For walkway or sidewalk lighting, you can find many electric or solar powered decorative copper lanterns. These have stakes that are placed into the ground, and the actual lighting fixture on stands above the ground about two feet. These are a great way to light a path intended for walking, and will prove to be a great aid for that path when the sun sets.

For higher lighting, you can consider an outdoor copper lantern in the post style. These stand approximately five to six feet tall, and can have a single light, or can be lit with multiple lights, commonly three to five. These are electric, so the install may be more difficult, but worth it, as the post lantern can serve as a main light for your outdoor area.

For added appeal and romantic ambiance, you may consider use of the copper candle lantern. These can be used in a variety of ways, as they are very mobile because of there small size. Copper candle lanterns can be placed on tables for lighting in dim spaces on your patio or deck. You could also use them as a wall lantern by hanging them on the side of an outdoor structure, such as your home or a storage shed.

Another idea is to use hooks intended to hand plants from, but instead use the lanterns to hang from them. This is a quick and easy way to get areas lit in your yard that were lacking light before. This is a great idea as well if you are planning to have people over to entertain.

Lanterns can give a wide open space a cozy feel, especially when the finish is copper. Candles light or electric lighting can give of two separate feelings to a space, so a great plan would be to use a mixture of both.  The powered lights would be good all-the-time lighting, while the copper lanterns for candles will make a great accent lighting, whenever you need it. The best thing about the use of decorative lanterns is their inexpensive cost, even for main lighting. They are readily sold anywhere as well.

Types of Copper Lanterns

Like many things, these beautiful sources of light and décor typically come in both classically traditional and modern styles.  They commonly employ propane or natural gas, but work equally as well on electricity.  A particularly common style includes the French Quarter-inspired design—it incorporates the V-style, geometric look so commonly found on Bourbon Street. The thing that makes this style one of the most prominent is the tall flame inside, which can also be adjusted to fit the wishes of the owner.

Some modern lanterns resemble more of a vertical-rectangle than anything else. Think of the soundproof, glass enclosures people are sometimes put in—and add copper edging and you will get the idea. A Tudor style lantern is remarkably elegant—hanging from a J-Like copper hook and having copper cross-sectional lines on top of the class lend a sensationally timeless look to these lanterns (considered more traditional).

Not only do these items add an abundance of style and charm to any home or business, they also provide efficient lighting that is not overbearing, yet that is not too dim either (unless you choose to dim the flame, of course). Quite often, you will see them mounted on posts (e.g. around driveways, street corners and in outside nicer hotels and restaurants).  These bring back quintessential memories of old foggy London streets and mysterious country chateaus.

What to Look For

Top sellers include the weathered-looked, glass pane, the mission-style sconce, green-copper colored encrusted traditional styles and rustic bronze classical lanterns that come with special hooks for tree limb hanging.  The coachman style of the old English is also highly popular among residents, antique shops and quaint, sleepy lodges.

Copper lanterns are generally mixed with other metals and materials to make attractive, functional and durable fixtures.  Popular color/texture combinations are antique copper, antique copper, dark copper, acid-washed brass copper and antique brass.  The differences may seem a bit minimal at first glance, but choosing the right copper alloy and style is essential for coordinating with other elements (e.g. walkways, entryways, mailboxes, etc).

There is a penetrating romanticism about candle lights. Perhaps when you think of a “copper candle lantern” you see Paul Revere hanging them at the old Boston church. If using copper candle lanterns as an interior piece, they will certainly bring out a certain old-world charm in any space. A pair of them, for example, would look spectacularly good above any fireplace.  As an outdoor fixture, polished brass candle holders will do miracles in gracing your home.  Also, think about what you can do with candle-powered lanterns that hang from tree limbs while entertaining, or maybe you just want to make your yard stand out among the neighbors’. Have a deck? Position a few silver or rustic-brass lanterns around it—the same can be done with a patio of course, too.

Speaking of copper, what an attractive and durable material it is! Copper is what is known as a “ductile metal”. In the case of domestic tools, such as candle lanterns, it is almost always copper and other metals—or an alloy. The ancient Romans were the first to use copper as part of an alloy to make all sorts of crafts, tools and decorations. However, I digress back to the common copper candle-lit lanterns.

The list of uses and functions of candlelight lanterns goes on and on. A garden lined with them will look especially magical at dawn and at night.  Being showy is not the lanterns only feat- no; they also serve to hold insect-repelling candles that keep insects at bay. Copper gas lanterns can be used to light and accent dark walkways and entrances, and even provide an electric-free alternative when there is a storm brooding and the power goes out.  Of course, these are only but a few ideas for candle lanterns. 

They also perfect for camping and other recreational activities away from your home. Have a few strategically placed lamps for extra light (around a campground, around the tent, inside the tent, etc.) and hang a couple of copper lanterns with insect-repelling candles inside.

You can match your wall lantern(s) to your home’s interior and exterior designs. If your home has a contemporary or a classical design, an aged copper wall lantern would enhance the look and add an old world feel. They look great if hung on both sides of a hardwood entrance door and frame. Other designs that will also look great are lanterns made from wrought iron with Victorian inspired designs. You can choose either clear or frosted glass and choose to use either yellow or white light bulbs.

Some people think that wall hung lanterns are not for modern homes. However, there are many designs that are suitable for modern homes or homes that have a minimalistic design. Another popular model is a black lantern with a frosted glass case, which also happens to contain copper accents. They provide the perfect illumination and the design is very simple it does not overwhelm the design of the door and the whole patio.

If your house has an oriental design, you can also choose to install Asian inspired lanterns on your homes exterior. These lanterns are reminiscent of ancient China or Japan. To add a more exquisite detail to the patio, you can purchase wall hanging lanterns that are made of wood and recycled paper just like the ones used in spas and resorts. These will not only provide warm and sufficient light but will also give a feeling of Zen.

The choice is endless. With all the copper lanterns and other various designs available, you will sure find one that will suit your preference and budget.

Copper lanterns made in the post style are very versatile and will not only illuminate your patio, backyard, or garden, but will also give an old world feel to the space, adding beauty to the area. These outdoor copper post lanterns are safe to use and you do not need to worry about rain or snow. They are often enclosed in a glass case and they have their electric power source and attachment on the ground. Unlike other lighting fixtures, they can easily be installed anywhere you like and they do not need a roof to protect them.

Other than homes, you will also see these lampposts in streets, amusement parks, hotels, and family parks. Prices range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands depending on the quality and the materials that are used such as materials for the lamp and the type of light bulb. If you want to have copper lanterns installed in your backyard, you can search online for companies that sell and install the lampposts. Since wiring and installation is a complex process, you want to have it done by a professional. This is to make sure that they are installed properly.