How to Decorate With Candle Lanterns
Why lanterns create such a cozy atmosphere
There are so many styles, sizes, and aesthetics when it comes to candle lanterns, and they’re a beautiful way to add ambiance and personality to your space.
Candles give off a completely different kind of light than overhead lighting or lamps. Their glow feels warm, comforting, and soft, while the flickering flame creates beautiful moving shadows throughout a room. Lanterns enhance these qualities by diffusing and reflecting the light onto nearby surfaces like walls, windows, and ceilings.
Lanterns can be placed on tables, floors, shelves, or even hung from the ceiling, allowing you to highlight different areas of your home. They’re also perfect for patios and outdoor spaces, helping create a warm, inviting atmosphere around seating areas or fire pits.
Which style of lantern works best?
There’s a huge variety of lantern styles out there, but I wouldn’t say there’s one style that works best. It all depends on the atmosphere you want to create.
Do you want the light dispersed throughout the room? Or would you prefer a more localized glow? Do you gravitate toward metal finishes, natural wood, modern minimalism, or vintage-inspired decor?
The best lantern is the one you love most!
Some common lantern styles include:
Modern black metal
Rustic wood
Vintage-inspired
Minimalist
Coastal
Earthy and nature-inspired
You can even pair your lantern style with the fragrances you enjoy most.
For example, if you love beachy, coastal aesthetics, a whitewashed wood lantern paired with Ritual’s “Ocean Breeze” fragrance creates a fresh, airy atmosphere that feels peaceful and relaxing.
Where can lanterns be used around your home?
The short answer: almost anywhere!
That being said, always prioritize safety. Candles contain an open flame and can become a fire hazard if placed too close to flammable surfaces or decor.
One of my favorite placements is my rustic white wood lantern on the side table between my kitchen and living room. It adds a soft, warm glow to the center of the space, and I love being able to hear the crackling wooden wick and enjoy the fragrance while relaxing on the couch at the end of the day.
If you enjoy spending time on your patio, lanterns also work beautifully outdoors. They can be placed on the floor or hung from the ceiling to create a cozy atmosphere. I especially love using an odd number of lanterns in varying heights for a more natural, layered look. Just make sure they’re positioned where wind won’t disturb the flame and where people won’t accidentally bump into them.
Lanterns also work beautifully in bathrooms while soaking in the bath, instantly creating a calming, spa-like atmosphere.
To elevate the look even further, try styling lanterns near stacked books, ceramic decor, greenery, or decorative trays. Just be sure nothing flammable is placed too close to the flame.
How to use lanterns safely
We definitely don’t want our homes or belongings damaged by fire, so always keep safety as your top priority whenever enjoying candles.
Always trim your wick before each burn to help keep the flame controlled and at a safe height.
Avoid lanterns that don’t allow heat to escape properly. Choose lanterns with adequate airflow and ventilation.
Never leave a candle burning unattended.
Keep candles and lanterns out of reach of children and pets.
Always place candles and lanterns on a heat-safe, stable surface.
