How to Replace an Overhead Fixture With a Paper Lantern

Turn off power to the breaker controlling your old lighting fixture. Test to make sure the power is off by turning the light switch off and on. Use a voltage tester once the fixture is disconnected to ensure that no currents of electricity are running through the wires.

Remove your current lighting fixture and disconnect it from the wiring by unscrewing the wire nuts.

Restrip the three wires inside the junction box — if necessary — so you have a 1/2-inch section of clean and exposed wire to work with on each.

Use needle-nose pliers to create a loop at the end of the wires large enough to fit around the screws from the junction box. Connect each wire with the appropriate screw, black to brass, white to silver, and the green wire — also sometimes just a bare copper wire — to the green screw. Tighten the screws around the wires to hold them in place.

Mount the receptacle back to the ceiling using the included screws.

Turn the breaker to the outlet back on.

Plug in your paper lantern and let it hang from the ceiling.