Nov 02 2009
Decorating with Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns have their light source in the centre, which is surrounded by rice paper held in place by a wooden or steel frame. Simple lanterns are available in the form of a paper bag housing a candle, but there are also less simple designs available. Some lanterns have metal frames with the paper held up by hoops. Other designs make use of collapsible bamboo or tougher paper.
Paper lanterns are also a practical source of lighting, rather than just being used for special occasions. You can use them as floor lamps and on tables or have them dangle from the ceiling or trees in your garden. You can light pathways in your garden by having several lanterns hanging in a row using a wire or string.
There are many shapes, colours, sizes and types that paper lanterns come in. The most common ones are round, cylindrical or rectangular but more festive ones are available in suitable shapes as well. Chinese lanterns can be found shaped like pagodas or dragons. Halloween lanterns, on the other hand, can come in suitable shapes such as stars and pumpkins.
The paper used to make lanterns can be of different colours, and you can even paint on them if you want to add to it yourself. Chinese and Japanese lanterns are often decorated with careful calligraphy, while others might be decorated for the occasion they represent.
Lanterns can be lit with candles, or, if you have a battery pack or the wiring, you can use bulbs. Lanterns are no longer just restricted to Chinese celebrations, and can be found for sale all over the world.
There are many floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces that are made to look like lanterns, which show how popular they are becoming. Paper lanterns such as this can also be used instead of the usual fabric lamps.
Cheap paper lanterns can be found for sale online, or at import shops. There are some lanterns that need assembling, but this is simple enough to do.
They are quite cheap, can be carried around wherever you like, and easy to be disposed of.
As such, they provide an easy solution to lighting your exteriors. Paper lanterns can be used to create the perfect atmosphere for any celebratory occasion. You might want a romantic feel to your night, or a spooky one for Halloween, and you can achieve both using the right paper lanterns.
Cody Scholberg, a lighting expert, writes about paper lanterns. Check out this post on using asian paper lanterns to repel mosquitoes!
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