Paper lanterns are one of the easiest things to set up. They usually come disassembled, and they are almost always this way if bought on the Internet. They come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and colors. As soon as you get your lantern, you may be tempted to rush into setting it up. Although it is easy, there are some things you should watch out for, as they are very fragile.
They are most commonly globe-shaped; thus, they are very simple to work with. Since they are packaged flat, they naturally try to revert back to a flat state. Thus, an expander is (usually) provided which will pry the lantern open. You need to get a cord and socket on your own, however, but kits often include a cord and socket. Usually you can find cords of ten or fifteen feet in length. Measure the distance from the outlet to where the lantern will be before buying a cord; if you need more than fifteen feet, you will probably need an extension cord.
Because the paper is so easy to rip, inserting the expander requires extra careful attention. Be sure you pay attention. You will see that there are two holes in your lantern, and they are not the same size. The bigger one is the top; you will insert the expander here. Notice the grooves on the top and bottom of the expander; these grooves are going to come into contact with the paper on the edges of the holes in the lantern. First, get the grooves on the bottom in place, and then expand the lantern manually so it snaps onto the grooves on the top. You are done! That was easy, right?
Next, run the cord. Plug it in first, so that you get the most accurate picture of what it will look like. If you need to run the cord on the ceiling, use hooks or tape to hang or stick it to the ceiling. Tape looks very tacky, but in some situations the appearance may not matter. Start at the outlet and work your way to the socket. Be sure that the socket hangs straight down. This is critical!
Screw the lightbulb in next, but be sure you unplug the cord before doing so. Be sure the lightbulb does not exceed the maximum recommended wattage for the cord you are using. Sixty watts is the most common. After the bulb is screwed in, you can attach the lantern. Insert the lightbulb through the top, and then let the lantern hang from the socket. This should be easy.
This next step is the easiest: turn it on! If it does not come on, it is probably a loose light bulb, or you forgot to plug the lantern in. If it is not those things, then you have an electrical problem or a faulty cord. Now, it is time to enjoy your lantern. It is a cheap, safe, and attractive alternative to traditional lighting fixtures, and it will provide you with beautiful, dim light which you can enjoy in a variety of settings, such as in a romantic dinner or in an Asian-themed room.
Cody Scholberg, a lighting expert, writes about chinese paper lanterns and their uses as lighting sources. Learn how to use paper lanterns safely.
