Outdoor Paper Lanterns

Outdoor paper lanterns can be a charming addition to any garden, offering subtle lighting to help you enjoy your favorite outdoor spot.

The lanterns come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as an array of colors. They can transform a garden party or lend a festive air to just about any outdoor gathering. Paper lanterns can be used almost anywhere that electricity is available, but don’t despair if you want to light up an area where there is no electricity, because they are also available in battery powered styles.

Lanterns can add a nice touch to a gazebo, adding a little lighting or a lot, depending on your taste. You can hang just a few lanterns to light the inside of the gazebo, or you may want to hang smaller lanterns to accentuate the frame of the structure itself. It can also be striking visually to hang the lanterns inside the structure at varying heights. Hanging paper lanterns is similar to stringing Christmas Lights. Paper Lanterns come with a hole at the top and bottom, which allows them to be hung so that the bulb hangs down to illuminate the lantern. The lanterns are usually made out of bamboo or metal and colorful paper. When purchased, the lanterns are flat and must be pulled open like an accordion.

If you have a favorite tree, hanging paper lanterns from its branches can create a dazzling effect, especially if you choose multicolored lanterns. You can use many small ones to accentuate the shape of the tree, or just hang a few larger lanterns to make the tree appear to be blooming at night. If you are an avid gardener, this subtle lighting can also be used to show off your prized geraniums or tomato plants well after dark. Stringing the lights along the fence in your garden can create nighttime effects too. If you have a special bench that you like to spend time in during the day, why not illuminate the area so you can enjoy your garden by moonlight?

The lights can also be used to illuminate decks or porches to add a little colorful light after dusk. If you are lucky enough to have an old-fashioned porch, these lights can be strung along railings and archways to literally make your house glow. To create a dramatic effect, purchase white lanterns and string them with multicolored lights, in hues of green, blue, red, yellow, orange and purple.

At a party, paper lanterns make great centerpieces for the table and can be used for weddings, graduations, birthday parties and anniversary celebrations. The lanterns can also be a beautiful addition for night weddings or receptions, with white lanterns adding a traditional classic glow to your celebration. Why not add some lanterns pool-side or near the pond for a romantic glow? Lanterns can easily be used to illuminate entryways, arbors, pagodas, tables and railings. Try them for romantic dinners in the garden, or moonlight picnics on the deck.

Whatever your lifestyle or taste, there are many ways to use paper lanterns to brighten up your property.

Outdoor Paper Lantern Ideas

  • Two lampshades with socket rings (per lantern)
  • Bolt cutter
  • Fabric seam binding
  • Corrugated paper
  • Scissors
  • Twine
  • Crafts glue
  • Metal clips
  • Twine
  • Colored paper
  • Votive candle holder
  • Votive candle

Outdoor paper lantern Instructions:

1. For each lantern, start with two lampshade frames (six-paneled or similar) equipped with socket rings. Remove the ring from one of the frames using bolt cutters. This frame forms the top of the lantern. Remove any material covering the shades, leaving bare frames. Place the frames' bottoms together and wrap with seam binding; secure the fabric by tying the ends. Make a lantern-panel template of cardboard and use it to cut medium-weight corrugated paper (from an art supply store).

2. Apply decoupage or pressed dried leaves and flowers to the insides of the panels. Before gluing, tie three lengths of twine to the top of the frame (where you removed the ring socket) spaced evenly apart. Tie the other three ends together in a knot. Use crafts glue to attach the paper panels to the top lampshade frame. Hold panels in place with metal clips until glue dries. Flip the lantern over and glue the panels in place on the second lampshade frame. Glue strips of colored paper in place to cover all the seams.

3. Set a votive candleholder in the socket ring; insert the candle. Hang lanterns from tree branches, a pergola, or an arbor, using S-shaped hooks. Trim excess twine to keep it safely away from candle flames. To reduce the risk of fire hazard, avoid using lanterns on windy evenings. Paper lanterns should not hang outdoors overnight. One night's dew can warp the paper.

Hanging Outdoor Paper Lanterns

  • Choose a string of lanterns to enhance the mood you want to create. Browse electric paper lantern selections in home decorating stores, international importers and online. Lanterns can be monochromatic, multicolored, patterned, large or small. For an elegant feel, choose simple cream-colored lanterns. For a tiki party, bright colors spice up the festivities.
  • Select a location. Line the periphery of outdoor parties or drape lanterns over the mirrored dresser in a bedroom. In kitchens, lanterns provide mood lighting when strung over the sink, windows or a small table.
  • Hang the string of pre-wired electric paper lanterns. Place nails or ceiling hooks at regular intervals. Hang the lanterns from hooks located at the top of each lantern. Plug in lanterns using an extension cord if necessary. Turn on the lanterns, check your design and modify it until you achieve the lighting effect you desire.

Now that the warm summer evenings are almost here, you will most likely spent long periods outdoors entertaining friends and family. How about decorating your garden with gorgeous paper lanterns to lend a magical ambience to these occasions? Outdoor paper lanterns can be strung around the porch, the eaves, or even in the trees to create the traditional Far East look. In fact, some traditional paper lantern designs hold special symbolic significance for the Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese.

Where to buy

An online search will give you an idea of how easy it is to find authentic, handcrafted paper lanterns at stores that import Asian items, homewares suppliers and party decor stores. Most of these stores have a well-established online ordering system in place, so buying ought not to be a problem.

However, since a paper lantern is usually designed to be used without a light source, you need to carefully check whether the item of your choice can hold an electric light bulb, for instance. Also, bear in mind that outdoor paper lanterns are built using a wide range of framing materials, including traditional wood or bamboo or the more modern steel wire. Most are designed so that they can be easily collapsed for storage or shipping. However, not all frames may be heat-resistant and may require additional maintenance that you need to be aware of.

Your choices

Balloons, stars, flowers, fish and pumpkin are very popular shapes for paper lanterns, but there are numerous others to choose from. As we said earlier, many paper lantern shapes and designs hold a traditional symbolic meaning. For example, the Chinese believe that fish shapes bring good luck, while Zen philosophy holds that the lotus flower signifies living in the moment.

Finally, for the creative and the gifted, it is easy to make paper lanterns at home, even those which can support a light source. The Internet once again offers a host of guides and DIY projects that may teach you to create beautiful and elegant outdoor paper lanterns, so start your search now.