Although not typically associated with strength and durability, paper is a surprisingly versatile material. Recent times have seen the launch of a wealth of innovative and commercially viable furniture, lighting and accessory designs that are all made from this lightweight, affordable and renewable material.

Newspaper wood by Dutch design label Vij5 and Meike Meijer  is a paper-based material made from layers of recycled newspaper. Just like wood, it can be sanded or milled with a surface effect that’s not dissimilar to woodgrain.

Made from strips of recycled newspaper woven with textiles, Blu Dot’s The Last Newspaper rug was launched in 2011.

Made from pressed sheets of DuraPulp, a material that combines paper pulp and starch, the Paper lamp by Claesson Koivisto Rune is an elegant task lamp designed for swedish lighting brand Wastberg.

British designer Iain Howlett created his PaperClay lamps and tables while studying at the RCA in London. Made from a kind of paper pulp that when wet can be free-formed or moulded much like clay, the PaperClay furniture is lightweight and durable.

The Future Tradition moulded paper chair by Innovo Design is made using the same technique that is used to make traditional Chinese umbrellas. The edges are left untrimmed so that the process and materials are in full view.