Hang paper lantern string lights across a skylight for color.
Paper lanterns add a soft glow to a room by diffusing light through the paper shade. In Japan, China and Hawaii, traditions of making paper lanterns by hand continue to play a part in each culture. Various types of paper lanterns serve different decorating purposes, and adorning the lanterns to customize them to a specific décor makes them even more versatile. With planning and a selection of paper lanterns, transform your home with soft lighting and colorful or neutral decorative effects. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Look at paper lanterns in shops, catalogs and on websites to become familiar with the styles, sizes, colors and options available.
2. Plan the decorating theme for the paper lanterns. For example, in a home with antique Chinese furniture, select Chinese paper lanterns to continue the theme. In a spacious home with a contemporary decorating style featuring open space and minimal decorative objects, the simple, clean lines of Japanese paper lanterns work well. Make notes on the number and style of paper lanterns desired for each room.
3. Select shapes, styles and colors to complement your home decor. For example, echo nearby shapes with the paper lanterns, such as placing a round paper lantern over a round table. Add color to a room decorated in neutral or soft shades by selecting deeper colors that work well with the space. For example, add interest to a room dominated by taupe, beige or cream by adding paper lanterns in jewel tones, such as emerald green and sapphire blue. Add energy to a pastel pink room by decorating with paper lanterns in a deep rose color.
4. Hang some paper lantern string lights where they catch daylight, such as at the tops of windows or across a skylight. This adds color to the room when daylight shines through and also when they're plugged in at night.
5. Position tall standing paper lanterns where they add illumination and would be an effective focal point, such as at each end of a sofa for reading lights. These also work well near a stairway, in bedrooms and in entryways. The sculptural effect of tall paper lanterns tends to be enhanced by tower or curved shapes.
6. Cover ordinary ceiling fixtures with large round paper lanterns---or choose other shapes, such as oblong paper lantern light shades.
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