Lighten Your Home With a Japanese Lanterns

Japanese Lanterns: Ambiance.Style.Function.

Traditional Japanese décor has become renowned for its exquisite detail and elegance. And Japanese lanterns are no exception. These decorative lanterns are typically comprised of paper that is colored and semi-clear. Another type of Japanese lantern is a permanent lighting fixture that resembles traditional Japanese architecture.

Interestingly, while people often use the terms "Chinese lantern" and "Japanese lantern" interchangeably, both lantern styles have distinguishing characteristics that represent their respective cultures.

Here are some tips for choosing and using Japanese lanterns most effectively:

1. Use a low-wattage bulb.
This will help to create the perfect "glow" in your lantern. When illuminating the lantern, you want to avoid overpowering it, or concealing the features and style of the lantern. You can achieve that effect by using a small-wattage bulb.

2. Choose an ideal shape and size.
There’s no "perfect" Japanese lantern lamp for every situation, so consider which one is ideal for a particular room in your home. These lanterns are available in many varieties, so consider various factors when choosing the right one.

Is there a theme or color scheme for the room? Do you want to use the lantern as an accent? What is the size of the room? All of these questions are crucial in selecting a lantern of an ideal shape and size.

3. Be able to distinguish Japanese and Chinese lanterns.
One of the key differences is that Japanese lanterns sometimes have silk, while Chinese lanterns rarely do. Also, Japanese lanterns have characteristics that reveal aspects of Japanese culture. So consider these factors when searching for Japanese lanterns.

Otherwise, you might end up with a Chinese lantern instead! That could become a potentially embarrassing situation if the lantern later becomes a conversation piece when you have guests.

4. Shop around.
As with any other type of lantern (or décor, for that matter), it’s important to shop around when you want to find the best price on a particular lantern. Although there’s no magical number of prices that you should compare, make sure to get at least three. If you have the time and energy to get more, then go for it! But comparing at least three prices will improve your chance of finding a rock-bottom price.

5. Hang the lights properly.
This is true whether you’re hanging one or lantern or multiple lanterns. Where you hang the lanterns should be based on the effect that you want to create. Hang lanterns higher off the ground, to illuminate an entire room. Meanwhile, hang them closer to the ground in order to create ambiance in a room.

6. Create a Japanese theme in a room.
Besides using traditional Japanese lanterns in a room, you could also add other décor to create a Japanese theme. That includes paintings, sculptures, fans, and other items that celebrate Japanese culture. Make sure that the items complement (rather than clash with) each other.)

While there are many types of lanterns to choose from, Japanese lanterns certainly provide one of the best options. Their elegance and versatility will help to shed some light on any room in your home!