Decorating With Lanterns For Rustic Warmth

When it comes to rustic decorating accents, you can’t go wrong with some type of antique. The warmth and character of vintage items automatically gives a space a nice amount of rustic charm. One of my favorite antiques to decorate with has to be old lanterns. Even if the lanterns aren’t lit, you can imagine the warm glow that has come from them in the past. Decorating with lanterns can be as simple as displaying one on a hook or a table. However, you can also add a little something to the lanterns for holidays or special occasions.

Inspiration For Decorating With Lanterns

The following ideas for lantern display will help to provide some inspiration for decorating.

Simply Hang An Old Lantern

decorating with lanterns
SOURCE: A Beach Cottage

Because most old lanterns have a handle for hanging, they are easy to display on a hook or a knob. I love how this blue lantern coordinates with the old door. This idea could be done both indoors and out. If you incorporate an old door inside your home, an old lantern can enhance the rustic look.

decorating with lanterns indoors

You can also display an old lantern with other antiques. Hang your favorites from a rack with several hooks. It would also be fun to just hang several types of old lanterns together.

I should also point out that sometimes you may find an old lantern that is missing the glass globe. My lantern, above, was missing the globe so I purchased a replacement globe. Instead of going with clear glass, I opted to buy red to add a little color.

Display An Old Lantern In A Vignette

decorating with lanterns

Old lanterns coordinate easily with a lot of other decor. Display a lantern on a table or shelf with some of your other favorite items.

red lantern decor
SOURCE: Aiken House And Gardens

If you have a colored lantern, it can be especially fun to display with coordinating decor. I love this red lantern because of the holiday possibilities. Think Valentines Day and Christmas!

Fill A Vintage Lantern With A String Of Lights

vintage lantern filled with lights
SOURCE: Porch Sitting Time

If you want to add a warm glow to your lantern display, simply fill one with battery operated string lights. You get the feel of a burning lantern without worrying about watching the flame.

SHOP BATTERY OPERATED LIGHTS

Incorporate A Lantern Into A Rustic Centerpiece

decorating with lanterns at Christmas
SOURCE: Funky Junk Interiors

I love using lanterns in centerpieces, especially at Christmas. This lantern no longer has the globe but a few Christmas ornaments fill the space nicely.

Fill A Vintage Inspired Lantern With Candles

lantern decor with candles
SOURCE: Worthington Court

If you don’t have an antique lantern, you can still get the warm look with a vintage inspired style. These lanterns are great for filling with plants or candles.

SHOP VINTAGE LANTERN

For more fun ideas to decorate with antiques, check out decorating with vintage treasures.

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Creating rustic styling on a budget by giving new life to old things and using the beauty that is already found in nature. Read more about me.
4 comments
  1. “that once lit the way for a man hard at work”? Lots of women have worked by lanterns as well 🙂

  2. I have three of lamps that are similar to the above. What do you pay for similar models.

  3. Hi there, I love lanterns! I actually just got two at a thrift store yesterday! Curious they are a copperish color and I’d lke to make them a shabby chic white! What do you suggest? Thanks laura

    1. I would probably paint it with enamel paint and then once it was dry sand it off lightly in parts so that some of the coppery color showed through. This would give it an aged look but also give you your white.

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