Chinese paper lanterns would rest on the ground or be hung, and they were used primarily for lighting. They were usually made in circle, oval, or square shapes. The hanging lanterns were usually hung outside of buildings, while the lanterns resting on the ground were usually found inside. White was the most common color, although a tan-like color was often used as well. Exotic colors and designs have become more common in recent years. The most common designs are Chinese calligraphy characters; words like “peace,” “love,” and “strength” are common.

The Chinese divide their lanterns into five classes: baby’s bottom, rolling paper, tomato light, crystal magic, and Buddha’s gastronomy. The baby’s bottom class consists of miniature lanterns; these are often used with Christmas lights. Rolling paper lanterns are tall, cylindrical lanterns that are often found in places where people eat such as bars or restaurants. Tomato light lanterns are also called Big Red lanterns, which are the usual globe-shaped lanterns. Crystal magic lanterns have more complex designs; they consist of various geometric figures such as triangles and resemble a crystal, like their name implies. The Buddha’s gastronomy lanterns are the huge lanterns used in temples and during festivals for great amounts of light.

Japanese paper lanterns usually were made in circles, although other shapes are also used. White balls were originally what were used, although red was very common, too; red is a sacred color in the Japanese religion, Shinto. The Japanese, like the Chinese, have begun to use more exotic colors and designs in recent years, as lanterns are being used more today for decoration, while they were used primarily for lighting in the past. The Japanese also put writing on their lamps; the Japanese kanji characters are usually used. Kanji characters are the characters borrowed from the Chinese language, so, to foreigners, Japanese and Chinese paper lanterns are easy to confuse.

Paper lanterns were also used in festivals commonly. During festivals, one will see lanterns of many different colors and sizes. They are often hung outside buildings, from tree branches, or carried on long poles for lighting.

These lanterns are often found in Chinatowns; usually one will find them hung outside of stores or restaurants. These lanterns help create an “oriental” feeling and can attract attention.

In Europe, the Spanish have used paper lanterns during Christmas time. These lanterns are usually home-made; they are made from white paper bags and candles, and they line driveways and various walkways, among other things, for decoration.

In today’s world, paper lanterns are used sometimes for lighting but usually for decoration. They are used both in the home and in the garden, where they can provide dim light. They usually come with some type of design on them; white lanterns, although still common, are not nearly as popular as lanterns with Asian designs on them, such as Asian writing or brush paintings.

Paper lanterns are also used heavily in the film industry. The purpose of lanterns in film is not for decoration; instead, these lanterns are used to produce an enormous amount of light. These lanterns have a special name, “chinaballs.” They use bulbs up to six hundred and sixty watts, which is bright enough to simulate daylight in a dark room.