Food halls, communal dining spaces, and market-style venues are more than just places to eat; they’re immersive environments where design plays a key role in atmosphere, experience, and share ability.

At Paper Starlights, we’ve helped venue designers and hospitality teams transform high ceilings and open spaces into warm, atmospheric dining destinations using our handmade paper stars. If you're looking to elevate your food hall’s ambiance, here's how to do it with confidence.

Why Paper Starlights Work So Well in Food Halls

• Lightweight & easy to hang — no permanent fittings or construction required

• Designed to complement pendant lighting — hang them around, not instead of, existing lights

• Creates warmth & atmosphere — even in industrial or high-ceilinged spaces

• Modular & seasonal — easy to rotate by colour, size, or theme

• Eco-conscious & reusable — perfect for brands who value sustainability

Map Your Space

Start by walking your venue and identifying key areas for visual focus:

Ideal display zones:

• Above communal seating areas or long tables

• Existing pendant lights or chandeliers

• Entryways or transition zones

• Feature stalls or event pop-up spaces

• Seasonal display corners or event booths

💡 Tip: Use existing ceiling beams, lighting tracks, or cable runs as anchor points for hanging.

Plan Your Hanging Layout

Paper Starlights can be hung in clusters, rows, or scattered for a floating effect. Here are three proven approaches:

Layout Ideas:

1. Linear Canopy
   Hang stars in a straight line above seating or walkways, spaced every 50–92cm. Ideal for narrow food halls or long communal tables.

2. Clustered Cloud
   Group 5–7 stars of varying sizes at different heights for high-ceilinged venues or feature zones.

3. Mixed Drop Layering
   Use varying lengths of clear thread, cable, or pendant cords to suspend stars at different heights, this creates movement and texture.

Work With Existing Pendant Lighting

You don’t need to remove your pendant lights, Paper Starlights are designed to work with them.

• Hang stars on them, using the two pieces of cord, gently bring the two outermost points together, place over light fitting & tie cords

• Use low-heat LED bulbs to avoid overheating the paper
  

📌 Need help designing around your pendant grid? We’re happy to offer layout suggestions — get in touch here.

Choose the Right Colour Palette

Your food hall likely has a distinct identity; neutral, rustic, industrial, vibrant; so choose star colours that complement (or contrast with) the space.

Year-Round Colour Tips:

• Warm Whites & Creams — for everyday calm and atmosphere

• Navy & Deep Tones — ideal for evening venues or dramatic contrast

• Natural Earth Tones — fit rustic or wood-heavy spaces beautifully

Rotate with the Seasons

One of the biggest benefits of Paper Starlights in a commercial setting? Modularity.

You can easily change or add to your display throughout the year, no expensive re-installs required.

Suggested Seasonal Themes:

• Winter – Crisp whites, deep greens and reds

• Valentine’s – Reds, blush tones, warm lights

• Summer – Bright tones, florals, boho neutrals

• Autumn – Amber, rust, ochre, burnt orange

• Festivals & Events – Match your programming or brand pop-ups

What You’ll Need

To get started with a ceiling display, you’ll typically need:

• Paper Starlights (mix of 42cm, 60cm, 87cm sizes)

• Clear long drop festoon or decorative spider pendants

• Ceiling hooks or cable ties (depending on mounting surface)

• Warm white LED bulbs
  

Shop Hospitality Display Picks 

FAQs for Food Hall & Hospitality Installations

Can I use these with existing lighting fixtures?
Yes — our stars work beautifully around existing pendants or LED fittings, as long as bulbs are low-heat.

Are they safe to leave up all year?
Yes — indoors, our stars are safe for year-round use. Just keep them away from damp areas and open flames.

Can I install them myself?
Absolutely. Most venues use clear thread, wire, or simple hook fittings. No hardwiring or permanent fixings needed.

Do you offer design help or bulk pricing?
We don’t offer trade discounts — but we do provide tailored support and fair pricing. If you’d like layout ideas or product suggestions, get in touch with us here.