Glass Lanterns

 

Glass lanterns are a beautiful way to add a soft glow of light to any area. They can be used either inside or outside, and you’ll find an exciting array of glass lanterns available, in a multitude of colors, sizes, and styles.

 

How to use glass lanterns

 

Glass lanterns are very versatile and can used in a variety of ways. Use them on your dining room table for romantic dinners. Set them around your home to create mood lighting for parties and other get-togethers. Place one in your bathroom while you’re enjoying a long soak in the tub, or create that special mood in your bedroom. Their soft light is welcome just about anywhere!

 

Outside, glass lanterns can be used to light dark patios, decks, and other outside living spaces. You can place them on your patio tables or hang them in various locations to illuminate dark nooks and crannies that your other outdoor lighting might not reach.

 

We always hang a glass lantern from our wooden post next to our sidewalk on Christmas Eve as part of our holiday decorations.

 

Glass lanterns are practically a must for camping, and they’re also great for power outages. In fact, we keep several on hand for just that purpose.

 

Types of glass lanterns

 

You’ll find a wide array of glass lanterns that are both decorative and functional, including wicked lanterns, which are the oldest type.  These lanterns have a well at the bottom for holding the fuel and the wick. A key is turned to push the wick up, after which it’s lit by a match. A glass globe protects the flame. The globe might be clear of colored. This type of lantern originally used whale oil or kerosene, but more modern versions often use scented lamp oil.

 

Another popular type of lantern is the Coleman lantern, which is most often used for camping. These lanterns don’t use wicks. Instead, a mantle is enclosed within the glass globe, and the mantle is lit. The well has a generator that turns a special lantern fluid into a mist that can fuel the flame. Most of these lanterns should not be used indoors.

 

The most popular type of glass lantern today is the type that houses a tea candle, a pillar candle, or a votive candle. These lanterns are usually very decorative, often having stained glass, painted glass, or colored glass panels. This type of lantern doesn’t give off as much light as other types, so they’re often used more for decorative purposes and ambiance than they are as light sources. These metal parts of such lanterns are usually made of scrolled iron, copper, embellished tin, or pewter.

 

How much do glass lanterns cost?

 

Modern glass decorative lanterns are inexpensive. You’ll find plenty of choices in the $15-$20 price range, while larger, more unique lanterns will be more expensive. For example, a tall copper antique reproduction might cost over $150.

 

Where to find glass lanterns

 

If you’re searching for authentic antique lanterns, look in antique stores and on Ebay. For modern-type glass lanterns and reproductions, shop online.