10 Outdoor Lanterns to Light Up Your Evenings

Whatever you like to do outside at night, you need good lighting. That’s where outdoor lanterns come in handy.

Outdoor lanterns are special lights made to use outside. They come in many different styles and sizes. Some use candles, while others use batteries or electricity. In this blog post, we’ll talk about 10 great outdoor lanterns that can make your evenings brighter and more enjoyable.

Why Use Outdoor Lanterns?

Before we look at specific lanterns, let’s talk about why you might want to use them.

1. They create a nice mood: Lanterns give off a soft, warm light. This can make your outdoor space feel cozy and relaxing.
2. They’re portable: Most lanterns are easy to move around. You can put them wherever you need light.
3. They’re pretty: Many lanterns look nice even when they’re not lit. They can add style to your yard or patio.
4. They’re practical: When you need to see what you’re doing outside at night, lanterns provide useful light.
5. They’re safe: Unlike open flames, many lanterns are enclosed. This makes them safer to use, especially if you have kids or pets.

Now that we know why outdoor lanterns are great, let’s look at 10 different ones you might like.

1. Classic Candle Lantern

The first lantern we’ll talk about is a classic candle lantern. This type of lantern has been around for a very long time. It’s simple but beautiful.

A classic candle lantern is usually made of metal. It has glass panels on the sides. Inside, there’s a place to put a candle. When you light the candle, the flame shines through the glass. This creates a warm, flickering light.

These lanterns come in many different sizes. Some are small enough to put on a table. Others are big enough to stand on the ground. You can find them in different colors too. Black, white, and bronze are common colors.

One nice thing about candle lanterns is that they don’t need electricity or batteries. You just need candles. This means you can use them anywhere, even if there’s no power nearby.

However, there are a few things to remember with candle lanterns:

1. You need to be careful with the flame. Make sure the lantern is on a flat surface where it won’t tip over.
2. Don’t leave a lit candle unattended. Always blow it out before you go to bed or leave the area.
3. The glass can get hot, so be careful when you touch it.
4. You’ll need to replace the candle when it burns down.

Even with these things to keep in mind, many people love candle lanterns. They create a very special, cozy feeling. The flickering light can make your outdoor space feel magical.

2. Solar-Powered Lantern

Next, let’s talk about solar-powered lanterns. These are a more modern type of outdoor lantern. They use the power of the sun to light up your evenings.

Solar-powered lanterns have a small solar panel on top. During the day, this panel collects energy from the sun. It stores this energy in a battery inside the lantern. Then, when it gets dark, the lantern uses this stored energy to power its light.

These lanterns are very easy to use. You don’t need to plug them in or change batteries. You just put them outside in a sunny spot during the day. Then, they’ll automatically turn on when it gets dark.

Solar lanterns come in many different styles. Some look like traditional lanterns. Others have more modern designs. You can find them in different colors and sizes too.

Here are some good things about solar-powered lanterns:

1. They’re eco-friendly. They use clean energy from the sun.
2. You don’t need to buy batteries or candles for them.
3. Many turn on automatically when it gets dark.
4. They’re safe to use because there’s no flame.
5. You can put them anywhere outside. You don’t need to be near an electrical outlet.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. They need sunlight to charge. If it’s cloudy for several days, they might not work as well.
2. The light isn’t as bright as some electric lanterns.
3. The battery might not last all night if the lantern was in shade during the day.

Even with these small drawbacks, solar-powered lanterns are very popular. They’re a great choice if you want an easy, eco-friendly way to light up your outdoor space.

3. LED Lantern

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. It’s a type of light that’s very bright but uses little energy.

LED lanterns are very bright. They can light up a large area. This makes them great for activities like reading or playing games outside at night.

These lanterns usually run on batteries. Some use regular batteries that you can replace. Others have rechargeable batteries built in. You can charge these by plugging the lantern into an electrical outlet.

LED lanterns come in many different styles. Some look like traditional camping lanterns. Others have more modern designs. You can find them in different sizes too. Some are small enough to carry in your hand. Others are bigger and meant to sit on a table or the ground.

Here are some good things about LED lanterns:

1. They’re very bright. They give off a lot of light.
2. They use little energy. This means the batteries last a long time.
3. The bulbs last a very long time. You probably won’t ever need to replace them.
4. They’re safe to use. They don’t get hot like some other types of lights.
5. Many have different brightness settings. You can choose how much light you want.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. You need to remember to charge them or replace the batteries.
2. The light is usually white or bluish. It’s not as warm and cozy as candlelight.
3. Some people find very bright LED lights too harsh for relaxing.

Even with these small drawbacks, LED lanterns are very popular. They’re a great choice if you want a bright, long-lasting light for your outdoor activities.

4. Decorative Lantern

These lanterns are made to look pretty as well as give light. Decorative lanterns come in many different styles. Some look like old-fashioned oil lamps. Others have intricate cut-out designs that make pretty patterns when lit. You can find them in many different colors and materials too. Some are made of metal, while others might be made of colored glass or even paper.

These lanterns often use candles or small electric lights. The light they give off is usually soft and warm. This makes them great for creating a cozy mood.

Here are some good things about decorative lanterns:

1. They look beautiful. Even when they’re not lit, they can add style to your outdoor space.
2. They create a special atmosphere. The soft light and pretty designs can make your yard or patio feel magical.
3. You can find them in many different styles. There’s sure to be one that matches your taste.
4. They’re often not too expensive. You can buy several to create different lighting effects.
5. Many can be used indoors too. You can bring them inside when the weather is bad.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. They might not give off as much light as other types of lanterns. They’re more for decoration than for bright lighting.
2. If they use candles, you need to be careful about fire safety.
3. Some delicate ones might not last long if left outside all the time.

Even with these things to consider, many people love decorative lanterns. They’re a great way to add beauty and a special mood to your outdoor space.

5. Hanging Lantern

Now let’s talk about hanging lanterns. These are lanterns that you can hang up instead of putting on a table or the ground.

Hanging lanterns come in many different styles. Some look like traditional lanterns, just with a hook or chain for hanging. Others might look more like chandeliers or pendant lights.

You can hang these lanterns in many different places. Some people hang them from tree branches. Others might hang them from the roof of a porch or pergola. You can even hang them on shepherd’s hooks stuck in the ground.

Here are some good things about hanging lanterns:

1. They save space on tables and the ground.
2. They can light up a larger area because they’re up high.
3. They can create a magical feeling, like twinkling stars.
4. You can hang them at different heights to create interesting lighting effects.
5. They’re out of the way of kids and pets.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. You need somewhere to hang them from.
2. It can be harder to light candles or change batteries when they’re up high.
3. They might swing in the wind, which could be a problem if they use real candles.

Even with these things to consider, hanging lanterns are very popular. They’re a great way to add light and style to your outdoor space without taking up floor or table space.

6. Bluetooth Speaker Lantern

Next, let’s talk about a more high-tech option: Bluetooth speaker lanterns. These clever devices combine a light with a speaker that can play music from your phone or tablet.

Bluetooth speaker lanterns usually look like regular lanterns. But inside, they have a small speaker and a Bluetooth receiver. This lets them connect wirelessly to your phone or other device.

These lanterns usually use LED lights. The light might be white, or it might be able to change colors. Some even have lights that can change in time with the music!

Here are some good things about Bluetooth speaker lanterns:

1. They provide both light and music in one device.
2. You can control them with your phone. You can change the music or adjust the light without getting up.
3. They’re great for parties. You can have music and mood lighting without needing separate devices.
4. Many are rechargeable, so you don’t need to keep buying batteries.
5. Some are waterproof, so you don’t need to worry if it rains.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. They’re usually more expensive than regular lanterns.
2. The sound quality might not be as good as a dedicated speaker.
3. You need to remember to charge them.
4. They might not work well if you’re too far from them with your phone.

Even with these things to consider, many people love Bluetooth speaker lanterns. They’re a fun and convenient way to add both light and music to your outdoor gatherings.

7. Gas Lantern

These are a more traditional type of lantern that uses gas to create light.

Gas lanterns burn propane or other types of gas to make light. They’re very bright and can light up a large area. Many people use them for camping, but they can also be great for outdoor spaces at home.

These lanterns usually have a glass globe around the flame. This protects the flame from wind and makes the lantern safer to use. The gas comes from a small canister that attaches to the bottom of the lantern.

Here are some good things about gas lanterns:

1. They’re very bright. They can light up a large area.
2. They work in any weather. Rain or wind won’t affect them much.
3. They give off a warm, natural light.
4. You can control how bright they are by adjusting the gas flow.
5. They don’t need electricity or batteries.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. You need to buy gas for them.
2. They can be more dangerous than other types of lanterns because they use fire.
3. They can get very hot, so you need to be careful when handling them.
4. Some people don’t like the slight hissing sound they make.

Even with these things to consider, many people love gas lanterns. They’re reliable and give off a beautiful, warm light that’s hard to match with electric lanterns.

8. Mason Jar Lantern

Next, let’s talk about a simple but charming option: mason jar lanterns. These are lanterns made from regular mason jars, the kind used for canning fruits and vegetables.

Mason jar lanterns are usually homemade, though you can buy them too. To make one, you put a light source inside a mason jar. This could be a candle, a battery-operated LED light, or even a string of fairy lights.

These lanterns have become very popular in recent years. They have a rustic, homemade look that many people love. They’re often used at outdoor weddings and parties.

Here are some good things about mason jar lanterns:

1. They’re cheap to make. You might already have the jars at home.
2. They look charming and homemade.
3. You can customize them easily. You can paint the jars or tie ribbons around them.
4. They’re versatile. You can hang them up or set them on tables.
5. If you use LED lights, they’re very safe.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. They might not be as durable as lanterns made for outdoor use.
2. If you use real candles, you need to be careful about fire safety.
3. They might not give off as much light as other types of lanterns.

Even with these things to consider, many people love mason jar lanterns. They’re a fun, creative way to add light to your outdoor space.

9. Tiki Torch Lantern

These combine the tropical look of a tiki torch with the enclosed safety of a lantern.

Tiki torch lanterns usually look like regular tiki torches on the bottom. They have a long pole that sticks in the ground. But instead of an open flame on top, they have a lantern.

These lanterns might use oil, like a regular tiki torch. Or they might have a candle or an electric light inside. The lantern part is usually made of metal with glass panels.

Here are some good things about tiki torch lanterns:

1. They have a fun, tropical look.
2. They’re tall, so they can light up a large area.
3. They’re sturdier than regular lanterns because they stick in the ground.
4. They add a festive feeling to outdoor parties.
5. They keep the flame enclosed, making them safer than regular tiki torches.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. They’re not portable like other lanterns. Once you stick them in the ground, they stay there.
2. If they use oil, you need to keep refilling them.
3. They might not work well on hard surfaces like decks.

Even with these things to consider, many people love tiki torch lanterns. They’re a great way to add a tropical, festive feeling to your outdoor space.

10. Lantern String Lights

Finally, let’s talk about lantern string lights. These are like regular string lights, but instead of just bulbs, they have mini lanterns.

Lantern string lights are made up of a long cord with small lanterns spaced out along it. The lanterns might be made of paper, plastic, or metal. Inside each lantern is a small light bulb.

These lights are great for decorating large areas. You can string them across your yard, wrap them around trees, or hang them from your porch roof.

Here are some good things about lantern string lights:

1. They can cover a large area with light.
2. They look festive and fun.
3. They’re easy to put up and take down.
4. They give off a soft, warm light that creates a nice mood.
5. You can find them in many different styles and colors.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. You need somewhere to plug them in, or they need batteries.
2. They can be hard to store when not in use because they’re long and can tangle.
3. If one bulb goes out, it might affect the whole string.

Even with these things to consider, many people love lantern string lights. They’re a great way to add a lot of light and decoration to your outdoor space all at once.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Lantern

Now that we’ve talked about 10 different types of outdoor lanterns, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for you. Here are some things to think about:

1. How much light do you need? If you want to read or do other activities that need a lot of light, you might want an LED lantern or a gas lantern. If you just want to create a nice mood, a candle lantern or decorative lantern might be better.
2. Where will you use the lantern? If you want to move it around a lot, a battery-powered lantern might be best. If you want to hang it up, look for a hanging lantern or lantern string lights.
3. What’s your power source? If you don’t have an electrical outlet nearby, you might want a battery-powered, solar, or candle lantern. If you have easy access to electricity, you might prefer a plug-in option.
4. What’s your style? Do you like traditional looks, or do you prefer something more modern? There are lanterns to match every style.
5. What’s your budget? Lanterns can range from very cheap to quite expensive. Figure out how much you want to spend before you start shopping.
6. How often will you use it? If you plan to use your lantern every day, it might be worth investing in a more durable, high-quality option.
7. Do you need any special features? For example, if you want to play music, a Bluetooth speaker lantern might be a good choice.

Remember, you don’t have to choose just one type of lantern. Many people use a mix of different lanterns to create the perfect outdoor lighting setup.

Tips for Using Outdoor Lanterns

Now that you know about different types of lanterns and how to choose them, let’s talk about some tips for using them:

1. Safety first: Always follow the safety instructions that come with your lantern. If it uses a real flame, be extra careful and never leave it unattended.
2. Group them together: Using several lanterns together can create a beautiful effect. Try putting different sizes or styles together.
3. Use them to guide paths: Place lanterns along walkways or steps to light the way for you and your guests.
4. Create height variation: Put some lanterns on the ground, some on tables, and hang others to create an interesting look.
5. Match your outdoor furniture: Choose lanterns that go well with your outdoor tables, chairs, and other decorations.
6. Consider the season: You might want brighter, more cheerful lanterns in summer and cozier, warmer-toned ones in fall and winter.
7. Protect them from the weather: If your lanterns aren’t made to be left outside all the time, bring them in when you’re not using them.
8. Clean them regularly: Dust and dirt can build up on lanterns, making them less bright. Wipe them down regularly to keep them shining.
9. Replace batteries or candles as needed: There’s nothing worse than going to use your lantern and finding out it doesn’t work. Check it regularly and replace power sources as needed.
10. Experiment with placement: Try putting your lanterns in different spots to see where they look and work best.

DIY Outdoor Lantern Ideas

If you’re feeling creative, you might want to try making your own outdoor lanterns. Here are some fun and easy ideas:

1. Tin can lanterns: Clean out old tin cans, punch holes in patterns, and put candles inside.
2. Wine bottle lanterns: Fill empty wine bottles with string lights for a pretty glow.
3. Paper bag luminaries: Put sand and a candle in a paper bag for a simple, elegant look.
4. Floating pool lanterns: Put LED lights in waterproof containers and float them in a pool or pond.
5. Painted jar lanterns: Paint the outside of mason jars and put lights inside for colorful lanterns.

Remember, if you’re making lanterns that use real candles, be very careful about fire safety.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Lanterns

To keep your outdoor lanterns looking good and working well, you need to take care of them. Here are some tips for maintaining different types of lanterns:

For candle lanterns:

• Clean out melted wax regularly
• Replace candles as needed
• Wipe down the glass to keep it clear

For electric lanterns:

• Check and replace batteries regularly
• Wipe down the outside to keep it clean
• Check the bulbs and replace them if they burn out

For solar lanterns:

• Make sure the solar panel stays clean
• Move them to sunny spots during the day
• Bring them inside during very cold weather

For gas lanterns:

• Clean the globe regularly
• Check the gas connections for leaks
• Replace the mantle when it gets worn out

For decorative lanterns:

• Dust them often
• Touch up paint if it chips
• Bring delicate ones inside during bad weather

Taking good care of your lanterns will help them last longer and keep working well.

Popular Brands of Outdoor Lanterns

If you’re looking to buy outdoor lanterns, you might want to know some popular brands. Here are a few that many people like:

1. Coleman: Known for reliable camping gear, including lanterns
2. Energizer: Makes good battery-powered lanterns
3. TIKI: Famous for their tiki torches and tropical-style lanterns
4. Threshold: Target’s house brand has stylish and affordable options
5. Pottery Barn: Offers high-end decorative lanterns
6. Black Diamond: Makes rugged lanterns good for camping and outdoor use
7. Brightown: Known for affordable string lights and decorative lanterns

Remember, the best brand for you depends on what type of lantern you want and how you plan to use it.

Environmental Considerations

When choosing outdoor lanterns, you might want to think about their impact on the environment. Here are some eco-friendly options:

1. Solar-powered lanterns: These use clean energy from the sun.
2. LED lanterns: They use very little energy and the bulbs last a long time.
3. Rechargeable lanterns: These create less waste than lanterns that use disposable batteries.
4. Lanterns made from recycled materials: Some companies make lanterns out of recycled glass or metal.
5. Beeswax candle lanterns: Beeswax candles are a natural, renewable resource.

By choosing eco-friendly options, you can enjoy beautiful outdoor lighting while being kind to the environment.

Using Lanterns for Special Occasions

Outdoor lanterns can be great for making special occasions even more special. Here are some ideas:

For weddings:

• Hang paper lanterns for a romantic look
• Use mason jar lanterns for a rustic feel
• Line pathways with luminaries

For birthday parties:

• Use colorful lantern string lights
• Hang lanterns from trees
• Float lanterns in a pool

For holiday celebrations:

• Use red, white, and blue lanterns for July 4th
• Hang orange lanterns for Halloween
• Use green and red lanterns for Christmas

For dinner parties:

• Put small lanterns on dining tables
• Hang larger lanterns above the dining area
• Use scented candle lanterns to add nice smells

Lanterns can help create the perfect mood for any special event.

Lantern Safety Tips

While lanterns are generally safe, it’s important to use them carefully. Here are some safety tips:

1. Keep flammable things away from lanterns that use real flames.
2. Don’t leave lit lanterns unattended.
3. Keep lanterns out of reach of small children and pets.
4. If using electric lanterns outside, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use.
5. Be careful when handling gas lanterns. Make sure connections are tight and there are no leaks.
6. Don’t use lanterns near dry leaves or grass that could catch fire.
7. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care.
8. If hanging lanterns, make sure they’re secure and won’t fall.
9. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when using flame lanterns.
10. Don’t use lanterns in enclosed spaces where fumes could build up.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy your outdoor lanterns without worry.

Lanterns Around the World

Lanterns have been used in many cultures around the world for thousands of years. Here are some interesting lantern traditions:

Chinese lanterns: In China, red lanterns are symbols of good luck. The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month in the lunar calendar.

Japanese lanterns: In Japan, paper lanterns called “chochin” are often used in festivals. Stone lanterns are common in Japanese gardens.

Moroccan lanterns: These are often made of colored glass and metal with intricate designs. They create beautiful patterns of light.

Thai sky lanterns: In Thailand, people release paper lanterns into the sky during the Yi Peng festival. This is believed to carry away bad luck.

Diwali lights: In India, small clay lamps called “diyas” are lit during the festival of Diwali to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.

Learning about lantern traditions from around the world can give you new ideas for using lanterns in your own outdoor space.

Lanterns in Literature and Film

Lanterns have played important roles in many stories and movies. Here are a few examples:

• In the Harry Potter books, Hagrid carries a lantern when he guides the first-year students to Hogwarts.
• In the movie Tangled, floating lanterns play a big part in Rapunzel’s story.
• The Green Lantern is a famous superhero who gets his power from a magical lantern.
• In the book “The Lantern Bearers” by Rosemary Sutcliff, Roman soldiers use lanterns as a symbol of civilization.
• Jack-o’-lanterns, which are like lanterns made from pumpkins, are a big part of Halloween stories.

These stories show how lanterns can be seen as symbols of hope, guidance, and magic.

Conclusion

Outdoor lanterns are a wonderful way to add light, style, and atmosphere to your outdoor spaces. Whether you prefer the warm flicker of a candle lantern, the bright glow of an LED lantern, or the fun of a Bluetooth speaker lantern, there’s an option out there for everyone.

Remember to think about things like how much light you need, where you’ll use the lantern, and what style you like when choosing a lantern. And don’t forget about safety – always use lanterns carefully, especially those with real flames.

With the right lanterns, you can turn your backyard, patio, or porch into a magical space for relaxing, entertaining, or celebrating special occasions. So why not light up your evenings with some beautiful outdoor lanterns?

Whether you buy lanterns or make your own, use them every day or just for special occasions, lanterns can add a special touch to your outdoor living. They can help you enjoy your outdoor spaces more, even after the sun goes down.