12 Ways to Bring Some Chinese-style Lanterns into Your Home
Celebrate Chinese New Year with some creative ideas for decorating with lanterns
Amanda Pollard
27 January 2017
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
When it comes to celebrating, we Houzzers like to include interiors. So with a nod to the Chinese New Year festivities, which begin on 28 January and culminate with the Lantern Festival on 11 February, browse this collection of homes that use lanterns to great effect.
Customise a white pendant
Standard white paper spheres have been given a completely new look here with some black paint. Carefully paint shapes onto your lanterns to transform them into something unique. These black and white ones look great against the dark blue wall.
Standard white paper spheres have been given a completely new look here with some black paint. Carefully paint shapes onto your lanterns to transform them into something unique. These black and white ones look great against the dark blue wall.
Create a cot mobile
A collection of brightly coloured lanterns looks fantastic over a cot. Hang different-coloured ones from the ceiling in place of a classic mobile to provide a magical display for a baby to gaze at.
A collection of brightly coloured lanterns looks fantastic over a cot. Hang different-coloured ones from the ceiling in place of a classic mobile to provide a magical display for a baby to gaze at.
Wake up in the East
Over-the-bed displays aren’t just for kids. The soft shapes of these white lanterns give this room a calm, Eastern feel.
Over-the-bed displays aren’t just for kids. The soft shapes of these white lanterns give this room a calm, Eastern feel.
Choose an elegant style
There are many pendant lamps on the market that replicate the look of a classic paper lantern. With its geometric design, this one is particularly elegant, and it works well in the sleek kitchen.
Thinking of hanging a pendant lamp? Here’s what to consider
There are many pendant lamps on the market that replicate the look of a classic paper lantern. With its geometric design, this one is particularly elegant, and it works well in the sleek kitchen.
Thinking of hanging a pendant lamp? Here’s what to consider
Add a softer touch
Everything in this loft apartment screams masculine, including the punch bag. The owners have cleverly added a softer feel, however, by hanging a collection of paper lanterns over the dining table. The idea is simple, but the effect is stunning.
Everything in this loft apartment screams masculine, including the punch bag. The owners have cleverly added a softer feel, however, by hanging a collection of paper lanterns over the dining table. The idea is simple, but the effect is stunning.
Set the scene for a party
If you’re planning to entertain guests, transform your dining space into an instant party room with bold paper lanterns. These pink versions pep up the white room and contrast well with the orange ribbons.
If you’re planning to entertain guests, transform your dining space into an instant party room with bold paper lanterns. These pink versions pep up the white room and contrast well with the orange ribbons.
Light your pergola
In a cosy seating area like this one, it’s important to have some lighting for the evening. Lantern pendants are perfect in a covered space to provide a diffused glow. If you don’t want to use them for lighting, you can still hang the lanterns as decoration.
Discover more great ideas for designing your perfect pergola
In a cosy seating area like this one, it’s important to have some lighting for the evening. Lantern pendants are perfect in a covered space to provide a diffused glow. If you don’t want to use them for lighting, you can still hang the lanterns as decoration.
Discover more great ideas for designing your perfect pergola
Get creative
Wondering where to hang your lantern? How about from a branch? In this bohemian bedroom, a simple, long twig sits in the corner and provides the perfect hook for a bright pink sphere.
Wondering where to hang your lantern? How about from a branch? In this bohemian bedroom, a simple, long twig sits in the corner and provides the perfect hook for a bright pink sphere.
Gather them in a corner
This collection of pastel lanterns gives a quirky touch to the shabby chic nursery. To create a similarly subtle effect, choose lanterns in various shapes and go for different tones of the same colour.
This collection of pastel lanterns gives a quirky touch to the shabby chic nursery. To create a similarly subtle effect, choose lanterns in various shapes and go for different tones of the same colour.
Play with shapes
These classic George Nelson pendants are beautifully elegant. By gathering a few shapes together, the designers have turned them into a striking feature. They work with the bold artwork to liven up the minimal space.
These classic George Nelson pendants are beautifully elegant. By gathering a few shapes together, the designers have turned them into a striking feature. They work with the bold artwork to liven up the minimal space.
Team with shabby chic
A vintage dresser and old-fashioned tea set help to create this charming dining area. The owners have added more whimsical interest with a wall of butterflies and paper decorations, and an ethereal lantern overhead.
A vintage dresser and old-fashioned tea set help to create this charming dining area. The owners have added more whimsical interest with a wall of butterflies and paper decorations, and an ethereal lantern overhead.
Contrast with straight lines
Paper lanterns are a really simple way to add curves to a space. This Japanese home is full of beautiful wooden furniture with pleasing straight lines. The two white globes are a subtle contrast and add just the right amount of interest to the room.
Are you a fan of paper lanterns? Have you any plans to celebrate the Chinese New Year? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
Paper lanterns are a really simple way to add curves to a space. This Japanese home is full of beautiful wooden furniture with pleasing straight lines. The two white globes are a subtle contrast and add just the right amount of interest to the room.
Are you a fan of paper lanterns? Have you any plans to celebrate the Chinese New Year? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
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Love Chinese lanterns... and going a bit off topic here... I also love the giant Frankenstein pic in the loft apartment above.
Large standing lanterns like these are also a great way to accessorise. Fantastic for outdoor lighting but can also be modified to use as indoor standing floor lamps.
https://www.shimu.co.uk/shimu/Large_Lantern__Rectangular.html