10 Best Decorative Candle Lanterns (Complete Guide)
by Jessica | Update on: 9th, August, 2023
Candle lanterns are one of the most versatile home decors – there are so many uses for them both in and outside your home! In fact, decorative candle lanterns are a great way to achieve your desired look and feel, whether it’s festive and party-ready for entertaining, or warm and intimate for a quiet night at home, they make your space look more polished.
They can be used with either wax or battery-powered candles to cast a warm, flickering glow and bring a calming ambiance, or hung amongst the branches of trees. And, no matter you are looking to introduce a sophisticated touch to classically styled office space, or perhaps you simply want to add a somewhat rustic note to cozy up the porch space outback, a lantern can make the change.
From bushels of flowers in the kitchen to flickering candles around the patio, you will find a number of great ideas for decorating your home with lanterns, to help you bring out the beauty that lives inside.
Whatever your specific aesthetic needs and desires may be, we’ve rounded up 10 decorative candle lanterns ideas that are sure to provide plenty to gab about, for both your walls and the people bustling about inside!
Best Decorative Candle Lanterns Review
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. zkee 11″ Vintage Style Decorative Candle Lanterns | 2. Bright Zeal Decorative Hanging Candle Lantern For Patio | 3. Northpoint Kerosene Style Outdoor LED Lantern | 4. Sunklly Solar LED Candle Lanterns for Garden | 5. Pearlstar Solar Hanging Lanterns with Auto Light Sensor | 6. Wondise Singing Snow Globe Lantern with Music Play | 7. TomCare Flickering Flame Outdoor Solar Candle Lantern | 8. Vela Lanterns Moroccan Decorative Candle Lantern Holder | 9. Kate Aspen Rustic Luminous Vintage Tea Light Candle Holders | 10. Kate Aspen Rustic Metal Candle Lantern Holder |
| √ Timer Function, √ Give off flickering warm flame effect, √ Looks realistic like a candlelight, √ Batteries operated, portable. | √ Cross grid designed lantern, √ Battery operated, with 3 AAA batteries included, √ Timer function, √ LED has the real look of a wax candle. | √ Kerosene style LED decorative lantern,, √ Dimmer function, light adjustable, √ Battery operated, √ 17 colors available. | √ Solar Energy, no batteries required, √ Turn on and off automatically, √ With convenient hanging clip, easy hanging, √ IP44 waterproof grade. | √ Solar Energy, no batteries required, √ Built-in light sensor, automatically on and off, √ Compact design and comes with a pair, √ IP44 waterproof grade. | √ Can play music and with 6 hrs timer, √ Operated by USB or Batteries, optional, √ Great gift idea, √ Inside glitters and water swirling. | √ Solar-powered, energy-saving, √ Metal construction, durable, √ Flickering flame effect, √ Bright enough. | √ Moroccan-style design with pretty looking, √ Made with metal and glass, sturdy quality, √ 10 different color options, √ 3 sizes available, X-Large, Large and small. | √ Cute, Mini design, √ Made with metal, white/blue painted, √ Good tea light holders, √ Removable lid on top. | √ 4 sizes available, small, medium, and large, √ Made with metal, white painted or blue painted, √ Create the perfect ambiance, √ Candle holder with a removable lid on top. |
1. zkee 11″ Vintage Style Decorative Candle Lanterns
Without any of the dangers of using a real flame, these zkee vintage-style decorative candle lanterns are great for authentic-looking candle light. It’s built with 12 LEDs that emit a warm light and give off about as much light as a candle would. What’s more, it flickers like a candle, with a very realistic flicker, and makes you feel warmer watching it. The vintage lantern will not light up your whole yard but they give off the perfect ambiance.
Also, the flame effect is soothing and actually, it’s so subtle that it will not keep you awake if left on whilst you sleep. As for the material construction, It’s made with plastic and frosted glass. That being said, it doesn’t affect that they still have a very nice appearance. And, it looks great with Halloween decor and even adds that spooky Christmas charm to your porch Santa for the holidays.
In addition, the favorite part is the timer function! You don’t have to remember to turn it off! 4 hours on and then turns off for the remainder of the 20 hours then back on at the same time the next day. It can also be switched on mode which will bypass the timer and stay on.
In a word, this is a great alternative to a tabletop fireplace and accompanies you through the long cold winter evenings.
| Brand / ASIN: | zkee / B07BV7D7LW |
| LED count: | 12 LED |
| Size: | 17.8 x 10.2 x 5.2 inches |
| Material: | Plastic + Glass |
| Power method: | 2 x AA Batteries (Not Included) |
| Features: | Flickering flame Eeffect, Timer function |
2. Bright Zeal Decorative Hanging Candle Lantern For Patio
Check out our other pick of decorative lanterns, the cross grids designed candle lantern. This piece is very well made, yet light enough to use in any decoration/arrangement inside. It comes in 2 colors, black or bronze. The bronze color makes it look like it is metal, you can’t tell unless you actually touch it.
And, there is a real-looking candle inside, give off softly glows and flickers and have a calming effect, without the waxy mess! They come with batteries (3 AAA batteries included) and were very easy to put together the screws and the little round piece at the top. What’s more, this lantern has a timer so it will automatically come on every evening and you do not have to remember to turn it off and on.
Not just for indoor application, this candle lantern also makes wonderful decoration in an outdoor setting (under a covered area), such in a patio, roof, etc or even sitting on a bookshelf.
| Brand / ASIN: | Bright Zeal / B019SKYJ2C |
| Light Source: | LED Pillar Candle |
| Size: | 12 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches |
| Material: | PP + Glass |
| Power method: | 3 AAA Batteries (Not Included) |
| Features: | ON/OFF/Timer switch |
3. Northpoint Kerosene Style Outdoor LED Lantern
This outdoor LED lantern is very similar to real kerosene lamps when it’s turned on, a cute and small lantern with a rustic feel to it, except it’s using 12 LEDs with 150 Lumen light output. They emit plenty of light and have a dial knob on the front to adjust the lighting, you can dim and brighten as desired. On the brightest setting it will light up half of a small room, can be used in case you have a power outage too!
Although it’s lightweight, the frame is metal finish and appears sturdy. And it’s battery-operated, as well as with 14 different colors for your option. For some people, these kerosene lamps may be a too-small size for them. If you’re not preferable of a bigger size, this lamp could be it.
As a matter of fact, the lantern looks really nice and puts out a good amount of adjustable light. For whatever use you may have, decorative or practical, it works well.
| Brand / ASIN: | Northpoint / B004HWCWBW |
| Light Source: | 12 LED 150 LUMEN |
| Size: | 4.6 x 4.6 x 9.8 inches |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Power method: | Batteries operated |
| Features: | Dimmer switch, 17 color options |
4. Sunklly Solar LED Candle Lanterns for Garden
If you are not big fans of using batteries for lantern lights, this solar LED candle lantern can be your best choice. They can automatically collect energy from the sun and shine at night automatically as well. What an energy saver, environmental saver, and your bill saver! Most importantly, it adds up the ambiance of coziness for your balcony.
And, it’s with super easy installation! The individual clasp mechanism made it possible to hand select where you want your lanterns to go. Just imagine you hang these solar candle lights among the branches of a tree in your yard and they glow every night and scattered with no additional care. How warm is it!
What’s more, these little lights are not so bright and they flicker a bit, which gives them a more authentic “candle” look. The best thing is that you put them out, turn them on auto and forget about them. When dusk comes, they turn on all by themselves. When during a day, they turn off. Absolutely no maintenance at all, and they make it look like someone is home even when you aren’t.
| Brand / ASIN: | Sunklly / B07335M3W1 |
| Size: | 3.5” x 3.5” x 4.9” |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Color Temp: | 3000~3500k |
| Power method: | Solar Power |
| Features: | Build with automatic light sensor function |
5. Pearlstar Solar Hanging Lanterns with Auto Light Sensor
This is another type of solar decorative lantern from Pearlstar, what’s different is this one is made with a more cute appearance. Since it’s a little bit smaller in size, it’s easy to carry for some camping and outdoor activities. Although it’s smaller the brightness is good and goes a long way.
Hang these cute solar lanterns on a tree in front of your house, they can be a good decoration since the design of the lamps has an antique feeling. And they give a nice soft warm glow. It does bring a warm and cozy vibe to the environment. Looks great on the table, porch, tree, and even indoor.
Furthermore, these solar lanterns have a built-in auto light sensor, which can automatically light up at night and recharge during the day. And, the waterproof level is IP44, weather-resistant, which is suitable for outdoor operation too.
| Brand / ASIN: | Pearlstar / B07RPDQPVL |
| Size: | 5.51 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches |
| Material: | ABS Plastic |
| Color Temp: | Warm light |
| Power method: | Solar Power |
| Features: | Auto light sensor, Waterproof IP44 |
6. Wondise Singing Snow Globe Lantern with Music Play
Most of the decorative lanterns are designed beautifully and they give off very a warm glow, what if the lantern can also sing? Check out this singing snow globes lantern that can play Christmas music and glitter with artificial snow swirling around inside. It lights, and the glitter swirls and glistens with slights coloring, it will definitely entertain you.
This singing snow globes lantern features music and timer functions. There is a 3-way switch, On&Music, Off, and Timer. You have the option of leaving the lantern constantly turned on with music playing or using the timer function without music. On Timer position, the lantern will light without music for 6 hours and off for 18 hours, cycle every 24 hours.
What’s more, it can be used with batteries or with a USB charger. It’s not just a great gift idea but also a very beautiful lighted centerpiece that you or your friends will keep up all year.
| Brand / ASIN: | Wondise / B07X6MDGD2 |
| Size: | 4 x 4 x 12 inches |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Color Temp: | Warm light |
| Power method: | USB Plug-in & Battery Operated |
| Features: | Music play and Timer, USB or Battery powered |
7. TomCare Flickering Flame Outdoor Solar Candle Lantern
Another type of solar-powered candle lantern with a flickering flame. This one is made with a special dancing flame design, which looks like they have a fire flaming inside the lanterns from a short distance, making this lantern more attractive. The warm yellow glow creates a welcoming ambiance.
Besides, these solar decorative lanterns are made with metal body with a rustproof finish, it is durable for year-round use outside. They burn all night after a sunny day charge. Even though they are solar-powered, they are super bright.
Overall, this solar flickering flame lantern will be the best choice for an alternative candle. It gives off good illumination and is waterproof, easy to charge with sunlight and maintenance is nothing. If any quality issue, it’s with 45 days money back guarantee and 12 months warranty
| Brand / ASIN: | TomCare / B07QXRNWT2 |
| Size: | 4.7 x 4.7 x 8.3 inches |
| Material: | Metal |
| Color Temp: | Flame light |
| Power method: | Solar powered |
| Features: | Flickering Flame effect, Waterproof & Solar-powered |
8. Vela Lanterns Moroccan Decorative Candle Lantern Holder
If you want to add a little mystery or drama to your home, the Moroccan-style candle lanterns may just what you are looking for. This lantern already looks very beautiful by itself when hanging. And once you put candles in, it is simply amazing. They could be one of the best additions to your home decor.
Furthermore, these decorative lanterns are not just candlelight, they give a soft and lovely backlight to every representation piece you have chosen to give you a visual layout to a long and meaningful life. They add color, pattern, and an exotic global vibe to your patio or porch.
Well, the workmanship is beautiful. It’s a very sturdy build, not at all flimsy like some we’ve seen, and the glass is heavy and beautifully embellished. The panes of glass are mounted by metal clips similar to what is found on the back of most picture frames. The door secures well once closed. What’s more, it comes with chains that are about 1 ft with a hook at the end, so you don’t have to make a trip to the hardware store.
The construction of this lantern is made with metal and glass, which seems sturdier than most of the other decorative lanterns. In addition, the lantern can accommodate for 3″x3″ pillar candles. We suggest using candles no larger than 3 inches in diameter and also recommend a candle height of 4 inches for the best appearance.
| Brand / ASIN: | Vela Lanterns / B00FUAPL90 |
| Light Source: | LED candle or string lights |
| Size: | 4.25 x 3.75 x 10 inches |
| Material: | Iron metal |
| Power method: | None |
| Features: | Large access door, Beautiful patterns |
9. Kate Aspen Rustic Luminous Vintage Tea Light Candle Holders
If you’re looking for little lanterns, these mini tea light lanterns are just what you’ll need to order! They are the perfect centerpiece or decoration for vintage themed parties, weddings, or home decor. These little decorative lantern holders have a removable lid on top for easy access to tea light, you can either put a real candle inside or an artificial LED candle, though it’s included one already.
Secondly, these little candle lanterns holders are made out of sturdy and thoroughly painted metal, and the panes are real glass (you do have to be careful of the edges). They also come with real tealights, which you can replace with battery-operated tealights that are on a timer, or any other lights that you think will be beautiful.
They only give a small amount of light but have a quaint look and add a sweet cute touch to any decor. Overall, it’s perfect to use as table decor for your wedding and it will make a pretty wedding favor for your guests.
| Brand / ASIN: | Kate Aspen / B08TSVCBV8 |
| Light Source: | LED candle or string lights |
| Size: | 2.8 x 2.8 x 4.5 inches |
| Material: | Iron metal |
| Power method: | None |
| Features: | Removable lid, easy to use |
10. Kate Aspen Rustic Metal Candle Lantern Holder
This is an alternative white metal lantern holder to the mini tea light decorative lanterns, except it’s not pure white painted. It’s a more rustic touch with vintage distressed details, add a rustic sense of style for your home. And, it’s with 4 sizes available, Small, Medium, Large and Extra-large, so you can choose the favorite sizes for your wedding, birthday party or home decoration.
Similarly, this rustic lantern is also made with a metal body and glass for each side. And it’s also has a removable lid on top for easy access to tea light, it comes with a candle as well.
Besides the white color, it also has a blue painted color option. These 4 sizes of candle lanterns holders together could be a great table centerpiece and it’s perfect for inside wedding decor and for around the house.
| Brand / ASIN: | Kate Aspen / B07N1J5CR1 |
| Light Source: | LED candle or string lights |
| Size: | 3.2 x 3.2 x 6 inches |
| Material: | Iron metal |
| Power method: | None |
| Features: | Removable lid, easy to use |
Buyer’s Guide
From outdoor to indoor decoration, candle lanterns are a versatile way to elevate your space’s look and add character to the area. They can be both beautiful and practical, so whether you want to do the decoration for your home or add a little light to the path, these candle lanterns will not fail you.
What is Decorative Candle Lantern?
A decorative candle lantern is an ornamental or artistic enclosure that is primarily used for decorative purposes. It typically has a classic or stylish design and is made of materials like metal, glass, or wood, designed to hold a candle or a flameless LED candle. The lantern protects the candle flame from wind and also helps diffuse the light, creating a warm and cozy ambiance.
Decorative candle lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, ranging from traditional to modern designs. They often feature intricate patterns, cut-outs, or decorative elements that create interesting shadows and patterns when the candle is lit.
These candle lanterns are often used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of indoor or outdoor spaces. They can be placed on tabletops, mantels, shelves, or hung from hooks or branches to create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Decorative candle lanterns are popular for events, parties, weddings, or as a way to add a touch of warmth and charm to any space.
While they are primarily used for decorative purposes, it’s important to exercise caution when using real candles in lanterns. Always follow safety guidelines and never leave a lit candle unattended. Alternatively, LED flameless candles can be used to achieve a similar effect without the risk of an open flame.
How To Decorate Your Home With Candle Lanterns?
There are many ways to adorn your home or give your place a festive theme with these decorative candle lanterns. For example, you can put the lanterns on the tabletop and entryways or hang them amongst the branches of trees. Either way, it will definitely elevate your space’s look.
#1 Put the lanterns on tabletops, entryways, or mantels
Needless to say, tabletops, entryways, and mantels are the perfect places to pair with candle lanterns. A table with one unique lantern can create a focal point, and it will be another beautiful landscape if you put multiple different sizes of lanterns together.
When during the holidays, you can group the LED candle lanterns with flickering flame effect in an entryway, this could be pretty appealing and you will also get compliments from the guest who’re entering your house.
And arranging lanterns on top of a mantel or surround it around provides a very warm feeling in winter when you’re not using the fireplace. You can choose lanterns with similar designs or colors to coordinate with your home style.
#2 Hang the lanterns from the ceiling, wall, or outdoor among the branches of trees
Every candle lantern is designed with a hook for a hanging option, so you can use it to hang them on the wall as art, when the night comes, the wall will turn into a beautiful image with a soft flicker of light shining.
You can also hang them outdoor for decoration. Whether it’s a casual outdoor dining area or having a cookout, hang these candle lanterns among the branches of trees or hang them from your outdoor umbrellas, this would look especially beautiful at night!
To avoid a collision, when using the lanterns as hanging decorations, make sure candle lanterns are hung in areas free from foot traffic, such as the corner of a room or around the perimeter of a yard or patio.
#3 Floor Standing Candle Lanterns Decoration
Since candle lanterns come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, you can choose an oversized floor standing lantern to collocate with your space. They will be a perfect accessory for floor areas, by resting in the middle of your table or beside a sofa area.
And, if you want your living room to glow from soft lights placed nearly everywhere, you can mix lanterns with different sizes, pair a larger candle lantern with a smaller one to add depth and variety. They can look just as great on the floor as they do on a table or console.
How to Choose the Best Decorative Candle Lanterns?
Now you learn that candle lanterns are truly versatile home decor, it accentuates your space and turns it into a focal point. But they come in a wide variety of styles, so how to choose the best candle lanterns to fit your lifestyle? Read on and you will find the answer.
- Material and Quality
Some decorative candle lanterns are made of rustic wood construction, while others are made from metal such as brushed nickel, brass, or wrought iron. Now, most of the suppliers also offer plastic material that looks like real metal if you don’t see it closely. Each kind of material has its own character and quality, it’s hard to say which one is better. But you can choose the one with the color and design that match your home accessory, such as furniture, marble floor, wooden door, hardware, etc, to make sure they coordinate with the styles in your room or outdoor area.
- Size
The lanterns could be in various sizes from mini, medium, large to extra-large, etc, choose a lantern that’s proportionate to the space. Some oversized decorative floor-standing lanterns could size up to 25 inches tall, while some mini tabletop lanterns are just 4 inches tall. As it’s hard to estimate how large is it just see from the product photos, so always read the size info before purchasing. In this way, you can make sure the room can accommodate the lantern appropriately and doesn’t look awkward.
- Indoor or outdoor
Candle lanterns can be used indoors or outdoors. If you’re taking it for indoor decoration, it will be fine. But if you want to apply it to outdoor decoration, make sure it’s water-resistant, shatterproof, and durable material, so it can withstand the harsh environment outdoors and survive a long time. Candle lanterns for outdoor application should be at least designed with IP54 level and adopted with durable metal materials. Plastic material is not recommended, as it’s easily broken after a long time of sun exposure.
- Power source
Depending on your lantern type, they can be USB-powered, solar-powered, or run on AA batteries. USB-powered is the most convenient method since it’s with a built-in battery, therefore when it runs out of power, it can be easily recharged. But if your device is operated by AAA batteries, every time you need to refill a new one when the battery is dead, and also not good for the environment. As for the solar-powered type, it’s the most energy-saving one because it does not cost any electricity, as long as the sun is shining, the lantern can have an endless power source.
- Installation methods
Installation for candle lanterns is pretty simple, they are portable and require no hardwiring, just place it on any stable surface or floor that you think would look great with it. But if you want to hang it on the ceiling or wall, you need to add sturdy ribbon, decorative chain, or wire. You also may install brackets on your walls to support them. If you’re going with the hanging installation, make sure the hanging hook or wall bracket can hold the gross weight of the candle lantern.
What’s the Difference between Candle Lantern and Candle Lantern Holder?
Decorative candle lanterns are normally with an artificial LED candle inside, when it’s on, it will instantly add glamour to any room. And they’re in integrated design, used as a lantern-style light fixture, sometimes you can not replace the light source when it stops working. However, if you want to DIY your own lanterns, or repurpose your lanterns for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Halloween, candle lantern holders will be the best option.
Candle lantern holders are with an open door or removable lid for easy access to the candle. You can put either LED candles or real wax candles in it, or fill it with fairy lights for any special occasion.
Besides, instead of candles, you can fill them with collections of tiny pumpkins and other gourds and use them as centerpieces for an outdoor buffet table. If it’s Christmas, you can also fill the lanterns with a collection of colorful Christmas balls, and place them outside the front door to cheerfully welcome guests to celebrate the season.
Whether it’s a candle lantern or a candle lantern holder, they both produce a warm and appealing atmosphere.
Conclusion
If you’ve exhausted the ideas of decorating your home or backyard, we hope this post can give you a little tip. And, take advantage of the versatility of decorative candle lanterns, you will never know what a beautiful motif can be created by yourself.
Disclosure: We independently select these products and we only recommend products that are of good quality and utility. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
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I want to get some decorative lanterns for my home. I didn’t know that there were so many different kinds! It makes sense that I would want to find one that matches the look of my home.
Thanks for pointing out that we could hang candle lanterns outdoors for decoration. As you said, it would be perfect for outdoor dining or when you have a cookout. I will definitely buy outdoor candle lanterns because of that. It will be perfect for the celebration of our anniversary this coming July, so I will surprise my husband this time.
Thanks for the info about candle lanterns. I want new lighting for my patio. I’ll think about getting outdoor candle lanterns for my home.