5 Beautiful Outdoor Lanterns for your Backyard

Exterior lighting is something which has become increasingly important in recent years. While natural lighting is undoubtedly the main source of light when it comes to exteriors, many people also use outdoor lanterns to decorate and illuminate their gardens at night.

Whether inside or outside, these beautiful elements will add a touch of warmth and romance to any space, allowing you to create the perfect place to enjoy an evening with family or friends. So, are you ready to use them in your decor?

Lighting your home with outdoor lanterns

Lighting, both natural and artificial, is essential for creating a pleasant and welcoming space. It’s not just a question of aesthetics; lighting has a significant impact on energy and mood.

Over the last few years, decorating gardens, patios and terraces with outdoor lanterns has become a popular trend. While there are many other types of exterior lighting, lanterns have become a clear favorite. Elegant and beautiful, lanterns produce a soft, calming light that sets them apart from other forms of lighting. 

Outdoor lanterns and light bulbs

Before we take a look at some of the different types of lanterns you’ll find on the market, it’s important to mention that how effective your lanterns will be in lighting your space will depend on a variety of different factors, including size and material. Some are purely designed to be decorative, and only contain small bulbs that barely light up the darkness.

There are two options when it comes to lighting your space. Firstly, you’ll find classic light bulbs, which are long-lasting and easy to use. The second option is candles. These are more romantic and produce a softer light. However, they can easily be blown out in the wind.

Beautiful outdoor lanterns for your backyard

Lanterns come in all different designs and materials. They’re great for large patios, as well as small balconies and terraces. The most important thing is to choose the design that best suits the look you want to create.

1. Hanging lanterns

Hanging lanterns are undoubtedly one of the most popular designs on this list. You can attach them to your patio walls, or even hang a string of them from one end of the patio to the other. Although they can be damaged by long-term exposure to rain and sunlight, they are normally made of strong, hard-wearing materials.

• You can find a wide range of designs, including round, square, and even triangular lanterns. If you’re a fan of DIY, you can even make your own, using recycled materials such as bottles or light bulbs.

2. Post lanterns

With their traditional designs and high-quality materials, post lanterns are a great way to decorate your backyard. We would recommend using these for gardens or entrance ways that receive very little light. They come in a variety of different heights, with various different light intensities.

3. Wall lanterns

While wall lanterns are often used in interior decorating, they are best suited to spaces such as gardens and balconies. So, if you’re looking for lanterns to decorate your home exteriors, wall lanterns are a great option. They come in a range of different materials, colors, and finishes.

• For example, you’ll often find vintage-style copper wall lanterns, which have been distressed to give them an aged look. While most feature clear glass panels, you’ll also find those with colored or smoked glass.

4. Wooden lanterns

Fans of vintage and rustic decor will instantly fall in love with the classic wooden lantern. These are great for lighting garden paths, staircases or outdoor dining areas. However, it’s important to be aware that wood can quickly become damaged by rain and direct sunlight.

5. Table lanterns

Small lanterns can be really useful for creating elegant centerpieces for your table, perfect for decorating for a special dinner with family or friends. These lanterns can also be great for outdoor spaces and are ideal for romantic dinners, weddings, or any other kind of celebration.

Like the other lanterns we’ve looked at in this article, you’ll find table lanterns in a range of different colors, sizes and materials. Alternatively, you could even make some yourself, using recycled items such as glass jars, or even tin cans.