Patio Lanterns

Patio lanterns come in many different styles and are lit by many types of sources. They can be electric, solar, gel burners or candles. The source of light will depend on how bright a light is needed for it's intended use. Lanterns, of any style, offer a more rustic and natural scene. They are a nice addition to any other type and source of light. If using a source other than electricity, they can be placed anywhere to create a mood or enhance a specific theme. They come in several different types of material such as plastic, tin, copper, wrought iron and stainless steal. The below photo is a tea light lantern I use for garden decoration.

I like to place a tea light lantern in each garden bed throughout my yard to create a dramatic effect when entertaining guests. I like the sense of the natural style they provide and I prefer a lantern with a rust finish. They are virtually unaffected by the wind since they are fully enclosed and have only small vents to allow the heat to escape.

Lanterns can be even more dramatic if an old world style is used and a flicker bulb is added. The flickering bulb appears to be an old style kerosene lantern. Of coarse this would require that the lantern is supplied with electricity.

There are so many types and styles of patio lanterns to choose from it may be difficult. First decide what location they will be placed, then choose the source of light you require and finally pick a style from within that source. What ever the style or light source, lanterns offer a visually appealing source of light and decoration.