Lanterns are a great way to accentuate both your outdoor and indoor home decorations. Lanterns are available in an array of designs, styles and sizes. Given its versatility, a hanging lantern can either be a permanent or temporary fixture in your home or garden. Hanging lanterns subtly add more charm to landscapes and enhance the appeal of home interiors. The lantern design generally dictates if it will be lit via a candle, an electric bulb or by another type of light source. Read on for a few tips in purchasing decorative lanterns for home use.
Hanging Lanterns: Know The Types
Hanging lanterns are decorative light sources. The light source is encased in protective covers which are traditionally meant to protect the kerosene flame or candle from prematurely blowing out. Hanging lanterns include of course a handle, a chain, a string or any other means of getting it suspended in the air. Buyers will be glad to know that these types of lanterns come in various styles—from antique designs to exotic, modern and also traditional styles. Buyers must take into consideration the possible placements of the lanterns. Some lanterns are better suited for indoor use, while other are better placed outside the house.
Your Design Options
Hanging lanterns are made from different materials. There are hanging lanterns made from cloth, plastic, paper, glass, wood, and even metals. However, most decorative lanterns are made from a combination of two different materials. Decorative outdoor lanterns are made to be tougher to withstand the elements. You might try considering paper lanterns, antique designed lanterns and lanterns with Moroccan designs. There’s a bunch to choose from, but overall, it’s still your personal preference that will determine which lantern style will fit your home décor needs.
The Light Sources
There are different ways as to how you lanterns can be lit. The most common ways are by using candles like votive, tea and taper candles. These are okay for both indoor and outdoor use. Incandescent bulbs can be used as well and are powered by an electric cord or battery. LED light bulbs are great for hanging lanterns that will be displayed outdoors as it addresses the dilemma of lighting and hanging the lantern in spots that lack electric outlets. Oil and kerosene flame sources are for hurricane lanterns and some decorative lanterns—slightly uncommon but are still used.
Decorating Suggestions
Decide first where you want your lanterns to be placed—indoors or outdoors? Lantern placement can be either temporary or permanent. Pendant lighting is the other term for hanging lanterns that are used as permanent lighting fixtures. Paper and silk lanterns works by giving off a very appealing soft light, making it exude a nice glow—perfect for bedrooms.
Solar lanterns are perfect for lighting your garden. They can also serve as a decorative embellishment to your landscape. Finally, parties are also made fancier and fun with hanging lanterns as part of the décor.
There are lots of stores that offer hanging lanterns. Check out the home décor section at the malls, or find a nice furniture and home décor specialty store nearby. You may also check for hanging lanterns for sale online. And if all else fails, you can opt to release the creative side in you and create your own decorative lanterns. Check French Connection homeware section for more collection.




February 5th, 2013
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