Elegant, understated and tactile, paper and textile diffusers create a soft ethereal glow and a weightless aesthetic. We highlight five of the best featherlight pendant lamps on the market.

Cloud Softlight by Molo Design: The Cloud Softlights by Molo Design are hollow cloud forms made from paper and lit by LED lights. The floating forms have a soft glow and are designed to mimic moving cloud formations. molodesign.com

Vapeur lamps by Inga Semp© for Moustache: French designer Inga Semp© has used the mechanical and structural qualities of pleated Tyvek to create a lighting design with an intriguing and voluminous form. moustache.fr

Planet by Foscarini: Inspired by astronauts clothing, Planet by Changedesign for Foscarini is made up of three pieces of hi-tech fabric that are stitched together to create a spherical lamp. www.foscarini.com

Vederlicht by Daniel Hulsbergen: Meaning Featherlight in Dutch, the Vederlicht pendant lamp by designer Daniel Hulsbergen weights just 350 grams. Vederlicht's open structure is made from lightweight balsa wood and Oracover; the same materials that are used to craft model airplanes. www.studiodaniel.nl

Jamaica suspension by Foscarini: Marc Sadler’s Jamaica pendant lamp for Foscarini features swirling lengths of paper and polymer which are looped around and tucked behind the light source to provide a direct overhead light source.  www.foscarini.com.