Use This Simple Hack To Give Paper Lanterns A Vintage Look Without Any Paint

To easily tint lantern paper, combine fresh espresso or coffee brewed at home with cold water and wait for it to cool. Pour the mixture into a constant spray bottle like this Continuous Spray Bottle from Amazon, also known as a mister bottle. It’s important to use a bottle that creates a constant stream of spray to ensure that the mixture is distributed evenly across the lantern. Before spraying, make sure to unplug (if you’ve been using it) and lay the lantern on newspaper or a trash bag to avoid getting the coffee solution on your floor.

Cover the entire paper lantern in the coffee solution, turning it continuously to get all around. Make sure to spray the top and bottom too, then take a microfiber cloth and pat the entire surface of the lantern to help it dry. This should be very gentle to avoid tearing the delicate paper. Let it dry fully before hanging it back up. If you want to go over it again to get a darker shade, you can simply reapply the mixture a few more times to intensify the color. Using coffee to stain your lanterns also keeps your home safe from harsh chemicals found in other types of dyes, and the smell isn’t displeasing, either! Keep leftover coffee grounds from your homemade dye to deodorize your basement, too. Waste not, want not!