This New IKEA Lamp Looks Like Plaster — But It’s Not

Lighting and IKEA are kind of like my bread and butter as Style Editor at Apartment Therapy. Lighting can make or break a space, and, famously, IKEA is one of our favorite sources for stylish, affordable decor — so it makes sense that the Swedish brand is my go-to when it comes to setting the mood. 

But just when I think I’m familiar with all the lighting aisles have to offer, IKEA surprises me with a new release. Last month, I caught sight of a new lamp on the shelves that totally took my ‘80s-loving breath away: the VINDKRAFT Table Lamp. I’m calling it now, this one is an IKEA icon in the making!

The new VINDKRAFT Table Lamp is a gorgeous, sculptural design with looks that far outmatch its budget-friendly price tag. Made of white molded paper pulp (aka papier-mâché), it’s super lightweight, but what it lacks in material it totally makes up for in style. The wave-textured surface of the domed shade matches the pedestal base, resulting in a modern silhouette that looks almost like an ancient artifact, carved from stone. According to the product description, the designer says the texture was inspired by the organic rippling patterns of sand dunes. 

The VINDKRAFT lamp instantly reminded me of the plaster light fixtures that popped up everywhere last year, and the ‘80s-inspired trend seems to be going strong. Sculptural lighting is a great way to make a subtle statement with decor, especially in small spaces: When shelf space is limited, every piece has to pull its weight. Boring, functional lamps are no match for a statement piece like this one, that looks “just as nice turned off as on.”

The VINDKRAFT lamp is still pretty new, and I haven’t seen it hit social media just yet, so there aren’t many reviews yet — but having seen it IRL, I can assure you it’s as good as it seems. One happy customer agrees: “I love the idea of using white molded paper [for a lamp],” Victoria writes. “The texture is very design-forward … The warm glow is nice. Assembly is very easy and takes ~2 minutes. Hope that it stands up to regular use.” 

Only time will tell when it comes to durability, though I would avoid placing this lamp anywhere where it might take a tumble. It’s made from paper, so it’s definitely fragile — but so are glass and porcelain lamps. Another reviewer does report an issue with the lamp sustaining damage during assembly, so be sure to approach that with caution, too. 

From rechargeable outdoor lamps to iconic statement pendant silhouettes, IKEA proves once again that it has lighting for every style, every mood, and every situation. The VINDKRAFT lamp is no exception. At just $40, this piece would make a great pair for a bedside table setup, or let it shine as a solo sculptural moment on a bookshelf. 

Buy: IKEA VINDKRAFT Table Lamp, $39.99