- Design Inspo
The 10 Best Outdoor Lanterns
Light up, everybody! While this may infer the ceremonial waving of lighters — or, now glowing cellphones — at a concert, in this case, it's a suggestion to illuminate your home and grounds. Additionally, as 2020 changed the way we live, many are staying close to home. Outdoor lanterns work to give a home that warm, inviting feeling that comes with well-chosen exterior lighting. Moreover, as the holiday season usually signals the use of decorative lights, instead opt for chic quality outdoor lanterns that last all year long. Who says that a comforting yet exciting feeling of arriving at a house nicely lit from the outside should be relegated to December only, for example?
Furthermore, while lighting the front of a home may elegantly welcome you and guests, an outside visit can be further illuminated with the addition of well-placed outdoor lanterns set 360 degrees around one’s home. To demonstrate, a backyard designed for entertaining and relaxing is the perfect place to light your property. Whereas for those with pools, the use of lights is also a safety measure to keep someone from falling in, whether the lights are built into the pool or placed along the perimeter. Bill & Coo Suites in Mykonos, Greece, pictured above, has a magical infinity pool where lanterns line the edge and complement the mini “cosmos” lights lit within the pool.
Because we think every home should be able to have the same magical mood as this pool does, Nest Casa has compiled our favorite styles of outdoor lanterns sure to put a spark in your exterior landscaping.
Outdoor Lantern Styles
Tabletop Lantern
At the same time, outdoor lanterns needn’t only be on the ground. Many also make excellent tabletop lighting. For this reason, Nest Casa suggests the small metallic Muse lantern. Made by Contardi, the dynamic lighting design manufacturer from Italy's Brianza region (northwest of Lombardy, between Milan and Lake Como), the lantern's geometric nickel frame with a gray silk handle lights your table expressly like a precious jewel.
Hurricane Lantern
Indeed if you love dining or sharing a beverage at a table outdoors, a traditional hurricane lamp is the way to go. As an illustration, tapping a more conventional style is Ralph Lauren Home's tabletop lantern. This traditional candelabra base in silver paired with a voluminous glass jar guards a lean taper candle against the flame-extinguishing air. Even better to point out, this lantern easily and elegantly transitions from the poolside to the dining room.
Poolside Lantern
Certainly, poolside is the perfect setting for outdoor lantern décor. Another choice from Contardi is the Cube outdoor lantern by designer Massimiliano Raggi. To demonstrate, the lantern follows the firm's philosophy of "bringing interior design to the outside for functional and classy outdoor," according to the company. Moreso, this style comes with two power-option versions, the battery-operated model containing an extra removable pack for charging. Lastly, this style is offered in dark bronze and gold or all-white.
Vintage Lantern
For the midcentury modern–obsessed, this RHModern style designed by Jonathan Browning is notably a winner. The lantern recalls angular lines prevalent in the 1940s and '50s and brings them into a present-day aesthetic. Additionally, the lamp's tapered rectangular brass frame contrasts with a cylindrical glass chimney interior, which casts a striking glow from the candle inside.
Classic Lantern
The Clara Vintage lantern by Le Luci Artigiane surprisingly recalls the charm of the turn of the 20th century in its Machine Age glory. For example, its unique and elegant shape and hexagonal base, crafted from burnished brass and glass, pair nicely with rustic or classic settings. Additionally, the lantern, available on Artemest.com, can be wall-supported to light a garden walkway beautifully.
White Lantern
Obviously, outdoor lanterns are very much at home in a beach home or cottage, especially in white. Drawing upon the classic Chinese paper lantern shape, this white lacquered iron lantern uses a candle placed inside to exude a warm, subtle glow for a simple yet dramatic effect. It's available in white at NestCasa.com.
Rattan Lantern
An outdoor rattan lantern ultimately brings to mind romantic tropical locales like Vietnam or the Bahamas. In particular, the classic basketweave lends itself well to this Summerland lantern with a glass hurricane inside. Its light, airy, open-weave design was constructed from climate-adaptable resin that mimics rattan's appearance. Available at SerenaandLily.com, the lantern comes in natural dune and a weathered gray for a consequently coastal natural element-exposed look.
Outdoor Solar Lanterns
Of course, solar lanterns are one of the best ways to enjoy outdoor lighting. Generally, these innovative lights are popular because they're energy-efficient, harnessing the sun rays that convert to energy on a solar panel which then powers batteries to light the lamp. Similarly, they are superior to kerosene lamps, which create air pollution, especially when used indoors. Solar lanterns are generally higher in initial cost but pay for themselves over time owing to the saved energy costs.
Practicality aside, solar lamps also look good. To demonstrate, teak, which is touted for its durability and aesthetic compatibility with outdoor furniture, gives it a natural slant and a clean, graphic design. For example, this circular slatted style by Unopiu, the Italian outdoor furniture leader, creates a sunburst effect.
Les Jardins, a brand founded by designer Claude Robin, has been creating eco-conscious yet high-design portable outdoor lighting since 1991. Expressly, its Blade lantern combines teak with aluminum.
Notably, designer Jonathan Browning masters geometric form with his Toulon solar-powered outdoor lanterns. Handcrafted from stainless steel, the elongated cube lanterns specifically emanate light from open-air frames.
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