Festive Chinese Lantern: Modern Minimalist Glow

The latest piece in my decor series, this elegant Chinese lantern draws inspiration from traditional paper lanterns while embracing clean, modern lines and playful accordion folds. Perfect for Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, weddings, or year-round Asian-inspired accents, it brings warm, celebratory energy and subtle sophistication to any space.

Design Details:

The lantern features a beautifully pleated main body with accordion-style folds that capture the classic lantern silhouette in a striking, expandable form. The top lid (with integrated hanging hook) and base are separate pieces for easy assembly and display. Print in rich dark red for the body and luxurious gold silk for the accents to evoke the timeless red-and-gold symbolism of prosperity, joy, and good fortune.

Sizes:

• Main body (red pleated section): 63.5 mm tall, 90 mm in diameter
• Bottom base: 6 mm tall, 50 mm in diameter
• Top lid (including hook): 21.5 mm tall, 50 mm in diameter

Printing Recommendations:

• Main body: Dark red PLA (for that deep, festive lantern hue)
• Top lid & bottom base: Gold silk PLA (to add a shimmering, metallic elegance)

The pieces fit together snugly—light sanding on the connection areas may help achieve a perfect seat if needed. In some cases a bit of glue might be necessary.

Designed to look stunning on a shelf, tray, or tabletop (as shown with your tea light candle setup), or even hung for a symbolic presence.