Outdoor Candle Lanterns

The Need for Outdoor Lighting

A yard, garden, or patio can be a fun gathering place for a casual conversation or an elegant formal affair. A candle lantern provides subdued, unobtrusive lighting suitable for many different occasions and uses, such as:

• Patio, deck, or pool perimeters
• Illuminating a porch, doorway, or stairs
• Special occasion lighting for an outdoor wedding reception, Halloween party, or romantic garden stroll
• Extra light for camping

Outdoor Lantern Benefits

In addition to simply providing light, lanterns also have other benefits that candle aficionados can appreciate.

• Heat: Even small candles can generate additional heat on chilly evenings.
• Insect Repellent: Using citronella or other bug repellent candles in outdoor lanterns can ease irritations and unwelcome guests.
• Silence: Gas or electric lights operate with a small buzz or hum, but candle lanterns are silent and will not disrupt a romantic mood.
• Fewer Resources: Candles are more economical and environmentally friendly than artificial light sources.

Types of Outdoor Candle Lanterns

No matter why you choose to light up candle lanterns, there is a wide range of options to choose from including both simple, functional lantern designs and more elaborate decorative models. Design options include:

• Shapes: Cylindrical, ball, square, rectangular, and octagonal lanterns are all popular.
• Materials: Fireproof materials and metals are used for candle lanterns, including nickel, copper, bronze, glass, and iron. Many lanterns have metal frames with glass sides for better illumination and more elegant decorations. Some lanterns also have mirrored bases or structures to help maximize the candle’s light.
• Sizes: Small lanterns may be suitable only for tea light candles, while larger models can accommodate votives or pillars.
• Doors: Some outdoor candle lanterns require removing the top or bottom of the lantern to replace the candle, while others have hinged doors for greater convenience.
• Sides: The sides of the lantern are the most obvious decorative point. They may have frosted, tinted, or etched glass; punched metal scrollwork; bubble or stained glass; or metal silhouettes of dragonflies, birds, leaves, or abstract patterns.
• Motif: Some lanterns are designed with an overall decorative motif. Victorian, Asian, and Moroccan candle lanterns are particularly popular, though lanterns can also be found designed as birds’ nests, buildings, stars, branches, and holiday items such as jack-o-lanterns.

How to Hang Lanterns

Most lanterns are designed to hang from gutters, tree branches, or table umbrellas. Some manufacturers also offer wall-mounted candle holder sconces or hangers as well as pedestal or pole mounts, lamp post poles, or multi-hook stands. Hanging setups may be simple to coordinate with different lantern designs, or they may be themed and elaborate to create a stronger decorative accent when combined with appropriate lanterns.

Buying Candle Lanterns

Most stores that offer patio furniture and other outdoor living accents will have at least a minimal selection of candle lanterns available during spring and summer. A much wider selection is available from online merchants, however, including:

Twig Motif

• Yankee Candle
• Crate and Barrel
• Garden Décor Galore
• Bellacor Lighting and Home Furnishings
• Westport Style
• Uncommon Goods
• Candles 4 Less
• Virtual Seeds
• Outdoor Furniture Plus
• CSN Lighting
• Asian Ideas
• Outdoor Lighting and More

Depending on the size, design, materials, and intricacy of the lantern, costs range from less than $10 to more than $150 each. Buyers should also be aware that lanterns made from heavier materials may have additional shipping charges to cover the excess weight.

Lantern Alternatives

While outdoor candle lanterns are attractive and easy to use, they aren’t always the right lighting option for every situation. Alternative options include tiki torches, centralized decorative fire pits or chimeras, and specially designed outdoor candle centerpieces that fit around patio furniture umbrellas. For even greater light, combine candle lanterns with these other sources for a rich and beautiful ambiance.

Outdoor Lantern Safety

Despite their beauty, candle lanterns can be dangerous if used inappropriately. Follow these safety tips to get the most enjoyment from lanterns while minimizing risks:

• Only use appropriate candle sizes in each lantern.
• Mount candles securely in the lantern base. Some models may have a well or spike for the candle, while others may require sand or other material used to keep the candle stable.
• Hang lanterns a safe distance from leaves, umbrella fabric, and other potentially flammable material.
• Ensure that debris cannot blow into the lantern at any time.
• Lanterns are only suitable for illumination and should not be used to toast marshmallows, light fireworks, or other potentially dangerous activities.
• Lanterns should be hung securely with proper hooks to minimize the risk of tipping or falling.
• Handle lit lanterns cautiously – the metal or glass frame may become very hot.
• After use, remove lanterns and candles so they do not pose a hazard for birds or animals.
• Keep lit candles out of reach of pets and children at all times.
• Do not leave burning lanterns unattended.

When used safely and appropriately, outdoor candle lanterns can be a beautiful accent to a patio, deck, or garden, inviting many more hours of outdoor enjoyment.