Best Decorative Indoor Lanterns
Traditionally, lanterns were used as a lighting solution. They provided a means to have portable lighting that was easy to place wherever it was needed. The introduction of electricity more or less did away with their practical uses, but today they are making a popular comeback for both decorative and lighting needs.
And they are something you definitely want to add to your decor.
Perfect to add a touch of old fashioned elegance, mood lighting, or even a decorative touch, we’ve highlighted various designs and types below to help you narrow down your choices. Included are ideas for how to use them and take advantage of the lighting they provide.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 | 
Glitzhome Farmhouse Lanterns |
|
| #2 |
 Just in Time for Winter Decorative Lanterns |
|
| #3 |
 Vela Lanterns Decorative Candle Lantern |
|
| #4 |
 Kate Aspen White Decorative Lantern |
|
| #5 |
 LeiDrail Solar Lantern Outdoor Garden Hanging Lanterns |
|
| #6 |
 Home Collection CTW Lantern |
|
Table Of Contents
- Lantern Types
- — Lamp Style
- — Sconce
- — Solar
- — Battery Operated
- — Candle Holders
- Lantern Decorating Tips and Tricks
- Our Top Lantern Picks For Decor
- 1. Glitzhome Farmhouse Lanterns
- 2. Just in Time for Winter {12 Pc Set} 10″ Decorative Lanterns with Flameless LED Lighted Candle
- 3. Vela Lanterns Decorative Candle Lantern
- 4. Kate Aspen White Decorative Lantern
- 5. LeiDrail Solar Lantern Outdoor Garden Hanging Lanterns
- 6. Home Collection CTW Lantern
- Conclusion
Lantern Types
There are quite a few lantern styles and designs for you to take advantage of. You can easily find something to match any decor, no matter whether you have a more modern leaning, or prefer a rustic, traditional style. Of course, you don’t have to use them for lighting if you don’t want to. They also are perfect for displaying items and just as a general decorative addition.
— Lamp Style
Lanterns are traditionally a lighting solution, and so it only makes sense that lamp style options are still popular. Electric and battery operated lamps provide a great solution for low lighting needs.
— Sconce
These lighting choices are set along a wall to provide low lighting solutions both in and outdoors. They are a low profile design and are popular for dark hallways and decks and patios alike.
— Solar
Solar lighting has become increasingly more dependable and long lasting, and is an option that works well in all sorts of outdoor areas that receives enough sunlight to charge the panels. They also work well when placed near bright windows.
— Battery Operated
Battery operated lanterns allow you to place them anywhere you prefer without worry of electrical plugs or having to depend on sunlight.
— Candle Holders
Candle holder style lanterns are probably the most popular for decor since they are a top choice as a unique display option. Use them in a traditional manner as a candle holder, or choose to use it to showcase favored items.
Lantern Decorating Tips and Tricks
If you are wondering how to best take advantage of your favorite lantern styles, look no further. Consider the following tips and tricks to determine the best decorative touch for your space.
Style Choices
Obviously you want to choose a lantern, or lanterns, that reflect your personal decorating style and home decor. Choose the material, size, and embellishment that fits best in the areas you plan on using them in.
Hanging Lighting
Over kitchen islands, in foyers, over doorways, or spread throughout your gardens- hanging lighting solutions have never been more stylish or easy to place.
Foyer Welcome
A lantern placed in a foyer is a great way to add some welcoming light without making it too bright. It also is perfect for leaving on, or timing to welcome you on dark evenings- or to helps illuminate your space if you need to be moving between indoors and out.
Porch Addition
A few well placed lanterns on your porch or over your entryways is a unique way to add lighting without it becoming overwhelming. This is also a perfect way to add ambiance and lighting for when you are entertaining.
Candle Options
Candle lantern choices are popular for intimate settings, dining spaces, and overall ambiance. They are also the most popular to use for display as they can be placed anywhere you choose to place them.
Statement Holder
Instead of using lanterns as a way to provide lighting, use them to showcase favored collectables, travel trinkets, and display pieces in a unique, safe manner.
Holiday Changes
Lanterns are also a great way to add a decorative touch for the holidays, or to provide seasonal changes to your living areas. You can also combine battery operated candle or cool LED lighting to these types of decor as well.
Our Top Lantern Picks For Decor
We’ve highlighted various styles and decorative lantern options below to provide you some choices that you can imagine without your very own living spaces- both indoors and out. Take a look at our top picks to find which you prefer as both lighting and decorative solutions.
1. Glitzhome Farmhouse Lanterns
SPECS:
- Type: Decorative display, Candle Lighting Solution
- Materials: Wood and metal
- Size: 2 sizes, 9 x 28.7 inches and 6.3 x 20.5 inches
Farmhouse Style Lantern Set
When you want a rustic or more old-fashioned lantern addition, this decorative piece comes in a worn, white, wooden design that is perfect for LED and battery operated candles. Made without a glass insert, this 2 lantern set is perfect for your decorative needs and is an excellent addition to your centerpieces, side tables, and even for hanging from mantels.
The 2 sizes are as follows: 9 x 28.7 and 6.3 x 20.5 inches. They can be displayed together, or used separately, and have sturdy hardware to hang. One side is hinged and latched for easy placement of whatever you wish to put inside.
Best Lantern Uses
Useful for both rustic looking indoor and outdoor placement, these are decorative but provide lighting solutions as well as a way to showcase favorite pieces.
2. Just in Time for Winter {12 Pc Set} 10″ Decorative Lanterns with Flameless LED Lighted Candle
SPECS:
- Type: LED Faux Candle Lighting
- Materials: Plastic and Glass
- Size: 4 x 10 inches
Traditional Decorative Lantern Set
This 12 piece set is perfect for entertaining, decorating outdoor patios and gardens, or for placement within your home. Each comes with an LED battery run candle that provides an on off switch and 5 hour timers. The lanterns are made with weatherproof plastic and glass siding so they can be easily placed outside without worry of rust.
Made with a sturdy hanging hoop on the top, you can place these in trees, along porch roofs, gazebos, decks, over kitchen counters, or anything else you want decorative lighting. They do not open at all, so you are unable to place anything in them to display.
Best Lantern Uses
These are best for lighting choices either indoor or out, and are best for when you need multiple lanterns for decorative uses and events.
3. Vela Lanterns Decorative Candle Lantern
SPECS:
- Type: Lighting and Decorative
- Materials: Glass and Metal
- Size: 4 ⅜ x 3 ⅝ x 10 ½ inches
Eastern Inspired Decorative Glass Lighting Lantern
This Eastern inspired design is integrated in a metal and glass lantern that boasts either a white, silver, bronzed, or black metal housing and colorful, decorative glass available in a wide variety of colors. Perfect for use with candles or battery operated candles or fairy lights, These cast not only color in the areas you place them in, but also decorative patterns due the details on each glass panel.
Made with sturdy metal fastenings, they can be held securely when hung, either indoors or out- and easily opened to place your choice of lighting solution within. The size is perfect for decorative uses as well, and each comes as a very reasonable price point for the quality being offered.
Best Lantern Uses
Either place in various areas for decorative purposes with or without lighting, or use as a low lighting solution- these are great for everyday use or for special occasion.
4. Kate Aspen White Decorative Lantern
SPECS:
- Type: Metal and Glass Candle display or for Decorative Display
- Materials: Metal and Glass
- Size: Small to Extra Large (2.5 x 5 inches to 5.4 x 11 inches)
Decorative Display Lantern
Available in multiple sizes, this metal and glass display is perfect for all sorts of decorative uses. Candles, both real and battery operated, and decorative trinkets and pieces are perfect for use with these lanterns. The rustic white and worn paint surface is great for both contemporary and country style decor.
Durable metal fastenings make them easy to hang and open, and a candle spike is set inside for when you want to use a real wax candle and keep it secure. They are great for outdoor use as well, but it is suggested to keep them out of wet weather as they can rust with time.
Best Lantern Uses
For both natural lighting as well as use for display. With various sizes offered ata friendly price point, you can mix and match their uses by size.
5. LeiDrail Solar Lantern Outdoor Garden Hanging Lanterns
SPECS:
- Type: Solar Outdoor Lighting Solutions
- Materials: Metal
- Size: 6 x 4.5 inches (3.3 inch hanging loop)
Hanging Solar Lanterns
As long as you place these lanterns where they will get sun for 6 hours or more, you can illuminate your outdoor spaces with solar energy each night. Made from a durable weather protected metal, these are a year round solution to add up to 12 hours of lighting in your gardens, on decks and patios, or placed within your trees. They are also sold as a pair!
The decorative metal also casts a design when illuminated, and is an awesome, detailed addition to use. The on off switch also allows you to let them automatically turn on each evening, or you can turn them off to light up only when you want them.
Best Lantern Uses
These are best for outdoor decorative lighting. You can also hang them along pathways to light up your stepping stones or garden passages.
6. Home Collection CTW Lantern
SPECS:
- Type: Decorative Display and Lighting
- Materials: glass and metal
- Size: 10 x 7 x 21 inch
Decorative Display Lantern
This old fashioned style lantern is a great display piece that can work with lighting if you desire, but also provides a large space for showcasing favored items. Made from glass and metal, it is a great choice for all sorts of decorative uses. The size is also a stunner, and offers a 10 x 7 x 21 inch option as a statement piece.
Made by hand, it is a one of a kind choice and all may have slight variations. The glass lifts easily to place what you want inside, and is held securely by a 5 inch metal ring.
Best Lantern Uses
Perfect for table centerpieces, this are a true display option for all sorts of uses both lighting and decorative.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a decorative lighting solution, lanterns may be a perfect fit for your decor. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor uses, they can help create ambient lighting in intimate spaces, low lighting solutions for nocturnal wanderings, and outdoor pathway illumination where needed. Pick and choose from the options we’ve provided above to utilize quality options that are sure to work as statement pieces wherever you decide to place them.