Contemporary Paper Lamps & Chandeliers

Paper lamps and chandeliers can be a fun, practical accent for rooms. Available in a plethora of colors and designs, the paper lamp is a traditional eastern decoration found in homes all over the world. From the highly recognizable round hanging lanterns to the more contemporary paper lamp shades found in modern homes, paper lamps and chandeliers are a widely available, often inexpensive home accent.

History

Paper lanterns originated as a part of the early Chinese culture and have been used for all manner of festivals, from elaborate to mundane, for hundreds of years. Integral to the spring and mid-autumn lantern festivals in China, paper lanterns are a symbol of hope and rejuvenation, and help to ring in the season. From this, paper lanterns have found their way around the world, but continue to remain a part of the Chinese cultural identity.

Modern Paper Lamps

In addition to the traditional Chinese paper lanterns, which are a popular item of decor for any style room in many homes, paper lamps have become a popular home decoration. Modern paper lamps include a host of lamp sizes and styles, from paper floor lamps to table lamps. Many paper lamps are derived from a rice paper-style shade and are incredibly durable and stylish, while more sophisticated vellum paper lamp fixtures are popular in elegantly designed homes.

The Paper Nightlight

One popular incarnation of the paper lamp is the paper nightlight. Paper nightlights stand on the bed-side table, or plug into wall sockets, are simple to craft at home, and can be purchased both in retail stores and online. These nightlights are popular because they're a simple craft project and because they shed very dim, soft light on sleeping spaces. The paper nightlight has become a way for modern western cultures to adopt a traditional eastern design.

Paper Chandeliers

Most modern paper chandeliers are derivations on the Chinese paper lantern, including some very elaborate colors, shapes and sizes. However, the contemporary paper chandelier has taken on a life of its own as the polish paper chandelier that has become a crafters favorite, designed in elaborate colors and shapes. These contemporary, crafted paper chandeliers are an eclectic addition to lively room spaces.

Another Contemporary Application

Contemporary paper lamps and chandeliers have taken on a life of their own, as designers find new and creative uses for paper products in home design. While outside the home, another contemporary use for the paper chandelier can be found in the realm of wedding decor. The paper chandelier, a strictly visual item producing no light, much like the polish paper chandelier, is included in canon of popular contemporary wedding decor.

References

• Paper Cut-Out Nightlights
• Chinese Lanterns
• Paper Chandelier Craze

Resources

• Apartment Therapy: Polish Paper Chandelier
• HGTV: Homemade Paper Lamp and Nightlight