Are lokta paper lampshades fire-safe?

Yes, when used with LED bulbs up to 10W. All our shades are designed for low-heat LED lighting. Avoid halogen or incandescent bulbs, which run too hot for natural paper.

What is lokta paper made from?

Lokta paper is made from the bark of the Daphne plant, which grows wild in the Himalayan forests of Nepal. The bark is harvested by hand without felling the plant — the Daphne regenerates fully within 5–7 years.

How are the Tibetan motifs applied?

Every motif is hand-block-printed using wooden stamps carved by local craftspeople in the Kathmandu Valley. Each impression is slightly different, which is part of what makes handmade paper art unique.

Can I order a custom colour or size?

Yes. We accept custom orders for colour, size, and paper finish. Contact us at info@paperlampshade.com with your requirements and we will get back to you within 24–48 hours.

How do I clean a paper lampshade?

Use a soft, dry cloth or a clean paintbrush to gently remove dust. Avoid water or damp cloths — lokta paper is natural and moisture can warp or soften it.

home decor

Handcrafted Paper Lampshades: Complete Colour & Style Guide

neepun·May 23, 2026

Whether you are searching for a bold red accent, a calming blue glow, or an intricate Tibetan motif, our handmade lokta paper lampshades offer a world of choice. Each shade is crafted by hand in Nepal from natural Daphne bark paper — no two are exactly alike. This guide walks through every style and colour we carry so you can find the perfect match for your interior.

Round Coloured Lampshades: From Red to Purple

Our round single-colour lampshades are the most popular in our collection. Available in red, white, yellow, pink, blue, orange, green, purple, and light blue, these shades cast a warm diffused glow through the natural texture of the lokta paper. The round shape spreads light evenly in all directions, making it perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. A warm-white LED bulb (2700K–3000K) at 4W–8W brings out the translucency of the paper and gives each colour its full depth. All our round shades come in two standard diameters. Pair a larger shade with a floor lamp for a statement piece, or use a smaller shade on a desk or table lamp as a soft accent.

Square Tibetan Motif Lampshades

For a more architectural look, our four-sided Tibetan motif lampshades feature hand-block-printed designs drawn from Himalayan sacred art. Each design has its own meaning: • Buddha — peace, wisdom, and enlightenment • Amogsiddhi — the fearless bodhisattva of action • White Tara — compassion and longevity • Astamangal — the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism • Yin Yang — balance and duality • Dragon — strength and good fortune in East Asian tradition • Sun — warmth and vitality • Leaf — growth and connection to nature • Prayer Wheel — merit and spiritual protection • Red Endless Knot — interconnectedness and eternity The square shape creates a structured pool of downward light — ideal for reading corners, entryways, or as a contemplative accent above an altar or meditation space.

Specialty Styles: Batik, Jali & Tie-Dye

Beyond our core colour and motif ranges, we offer three specialty techniques that transform the paper itself: Batik lampshades use a traditional wax-resist dyeing method. Molten wax is applied in patterns before the paper is dipped in dye — when the wax is removed, the undyed areas form intricate organic designs that appear to glow from within. Jali lampshades feature delicate perforations cut by hand into the paper. When lit, the shade projects a lacework of light and shadow across walls and ceilings — a living pattern that changes as the light source moves. Tie-dye lampshades are produced by tying, folding, and twisting the paper before dyeing, creating soft circular or starburst patterns that give each shade a one-of-a-kind look. We also carry 21-inch wide-format shades for large pendant or arc-lamp installations, and seasonal fern and marigold pressed-paper designs.

How to Choose the Right Size

As a rule of thumb, the diameter of a pendant lampshade should be at least one-third the width of the table or surface beneath it. For table lamps, the shade diameter should be roughly two-thirds the height of the lamp base. If in doubt, go one size larger — a shade that is slightly too big is almost always more flattering than one that is too small. Our team is happy to advise on sizing for any specific fitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shop Related Products

Fern & Marigold Lokta Paper Lampshade | 6-Sided Bamboo Lantern

$35.00

Handmade Lampshade | Lokta Paper Crafts | Lantern Paper Shade | Plain Shades | Nepali Kagaj11 inch

$26.00

Handmade Paper Lampshade | Lokta Paper Crafts | Lantern Shade | Multi Color Shades | Nepali Kagaj

$35.00

21" Nepali Lokta Paper Lampshade – Botanical Fern & Marigold Petal Hanging Light Shade

$58.00

21" Nepali Lokta Paper Lampshade – Botanical Fern & Marigold Petal Hanging Light Shade - Ferns

$58.00

21" Paper Lampshade – Handmade Sustainable Hanging Light Shade – Eco-Friendly -Fair Trade Lokta Paper

$58.00

Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Lantern Shade– Nepali Kagaj – Tie Dye

$58.00

Marigold Petal Mixed Shades | Handmade Paper Lampshade | Lokta Paper Crafts | Lantern Shade | Nepali Kagaj

$58.00

Orange Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

White Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

Green Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

Yellow Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

Pink Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

Red Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

Purple Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

Blue Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

Light Blue Round Lokta Paper Lampshade – Handmade Nepalese Hanging Light Shade - Circular Lampshades

$35.00

Paper Lampshade | Ecofriendly Paper lamp shades | Fern Marigold Petal Mixed Lampshades | Table Lampshade (Copy)

$35.00

Amogsiddhi Buddha - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square- Yellow

$17.00

Amogsiddhi Buddha - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square- White

$17.00

Amogsiddhi Buddha - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square- Red

$17.00

Amogsiddhi Buddha - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square- Orange

$17.00

Amogsiddhi Buddha - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square- Green

$17.00

Amogsiddhi Buddha - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square- Blue

$17.00

Sun - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Red Green Tara - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Prayer Wheel - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Yin Yang Nepali Flag - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Leaf - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

White Tara - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Red Endless Knot - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Red Elephant - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Dragon - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Buddha Eye Boudhanath - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Red Buddha - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Astamangal - Lokta Paper Lamp Shade square

$17.00

Fern Paper Lampshade plain

$30.00

Green tie dye handmade paper lampshade

$25.00

White full jali paper lampshade

$25.00

Purple Full jali paper lampshade

$25.00

Yellow batik lampshade handmade paper lampshade

$25.00

Multi Batik paper lampshade

$25.00

Handmade paper lampshade

$30.00

Buddha lampshade

$25.00

Orange half Hali paper lampshade

$30.00

Multi color paper lampshade

$30.00

Handmade paper lampshade multicolor

$35.00

Paper Lampshade | Ecofriendly Paper lamp shades | Fern Marigold Petal Mixed Lampshades | Table Lampshade

$35.00

Paper Lampshades | Big Fern Flower mixed lantern shades | Ecofriendly Paper lampshades | Rice Paper Lampshade | Handmade Flower Lampshade

$35.00

Handmade Lokta Paper Lampshade | 4-Sided Bamboo Lampshade | Fern Marigold Petal Shade | Eco-Friendly Nepali Kagaj Light Cover

$32.00

Fern Paper Lampshade

$30.00

Find your perfect paper lampshade — handcrafted in Nepal from sustainable lokta paper and shipped worldwide. Browse the full collection below.

Shop Lampshades

← Back to Blog