For centuries, paper has been viewed simply as a surface for writing and painting. But with innovation driving change, a new ‘paper revolution’ is transforming interiors. Designers and scientists are repurposing waste paper and cardboard into high-end luxury furniture, sculptures, and more—pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Traditional materials like wood, metal, and glass once dominated furniture design, but now, paper is taking center stage with a significantly lower environmental impact. If you’re looking to make a bold statement, let’s explore how paper is redefining interior charm.

Timeless Lighting:

The interplay between light and shadow is seen best through paper. Imagine replacing heavily manufactured lampshades, with lightweight molded or sculpted paper, creating a soft glow that no other material can match. These options are a win-win, being aesthetic and biodegradable, at the same time. 

Take for instance, Oorjaa. The brand is doing something different- building various kinds of contoured lights out of handmade paper, crafted right in their workshop, blurring the lines between nature and opulence. The Italian designer, Davide, Groppi’s Moon Lamp crafted out of handmade Japanese paper, depicts the ethereal beauty of the Moon.

Pulp Decor:

Brass, copper, wood, have been a forefront in crafting decor products. Paper, through its artistic possibilities, is going beyond the boundaries of traditional decor.

Kashmir’s age-old craft of Papier Mâché, where paper pulp is prepared with rice straw and copper sulfate and later adorned with detailed hand painting, resulting into ornamental objects like storage boxes or a showpiece. For a contemporary touch, Craft Boat produces accents like Burni Jar, out of recycled cotton handmade paper, adorned with block print, uplifting the artisans of Jaipur.

Eco Furniture:

The idea of transforming a flat paper into solid furniture, may seem improbable but designers are already proving it. Brands from around the world have been doing so, mixing paper pulp with biodegradable materials, building sturdy furniture that are also environment-friendly.

The Jaipur-based brand, the Pulp Factory is a prime example. They produce 100% paper furniture, including chairs and coffee tables using merely textiles and waste paper. The collection of the artist, Bijoy Jain for Maniera Gallery, incorporating Japanese washi paper, cow dung, concrete, stone, bricks and much more into furniture, further demonstrates the potential of paper.

Paper as Art:

For years, sculptures have been defined by and artistry done on marble or stone. Yet paper has entered to offer a lightweight and durable alternative. Sculptural artists like Ankon Mitra, primarily use a range of paper types to create origami installations and lighting. Visionaries like Kosha, the brainchild of Papier Studio, offers modern installations in mixed-media, adding meaning to any space.a