I'd say a good alternative is that you could get some of those 3M adhesive strips, then fold the paper under and stick it to the ceiling - those things stick to anything (and you may even be able to salvage the paper when you're done!

If you cut this in half, I'm not sure it will maintain its shape ... the tension of the entire structure is partly what holds it unfolded.

we had a similarly ugly round bare fluorscent light fixture...just bought a cheap (but cute) $20 ceiling light at Home Depot and got the handy-man to install it. They're very easy to install, you could probably do it yourself, get your Super/Landlord, or maybe a helpful neighbor? Because even with the paper lantern, the light it gives off is still un-pretty.

The lanterns, however, are perfect for covering bare bulbs! They balance on the lip of the socket that holds the bulb in, no problem!

I've got a couple of these lights in my apartment (what can I say, I'm in college and they're cheap) and two of them cover overhead light "fixtures" that are just bare bulbs. If the bulbs are sideways I would just hang the shade right off them, or if they're upright, attach the metal hanger above the bulb to one side and use the whole thing. Not sure how costco makes them, the ones from Urban Outfitters use a metal wire rectangle to hold them open. If you really want to cut it in half I think you'd have to cut vertically slightly offcenter to maintain the wire part that keeps it together. The top and bottom of the wire part could easily be attached the wall with just about anything, they weigh absolutely nothing.

Just a caution -- these shades aren't really safe for anything stronger than a 40-watt bulb, and it's a serious fire hazard to have the shade resting on the bulb, as displacedsoutherner does.

If you cut the lantern, you're in for trouble, I'm telling you. Just collapse it into a hemisphere.

Thanks, All!

My idea actually did work. I, too, was concerned about holding its shape but this model is made with a balsa wood (vs. wire) frame and it's holding on its own. And, the bulb is flourescent, so no worries about the heat.

However, the light is not so great. My hope was that the yellow would produce a nice "God Hour" effect ... and it does ... at the "God Hour" otherwise ... everything is too yellow. So, I am likely to switch to cream soon!

Thanks all for the help!

Laura