Paper Lanterns: Cheap or Chic?

Martha (do I even need to say her last name?) seems to have frontiered a tissue paper trend as of late, and paper lanterns are appearing in every room design from nurseries to entryways across the globe. I'll admit; I was quite skeptical at first, as I believe design should be functional. And really, what's functional about a lantern that doesn't light?

Yet the more I see paper lanterns done right, the more I love them. Thus, I've created a set of rules when deciding whether or not paper lanterns will work in your space. Consider this your ultimate cheat sheet for chic paper lantern decorating:

1) Is your space outdoors?
If so, then yes, paper lanterns will work beautifully. Try adding a soft, personal touch with Martha's tutorial for creating butterfly accents as pictured right.


2) Do you have extra height to work with?
If your ceilings are already low, paper lanterns may not work in abundance. The look works best when dramatically hung in a row over a long set of tables, perfect for a chic party room or, in this case, office space.




3) Is your room simple enough for the added accent?
If your bedroom comforter is busy and you have a lot of knick-knacks, the aesthetic may be overboard, causing the paper lanterns to look cheap rather than chic. To keep the impact high, draw attention to the lanterns by letting the rest of the room take a backseat with simple decor.

4) Does your space get a lot of light?
If not, the diffused light from a paper lantern may not be enough to brighten the space. Consider using lanterns only in rooms with natural light (but remember to dust often, as nothing looks cheaper than a dusty lantern!).

Other than that, experiment with different colors, shapes and textures and -- most of all -- have fun! You can find paper lanterns at a variety of different retailers (Luna Bazaar is my favorite), or you can make your own with this handy tutorial from Bluelines.

Why not try paper lanterns for your next dinner party? While you're at it, don't miss my Aunt Janet's secret to amazing outdoor dinner parties...

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