Lanterns have brought light and comfort into homes for centuries. Their timeless appearance and functionality have carried them through history as an enduring design favorite. And while the advent of electricity has long replaced the necessity of open flames in the home, lanterns have taken on a new domestic presence. Appearing in traditional kitchens, charming dining spaces and welcoming entrances, lanterns cast warm ambient light in every space.Â
Lanterns are catching the eye of homeowners and designers alike. Interior designer Christie Lewis favors the unique luminescence for its ability to create a sense of nostalgia and homeyness. “They contribute to the soul of a home,” she says. Placing a flickering light source in a foyer adds a guaranteed comfort to the space, but Lewis notes a rising trend of placing lanterns in unexpected places. “For example, using wall lanterns to flank a range in a kitchen or on each side of a mirror in a half bathroom. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box,” she says.Â
Among the many styles of lanterns, homeowners must also choose between gas and electric versions. Gas lanterns emit a constant flame, making them much pricier than an electric fixture. “A general rule of thumb is to plan on $10 per gas lantern each month,” says Lewis. Despite the added cost, the level of charm achieved is truly unbeatable. “Gas lanterns add an element of elegance and nostalgia… they make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time,” Lewis says.Â
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