
Bathe in the warm glow of owning something recycled, and a light bulb, with these magic cardboard lamps.
Here at SoraNews24, we’re all for recycling, whether it’s using old kimono to make beautiful parasols or tired jeans to make all sorts of bits and pieces, but we can also be a bit on the lazy side. That, and we’re inept enough with scissors to merit a special mention in the safety instructions attached to them. Fortunately there are people out there with both the skill and imagination to produce pieces that combine form and function, crafted from second-hand materials, who also post pictures online for us to goggle at.
Deciding we needed some mood-setting lighting for the office, which can often be too well-lit for our liking, we came across some rather pleasant lamps, and even better, the shades are all made from recycled cardboard.
The company that produces the lamps, Sylvn Studio, from India, makes them in floor, table, hanging, gourd and wall types, with a number of intricate designs that throw shapes across the room and ceiling, probably even making everyday, mundane office activities like jumping over invisible boxes more dramatic.
You wouldn’t know that these beautifully designed shades were made of recycled cardboard, nor that they might possibly have been wishing people happy birthday or commiserations as birthday cards, housing the residentially disadvantaged, or wiping people’s backsides in previous incarnations. That’s the magic of recycling.
It’s not just cardboard that Sylvn Studios use, but also other recycled materials such as jute bags, saying that their products contribute towards restoring the beauty of the Earth and of society, and help to build a sustainable eco-system.
▼ Perfect for when you feel like breaking out a spontaneous Bollywood disco, something which happens more often than you might think.
The one-of-a-kind, hand-painted hanging lampshades range in price from 4,549 yen to 13,649 yen (US$42-128). A small price to pay when you work in an office with our resident reporter Mr. Sato, where lower, gentler lighting is worth every single penny.
Source, images: Sylvn Studio
[ Read in Japanese ]







A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Tokyo’s giant Pokémon Stamp Rally is back for 2026 with exclusive prizes up for grabs
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]
Kirby Cafe gets even cuter with new summer menu and dishware you can take home[Photos]