How to Hang Paper Lanterns

Make sure the lanterns are suitable for the environment. A beautiful composition will not be enough to amaze your guests if the colors of the lanterns clash with those of the surrounding environment.Make sure the lanterns match any patterns, colors or patterns in the room.Take a look at Chinese goods stores, or search online for lanterns that match the surroundings perfectly.^[1]

• Match similar colors.The different shades of colors, such as warm earth tones or cold ones that recall precious stones such as emerald and amethyst, should be combined with lanterns of the same color shades.For example, a red sofa would match perfectly with lanterns in warm tones, such as orange or yellow.If there is a navy blue bedspread in your room, pair it with lanterns in cool shades, such as light blue, white or dark green.^[2]
• Match the patterns.Paper lanterns can be of different colors and patterns.If your chairs or bedspread have a floral pattern, look online for a lantern with a complementary pattern.You could combine diamond, checked or spiral motifs.However, be careful not to overload the environment with too many different fantasies.

Decide if you want to light the lanterns. Some are purely decorative, while others contain lamps which can be of different technologies, based on the type of power supply.You could decide to use lanterns as a decorative lighting element for your room, then looking for the most suitable ones.Many of them are sold with built-in filament lamps or battery-powered LEDs^[3]

Choose the hooks. You will need these to hang the lanterns.Because lanterns are relatively lightweight, they don't need to be too large or sturdy.Look for small self-tapping hooks at a home improvement store or hardware store.Look for hooks that are small enough to not be too noticeable, and consider buying some that match the color of your walls.^[4]

Determine the layout. Before drilling holes, you will need to decide where to place the hooks.Visualize the room and how you want the lanterns to hang.You could arrange them in a row along the length of the ceiling, group them in a corner or hang them next to a bed or chair.^[5]

Mark the spot where you want to place the lanterns. Using a pencil, make a mark on the wall or ceiling where you want the lanterns to hang from and imagine the final result.Remember that the sign can be erased at will, but if you make a mistake in making the hole it will then be necessary to close it again.^[6]

Attach the lanterns to wooden or drywall surfaces. Some ceilings or walls may be plasterboard.Drywall is not made to support excessive weight, but since paper lanterns are lighter than paintings or mirrors, you can safely go ahead and screw in the hanger.If you want to hang the lanterns on a wooden surface, such as a cabinet or shelf, you can use the same method.^[7]

• Drill a pilot hole.It may be tempting to screw the hook in directly by hand, but it's much easier if you use a drill.Choose a drill bit the same size as the center of the hook.Turn on the drill and use it directly on the wall, making sure the hole is as deep as the thickness of the plasterboard.
• Screw in the hook.Place the hook in the hole and start screwing it to the wall clockwise, applying a little pressure.Stop when the base of the hook is flush with the drywall.

Try adhesive hooks, especially on hard surfaces. Some homes have ceilings or walls made of plaster or brick, which are difficult or nearly impossible to drill into.For these surfaces you could use adhesive hooks:they are not as sturdy as self-tapping ones, but they are fine for light objects such as paper lanterns.^[8]

Use fishing line. The lantern will be hung on a hook, so it needs a string to hang from.You can use string or fishing line, depending on how "invisible" you want the string to be.^[9]

• Cut the thread to the right length.If you want the lanterns to all hang at the same height, make sure the wires are the same size.If you prefer them to be at different heights, you can play around with the length of the wires and see which combination is best.
• Make a small loop at one end of the thread.Most paper lanterns have a "C" shaped element inside.Thanks to this hook, you won't have to tie the wire directly to the lantern.You can simply create a small loop at one end of the fishing line and hook it onto the "C".Make sure the knot is tight and does not come loose, causing the lantern to fall.
• Make a second loop at the other end of the thread.Tie the same type of knot on the other end of the fishing line and then hook it onto the hook.

Plug in the electric lantern. Some lanterns have small light bulbs inside them.In this case, hanging them will be a little more complicated, because you will also need to hang the electrical cable.For this type of lantern you will have to screw in additional hooks to pass the cable around it, all the way to the electrical outlet.Use an extension cord if the supplied cord is not long enough.Look for lanterns with battery-powered lamps to avoid unsightly electrical cords.^[10]

Avoid using candles to light lanterns. Paper lanterns may have traditional candle holders inside instead of light bulbs, but using candles, especially indoors, is unsafe.For convenience, many lanterns come with a small bulb.^[11]