How to Decorate With Paper Lanterns

Are you looking to take your home’s decor up a notch? One of the simplest ways to bring in some contemporary sophistication and eye-catching accessories is by incorporating paper lanterns. These delightful globes emit beautiful yet subtle lighting and are sure to bring a touch of originality and flair into any living space.

How to Decorate With Paper Lanterns

Whether searching for minimalistic pieces or statement-making decor, paper lanterns can offer precisely what you need – no strings attached! In this blog post, we’ll show you how to use these universally appealing hanging decorations as inspiring centerpieces in all home décor designs.

Read on about how to decorate with paper lanterns that will make accessorizing fun and effortless!

What Will You Need?

First, let’s start by gathering the supplies you need to create a stylish look in your home with paper lanterns. Ensure that you have:

  • Paper lanterns
  • LED lights or light bulbs
  • String, fishing line, or wire for hanging
  • Scissors

Once you have gathered all the above, you can start decorating your home with paper lanterns in a few easy steps.

10 Easy Steps on How to Decorate With Paper Lanterns

Step 1. Hanging Paper Lanterns

Hanging paper lanterns are an easy and affordable way to add a decorative touch to any space. Paper lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can easily find one that will complement your existing décor.

Add a Decorative Touch to Any Space

To hang paper lanterns, you’ll need to purchase some string lights or other lighting fixtures that can be used to suspend the lanterns from the ceiling. Once your lights are in place, simply hang the paper lanterns at varying heights for a festive look.

Step 2. Tabletop Paper Lanterns

Tabletop paper lanterns are another great way to add a decorative touch to your home or office. These small-scale versions of traditional paper lanterns can be placed on tables or shelves for an eye-catching display.

You can also use these tabletop paper lanterns as centerpieces for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays. Try filling the paper lantern with colorful LED lights or battery-powered candles for a soft glow for an even more festive look.

Step 3. Wallpaper Lanterns

Wallpaper lanterns are an ideal choice if you want to make a big statement with your décor. These larger versions of traditional paper lanterns usually feature intricate designs and patterns that will instantly draw attention to any wall in your home or office. To hang wallpaper lanterns, you’ll need to purchase strong adhesive strips that can secure them in place without damaging the wall surface.

Step 4. Paper Lantern String Lights

A creative and enchanting way to decorate with paper lanterns is to create a string of lights. This can be achieved by threading a string of LED lights through several paper lanterns. The result is a vibrant and whimsical decoration that adds a pleasant ambiance to any room.

Create a String of Lights

Ideal for patios, living rooms, or bedrooms, paper lantern string lights can be hung along mantels, draped across windows, or even strung along the ceiling to create a starry night effect. This versatile decoration method can be adjusted to suit any color scheme or design aesthetics, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

Step 5. Paper Lantern Chandelier

A paper lantern chandelier is a stylish and innovative way to transform your room’s illumination. This decoration involves grouping several paper lanterns at varying heights to create a chandelier effect. Start by choosing lanterns of different sizes and colors, then suspend them from a common point on the ceiling.

You can add light bulbs or LED lights inside the lanterns to create a warm, inviting glow. This unique and charming design element adds a touch of elegance and whimsy, perfect for a dining room or an outdoor patio setting.

Step 6. Paper Lanterns as Focal Points

Using paper lanterns as focal points in your room is a unique way to draw attention and add an artistic flair to your living space. For this, you might opt for oversized or uniquely shaped lanterns that can stand out. These can be placed in strategic locations such as corners of the room, above the dining table, or even in the hallway.

Remember to match the color and style of the paper lantern with the overall decor of your room for a cohesive look. The light from the lantern will highlight its surroundings, creating a captivating focal point.

Step 7. Paper Lanterns in the Garden

Paper lanterns can add a magical touch to your outdoor space as well. These can be used to illuminate your garden, patio, or backyard for outdoor parties or simply for a relaxing evening. Hang lanterns from trees, pergolas, or fences, or arrange them on outdoor tables for a glowing centerpiece.

Used to Illuminate Your Garden

Opt for weather-resistant paper lanterns and LED lights for a long-lasting outdoor display. Consider solar-powered lanterns for a more sustainable and convenient option. The soft light emitted by these paper lanterns will create a charming, romantic atmosphere, transforming your garden into an enchanting oasis.

Step 8. Paper Lanterns for Holiday Decorations

Paper lanterns can also be utilized as festive decorations for holidays. For instance, orange, black, and purple lanterns can be paired with spooky figures for a hauntingly beautiful display during Halloween. During Christmas, red and green paper lanterns can be hung with strings of twinkling lights for a festive, cheerful setup.

Gold and silver lanterns illuminated with warm white lights can be used for a softer, more elegant holiday look. The versatility and affordability of paper lanterns make them an excellent choice for holiday decorations, adding a unique and charming touch to your celebrations.

Step 9. Paper Lanterns for Event Decorations

Paper lanterns are a fantastic choice for event decorations such as weddings, birthday parties, or anniversary celebrations. They add a magical, festive touch to any setting, making your event look even more special. You could opt for white and gold lanterns for a classic, elegant look for weddings.

Lanterns in the celebrant’s favorite colors could be used for birthday parties. You can hang them over the event area as table centerpieces or as background decorations for photos. The possibilities are endless with paper lanterns; their versatility allows you to be creative and adapt them to any theme or color scheme.

Step 10. Paper Lanterns as Night Lights

Paper lanterns can also serve as whimsical night lights in bedrooms or nurseries. Their soft, diffused light is gentle on the eyes, perfect for creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere for a good night’s sleep. You can choose lanterns with cut-out designs that project enchanting patterns on the walls or go for simple, plain lanterns for a more subtle effect.

Whimsical Night Lights in Bedrooms

Consider using LED candle lights or battery-operated fairy lights inside the lanterns to ensure safety. This way, you can enjoy paper lanterns’ beautiful and soothing glow without worrying about heat or fire hazards. This creative use of paper lanterns provides functional lighting and adds a charming detail to your room decor.

By following these steps, you can transform your living space with the enchanting and versatile decorations of paper lanterns.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

  1. Mix Sizes and Colors: Mixing different sizes and colors is a great way to add visual interest to your paper lantern decoration setup. It creates a unique, vibrant, and dynamic look.
  2. Utilize Outdoor Spaces: Don’t limit your paper lanterns to indoor spaces only. They can be a great addition to your garden, patio, or any outdoor area, particularly during evening gatherings.
  3. Incorporate Lights: To add sparkle to your decorations, consider placing LED lights inside your lanterns. This illuminates the lanterns and projects beautiful, soft light patterns on the walls.
  4. Hang at Different Heights: Hanging lanterns at different heights can create a visually appealing, layered effect. This technique is especially effective when decorating open areas with high ceilings.
  5. Theme it Up: If you’re decorating for a specific event or season, consider selecting lantern colors and styles to match your theme. This allows your paper lanterns to become an integral part of your overall décor, enhancing the desired atmosphere.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can take your paper lantern decorations to the next level. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

5 Things You Should Avoid

  1. Avoid Overcrowding: While paper lanterns are a beautiful decorative addition, too many in one area can make your space appear cluttered and chaotic. Instead, strive for a balanced, harmonious look by carefully spacing your lanterns.
  2. Keep Away from Heat Sources: Paper lanterns can be a fire risk if placed near open flames or heat sources. Always ensure they are hung safely away from candles, heaters, and the like.
  3. Don’t Ignore Weather Conditions for Outdoor Use: If you plan to use your lanterns outside, remember that paper and moisture don’t mix well. Make sure to take them down if inclement weather is forecasted.
  4. Avoid Using Non-LED Lights: Regular bulbs can become hot and pose a fire risk. Always use LED lights within your lanterns, as these stay cool and are much safer.
  5. Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance: Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on your lanterns, diminishing their visual appeal. Regular light cleaning can keep your lanterns looking fresh and vibrant.

By considering these precautions, you can ensure that your paper lantern decorations remain safe and aesthetically pleasing for a long time.

Conclusion

To finish off, paper lanterns are a wonderfully elegant addition to any home that helps to bring the outside in. From the simplistic beauty of traditional white paper lanterns to multi-colored patterns, many options are available to fit your taste and decor style. They add a modern and timeless touch to your room, and their versatility allows them to be easily rearranged or changed over time.

Hopefully, this guide on how to decorate with paper lanterns has inspired you to incorporate paper lanterns into your home decor, and with the additional tips provided, you can create a stunning display that will impress your guests.

As the possibilities are endless, you can get creative with your choices and have fun designing with this charming decor! So why don’t you take the opportunity now to explore our selection of paper lanterns and find the perfect way to refresh your interior setting?

Photo of author

Jennifer Branett

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