🏮 Lanterns

Lantern types and where they belong

Lanterns come in a few broad families. Tabletop lanterns are small and decorative, made to anchor a table or shelf. Hanging lanterns add overhead glow to porches, trees, and ceremony aisles. Floor lanterns are large statement pieces for corners and entryways. Weather-resistant outdoor lanterns are built to hold up to wind and moisture.

Match the lantern to the setting: a delicate glass tabletop lantern belongs inside, while a metal outdoor lantern needs a finish that won't rust and glass that won't shatter in a gust.

Lantern materials and durability

Metal is the workhorse lantern material — powder-coated steel, brass, and iron all hold up well, with finishes from matte black to aged bronze. Glass panels protect the flame while showing it off. Wood and rattan lanterns look warm but are indoor-only and need a glass insert for safety.

For outdoor use, prioritize rust-resistant metal and tempered or thick glass. Check that doors and latches close securely so wind can't reach the flame or knock the candle over.

Flameless and solar lanterns

For venues, homes with children, and any lantern placed out of reach, flameless candles are the practical choice. Wax-coated LED pillars with a flicker setting look realistic inside a lantern and never need watching. Solar lanterns go further, charging by day for automatic evening light outdoors.

Flameless also solves the practical problem of relighting — no reaching into a hot lantern with a lighter. For decoration-heavy setups, it's the lowest-maintenance option.