious. Instead, the Akari pendant lightened the mood, made them feel more fun and eclectic
The same goes for this room. It’s a little less maximalist and ornate, but the use of an unexpected paper lantern hanging from the ceiling makes it feel more inviting.
Of course, if you are an all-white, neutral home kind of person then this pendant was made for you too. It’s beautiful, isn’t boring, and has a cool texture and pattern. A totally neutral home doesn’t and shouldn’t be one note. A fixture like this can help avoid that:)
Grannycore
The “grannies” love it too! This wonderfully colorful house is just a visual burst of joy. And what the Akari pendant does is it adds that texture I won’t stop talking about. But since it’s so neutral it lets your eye feast on everything else in the room first. Nothing is fighting.
Modern MCM
This light was first designed in the 50s so these two are a match made in design heaven. No notes. Oh, but see what I mean about the glow!??
Oversized
TELL ME THAT’S NOT THE COOLEST PENDANT IN THE WORLD?! I’m obsessed when people go for the oversized version. It’s simplicity lends to it! It’ll never visually overwhelm the space and it just looks impossibly cool. I can’t image a more perfect light for this space.
Then you have these big boys in smaller spaces and still, not too much (actually quite perfect).
Then what I loved about these two examples is that they look a little more like homes we’ve been in (still incredibly beautiful and out of my reach lol). I just feel like maybe these ones can help you envision this pendant in your home a little easier.
Not much more to say aside from the fact that I also love these photos and thought they MUST be included:)
Double Trouble
While I was going through my saved Instagram posts, I noticed a little trend that in a lot of homes, two seem to be better than one. Let’s look!
Another favorite photo that only intensifies my dream of owning a loft (preferably in NYC but I’m open:)). The pendants seem to be doing a magic trick where they are loud and quiet at the same time. Total perfection and maybe something to think about if you have an open-concept home.
See? High ceilings, open-concept, and each pendant designates a zone. Extremely cool.
However, since most of us simply aren’t living the chic loft life that doesn’t mean multiple pendants can’t be in our homes too! See how Hayes Little Studio installed them in this sweet dining room?
In The Kitchen??
One other interesting observation I had in my photo research was that they are VERY popular in kitchens. Given the general mess of a kitchen with the oils and dust, I wouldn’t have thought this pendant would be an ideal choice but I am happy to be proven wrong.
Aside from being a perfect kitchen in general (what I would give to call it mine!), since the pendant is placed far enough away from the stove I think it’s probably fine mess-wise. Plus, having that big round shape contrasting all the hard lines is so perfect.
So again it appears the trick is to place the pendant far enough away from the stove and/or go high.
These were too pretty not to include:) You can go super high or super low. Let’s actually talk more about that…
Hang Low
Another pretty awesome “feature” of these lights is that you can easily play with their height placement. Since the bulb is almost entirely covered and the light is ambient/evenly distributed they can be installed as almost a flush mount or low for a cool intentional design moment.
Other Classic Shapes
The globe shape isn’t your only option. These saucer styles are other classics too.
Always The Floor Lamp Option
And don’t worry! If you love these pendants but really only need a floor lamp, that is an option too.
I truly get so excited every time I see this pendant in a new design and see how effortlessly it works. I can’t imagine I’ll ever get tired of them because of how much brightness and coziness they inject into every space. How do you all feel? Do any of you have one of these beauties? Any other thoughts??
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Base Photo – Photo by Kaitlin Green, From: Our Primary Bedroom Reveal! She’s Blue (Shocking), Calm, And Ready For A Full Show And Tell | Top Right Photo – Design by Melanie Bursti, Photo by Tessa Neustadt, From: Mel’s MOTO Reveal | Bottom Left – Design by Jess Bunge, Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp, From: Makeover Takeover: Jess’ Long Awaited (Small Space) Living Room Reveal
