{"title":"Paper garland","description":"\u003cp\u003eA paper garland comes down to three things: the material (crepe, tissue or card), the volume it should take up in the room and the surface it will hang on. It decorates and does not light up: for light, add a string of lights on the same line. Here are the practical criteria, the basic fold and the fixings that do not damage walls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#definition\"\u003eWhat a paper garland is for\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#matiere\"\u003eWhich paper to choose\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#fabriquer\"\u003eHow to make one\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#pieces\"\u003eWhere to hang it\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#fixation\"\u003eFixing without damage\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#fetes\"\u003eChristmas and Halloween\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#exterieur\"\u003eOutdoors, long lengths\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#associer\"\u003ePaper and light\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"definition\"\u003eWhat is a paper garland and what is it for?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA paper garland is a decorative, non-luminous strip made of bunting, pom-poms or cut-out shapes joined by string. It marks an occasion (birthday, wedding, Christmas) or dresses a wall, a curtain rod or a party table, with no electricity and no heavy fixing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCrepe paper garland or folded paper garland: what changes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrepe paper crumples and puffs up: it gives volume and softens the light, which forgives rough cutting. Folding, on the other hand, aims for a clean shape: fans, hearts, symmetrical bunting. The same roll of crepe paper will therefore give a completely different wall depending on whether you crumple it or fold it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat a paper garland does not replace\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt does not light anything, even placed in front of a window. For accent lighting, head to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003estring lights section\u003c\/a\u003e, which comes in wall, staircase and garden versions. And to properly light a room, compare in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour full lighting range\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"matiere\"\u003eWhich paper to choose for a paper garland?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrepe paper gives a matte, crumpled finish, tissue paper a translucent, light effect, card a shape that holds on its own. Choose crepe for volume, tissue for lightness, card for bunting or crisp letters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich paper material for which finish\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePaper\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFinish\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePossible shapes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere to use it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrepe paper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMatte, textured, bulky\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlowers, pom-poms, crumpled strips\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall, party table, bedroom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTissue paper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTranslucent and light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePom-poms, petals, soft bunting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWindow, hanging above a table\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRigid, clean edges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBunting, letters, hearts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall, taut line, frame\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrinted paper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGraphic, irregular\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBunting, hearts, folds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStudy, bedroom, workshop feel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCrepe paper garland: volume and colours\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrepe absorbs light instead of reflecting it, hence that matte finish that stands out against a painted wall. It takes large shapes: paper flowers, pom-poms, twists. Two limits: it dislikes water and fades in direct sun, so it stays indoors, away from a south-facing window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTissue paper and card: which shapes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTissue suits petals and soft bunting that move in the draught; it tears if pulled too tight. Card, on the other hand, holds a heart, a letter or a piece of bunting straight: it is the material for garlands meant to be read from a distance, with edges that stay clean over several seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"fabriquer\"\u003eHow to make a paper garland easily?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFold a strip of paper into an accordion, pinch the middle, then join the resulting fans on a taut string: that is the quickest version. For bunting, cut triangles and glue them at regular intervals onto a string.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePaper garland tutorial: the accordion fold\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCut a strip about ten centimetres wide and thirty long.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFold it into an accordion, one centimetre at a time, all the way along.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePinch the centre, tie it with string or a tie, then open both sides into a fan.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepeat, then fix each fan onto a taut string, every twenty to thirty centimetres.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDIY paper garland: the basic kit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou need paper, scissors, glue or tape and string. Nothing else: no machine, no complicated template. A crease marked on the back of the strip serves as a guide for identical bunting, and a ruler laid on the string gives even spacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"pieces\"\u003eWhere to hang a paper garland in the home?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove a party table, along a shelf, across a window, in a child's bedroom or on the staircase: a paper garland goes where the eye passes and where the string can be pulled taut. Keep it for dry rooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhere to hang a paper garland depending on the room\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRoom\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSuggested format\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFixing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTo pair with\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLiving room\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong garland across a wall or shelf\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdhesive hook or taut string\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA wall string light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDining room\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCurtain garland above the sideboard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eString stretched between two points\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFestoon lights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChild's bedroom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort garland, soft tones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eString along the wall, out of reach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall light for a child's bedroom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStaircase\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong garland following the handrail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTies on the handrail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStaircase garland\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWindow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight tissue paper garland\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuction cup or string\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRechargeable LED string lights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbove a party table or sideboard\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA curtain of strips falling at seated eye level (roughly one metre twenty from the floor) frames the table without getting in the way of conversation. This is the most forgiving use: the garland stays near the wall, you hang it once, it lasts the evening. For a warmer effect, add a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-guinguette\"\u003efestoon garland\u003c\/a\u003e above the sideboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eChild's bedroom and staircase: mind the height\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a bedroom, hang high and short, on a string that runs along the wall rather than across the room. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-murale-chambre\"\u003ewall garland for a child's bedroom\u003c\/a\u003e stays in place when the bed moves corner. On the staircase, follow the handrail with a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-escalier\"\u003estaircase garland\u003c\/a\u003e fixed to the posts, never in the path of hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"fixation\"\u003eHow to hang a paper garland without damaging the wall?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStretch a string between two anchor points (curtain rod, handle, adhesive hook) and let the garland rest on it rather than gluing it. A slightly slack string gives a natural sag; too tight, the garland breaks at the slightest draught.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich fixings for which surface\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn smooth paint, an adhesive hook is enough and comes off without tearing. On a curtain rod or handle, a clothes peg does the job. On a rough wall or fragile wallpaper, prefer two distant anchor points and a string that carries the weight, without sticking anything to the decorated surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat height and how much slack to give the string\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow a hand's width of slack in the middle of the string: enough to absorb the swaying, not enough for the bunting to touch the floor. The weight must be spread over the whole length, otherwise the paper deforms where the knots are. A heavy card garland needs closer ties than a tissue garland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"fetes\"\u003ePaper garland for Christmas or Halloween: which colours?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christmas, red, fir green, white and gold remain the most readable; for Halloween, black, orange and purple work better in matte paper than glossy, because crepe absorbs light. A single colour per garland is easier to spot than a mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eChristmas paper garland: combinations that work\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut trees, stars or snowflakes in two tones at most: a light background and a strong colour read from a distance, three shades blur the shape. A Christmas paper garland goes above the table or along a shelf, indoors. Outdoors, it would not last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHalloween paper garland: shapes and contrasts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBats, ghosts, pumpkin heads: black silhouettes on dark string stay discreet, so place them on a light wall instead. Matte paper contrasts better than glossy under warm light. Again, the garland stays in the house, away from an open window or a radiator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"exterieur\"\u003eLong outdoor Christmas garland: which solution to choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaper dislikes damp and wind: it does not last outdoors. For a long length outside, switch to an LED string light designed for outdoor use, identified by its IP44 or IP65 rating, and by its power supply (mains, solar or rechargeable).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy a paper garland does not last outdoors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaper absorbs moisture from the air, warps and then tears at the first gust, even under a canopy. A little dew is enough to flatten the pom-poms. So keep paper for dry rooms and reserve the facade, balcony and garden for an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-exterieur\"\u003eoutdoor garland\u003c\/a\u003e made for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor string light: the criteria to check\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn IP44 rating covers water splashes and is enough under a canopy; an IP65 withstands direct rain. Then check the usable length, the number of light points and the distance to the socket. Compare \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip44\"\u003eIP44 LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e for a balcony, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003eIP65 LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e for a facade, and a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlande-solaire\"\u003esolar garland\u003c\/a\u003e when no socket is within reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"associer\"\u003eHow to pair a paper garland with a string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLayer the two on the same taut string: the string light brings the light, the paper one the colour and volume, and the paper softens light points that are too harsh. Plan the socket or power supply before stretching, not after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLayering paper and light on the same string\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the paper in front of the LEDs, never glued onto the light points: heat deforms tissue and yellows crepe. One load-bearing string for the light, a second slightly lower for the paper, and the two read together without interfering. The effect is softer than light alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMains, batteries, solar: choose the power supply before hanging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-220v\"\u003e220 V LED string light\u003c\/a\u003e plugs into the mains but requires a nearby socket. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-24v\"\u003e24 V LED string light\u003c\/a\u003e can be placed further away thanks to its transformer. Without a socket, go for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-rechargeables\"\u003erechargeable string light\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003esolar LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e. The rest can be compared in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led\"\u003eall our LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e and in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour lighting catalogue\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure the length to cover and locate the power supply before ordering: that is what saves you from taking everything down again. Secure payment, tracked delivery, returns and Designix customer service accompany every order. To widen the comparison, browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eDesignix lighting\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions about the paper garland\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow do you make a heart paper garland?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFold a strip in half, cut a half-heart on the fold, then open: you get a symmetrical heart. Alternate sizes and tones on the string. It is the simplest shape to repeat, and it lies flat nicely against a wall or in a frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow do you make an easy paper garland?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe simplest version remains bunting: cut triangles or strips, glued onto a string every few centimetres. No complicated template, no sewing. The accordion fold takes a minute more per fan but gives volume without gluing anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhy choose a crepe paper garland?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrepe is matte, crumples and keeps its volume: it suits pom-poms, paper flowers and twisted strips. It dislikes water and fades in direct sun. Indoors, it quickly covers a large wall with little material, without reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow do you make a paper garland for Halloween?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut bats, ghosts or pumpkin heads from black and orange paper, then glue them onto a taut string. Matte paper contrasts better than glossy under warm light. Keep it indoors: paper does not tolerate damp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan a homemade paper garland stay outdoors?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo: paper absorbs moisture, warps and tears in the wind, even under a canopy. A paper garland is for dry rooms. Outdoors, an LED string light with an IP44 or IP65 rating lasts the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"Paper garland: how to choose it, hang it and pair it\",\"description\":\"Crepe, tissue or folded paper garland: choose it, hang it and pair it with a string light. 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Indoors, it quickly covers a large wall with little material, without reflection.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you make a paper garland for Halloween?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Cut bats, ghosts or pumpkin heads from black and orange paper, then glue them onto a taut string. Matte paper contrasts better than glossy under warm light. Keep it indoors: paper does not tolerate damp.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you make a paper garland for Christmas?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Cut trees, stars or snowflakes from red, green and white paper, then mount them on a taut string above the table or along a shelf. 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