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The 6 Best Outdoor Lanterns You Need to Know About

Outdoor season is here. Whether you prefer using your outdoor space to entertain parties or as a quiet space to enjoy by yourself, there’s nothing quite like the warm sun’s rays to fuel your days – and the fuel doesn’t have to stop when the sun sets. Each of these lantern sets is designed to keep your backyard or patio glowing after dark; snag one for yourself to add instant style and function to your al fresco aesthetic.

Best Overall

1. 10 Inch Metal Wood Lantern

Size: 8”W x 8”D x 10”H

Pros: Fits any style

Cons: A bit on the smaller side

Why You’ll Love It: It’s compact, a plus for a small backyard corner or table that needs just a little more added light to function. Unlighted, this works as a table accessory in contemporary, rustic, farmhouse and traditional backyard settings (or on a front porch step). The hinged handle adds extra convenience for carrying. The best feature, though, is the collection as a whole: get the companion 14-inch lantern to create a matching set.

2. 18 Inch Iron Cage Lantern

Size: 9.5”W x 9.5”D x 18”H

Pros: Domed shape

Cons: Targeted to rustic/farmhouse

Why You’ll Love It: This 18 inch iron cage lantern looks like something you would score antiquing: the vintage crossed lines, galvanized metal aesthetic and wood material contrast bring home 19th century vibes. The size doesn’t hurt, either: a height of 18 inches just gives the light more room to spread around, perfect for backyards that need an incandescent push. Buy one for ever corner of your backyard or to bookend an outdoor dining table for al fresco parties that linger after sunset.

Best Rechargeable Outdoor Lantern

3. Cordless Dimmable Lantern

Size: 11”W x 11”D x 24”H

Pros: Rechargeable

Cons: Costs more than the simpler versions

Why You’ll Love It: This outdoor lantern has it all in terms of looks and tech. The host with an eye for style will love the sleek, cylindrical shape that’s as on brand for 2022 design as it gets. A matte white surface softens the light inside, creating ambient mood lighting that’s still functional enough to read by. The light connectivity type is plugin, so you will need a nearby outlet to keep it powered on. In terms of convenience, the rechargeable function, LED bulb and dimmer takes this lantern to “10/10 would recommend.” (The dimmer makes setting an outdoor scene as bright or dim as you want a cinch!)

4. Oval Lantern With Rechargeable Bulb

Size: 13”W x 13”D x 26”H

Pros: Large

Cons: Costs more than the simpler versions

Why You’ll Love It: This lantern looks dainty thanks to a rounded top, spindle legs and woven frame, but let not your eyes be fooled! Crafty engineering means durable framework – of the kind that won’t topple over at the slightest breeze. A rechargeable bulb makes keeping the lights on one-and-done (no batteries means no hassle). The dimmable feature allows you to customize the mood for every occasion, even long after sunset. And while this one is made for outdoors, its chic woven frame and balled feet make it 2022-chic and cute enough to style inside the home, as well.

Most Unique

5. Woven Fluted Lantern

Size: 15”W x 15”D x 28”H

Pros: Unique shape

Cons: Shape can be tricky to style around

Why You’ll Love It: The shape of this fluted cordless lamp is what makes it stand away from the crowd; the interesting texture, caged surface and abbreviated legs are what keep it there. Use this to take your backyard from backyard to high-style retreat. At 28 inches tall, it’s also got height going for it: anything tall and slender (this lantern included!) casts an illusory effect that makes small spaces seem bigger – by drawing the eye upward. Rechargeable bulb, cordless design and dimmable lighting are added pluses.

6. Clay Star Orb Matte White Lantern

Size: 12”W x 12”D x 11”H

Pros: Clay sphere with cutout stars provides decorative accent

Cons: Shaped lighting means less overall light than traditional lanterns

Why You’ll Love It: This alternative spherical lantern, also available in dark grey, portrays light through shaped holes, so that light emits out as stars. It’s just as romantic as it sound – get it for a starry, starry night out in the backyard!

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.