Ideas for Asian Lighting

The Red Ball Lantern

• The globes for the original Asian lanterns were simple rice paper balls dyed red and tasseled. Within was a small votive candle that was lit when needed. The light cast through the rice paper shade gives any space a sanctum that can only be found with the use of such lanterns. Hence, it has been a hallmark anchor for designers in residential spaces requiring an atmosphere of peacefulness. The color reflected from the red lantern onto human skin is highly complementary.

The White Ball Lantern

• With the advent of electricity, the use of the white ball as a translation of the Asian lantern on the Western design scene became quite prolific. Use these contemporary versions of the Asian lantern for lighting in an eclectic design scheme. The only critical element to consider is the size of the paper globe as it relates to the interior. Situate a fixture with a larger paper globe in a larger space. Never use this version of the Asian lantern in a formal dining room or formal living room.

The Paper Bag Lantern

• Another innovation of the Asian lantern is the small paper bag outfitted with a tiny enclosed votive candle. Use this tiny version of the Asian lantern to line the walkway of a cement drive on a scheduled evening of entertainment or holiday. Supervise these tiny versions closely, in order to avoid the hazard of fire or smoldering bags, accidentally tilted by guests or the wind.

The String of Lanterns

• In the Orient, various sizes of the lantern are used on different occasions. Employ that Asian concept when planning a space that requires more than average lighting. Use this technique in extremely large spaces, trafficked by the public on certain days. In the absence of adequate supervision of guests, always select the electric version of the Asian lantern. Paint the exterior of the white lanterns for original color schemes. Coordinate the colors with the rest of the interior.