Guide
Atmospheric outdoor lighting: pulling the plug on tangled cables
by Pia Seidel
Create atmospheric lighting indoors and outdoors with these 9 pretty lanterns
21.8.2025
Translation: Katherine Martin
Candle lanterns bathe your indoor and outdoor spaces in warm, inviting light. They’re versatile and available in various designs.
Add soft, flickering candlelight to a balmy summer evening and there’ll suddenly be magic in the air. Whether you want a lantern for a romantic dinner or a chilled-out evening on the balcony, these nine favourites of mine create the perfect atmosphere.
1. Fair and square
Black, simple and sturdy, House Nordic’s Almonte lantern is an all-rounder. At 30 centimetres high, it’s equally well suited to being placed on a sideboard or the floor. With its metal handle, you can easily move it to wherever you need light.
Its combination of glass and metal makes it robust, but bear in mind that it’s not big on rain. If you’re planning on putting larger candles inside it, it might get a little cramped.
2. A natural beauty
This bamboo lantern injects a relaxed, boho vibe into your home or garden. With a height of 38 centimetres and a diameter of 21 centimetres, it stands out without seeming too dominant. The braided jute handle makes it easy to move while also giving it that certain «je ne sais quoi». A glass insert keeps the candles held securely in place. Practical and pretty at the same time, right?
And here’s an extra little tip for you. Since the material’s sensitive to weather, you’d better take it inside if it rains.
3. Scandi chic in any situation
Broste Copenhagen’s Perle lantern impresses with its bamboo frame and matt, reddish glass. Pop a tea light or small candle inside, and its glow will just scream sofa, snacks and Netflix.
The matt glass looks classy, but requires a bit of care (hello fingerprints!). Still, the effort of regular polishing is worth it for such a timeless design, isn’t it?
4. Slim, simple, stunning
Acorn by Eva Solo is the epitome of understatement: clear glass, powder-coated metal and a look that goes with anything. If you don’t like green, there’s also a grey version.
The glass really lets the candlelight shine, as long as a rain shower doesn’t come along to put a damper on things. Granted, if you use large, wax candles, it’ll be a tight squeeze. However, if you use tea lights or small pillar candles, the lantern will do exactly what it’s supposed to: give off light and set the mood.
Its powder-coated steel material also makes it weatherproof. If you prefer an eye-catching look, however, the Lyva might be a little too unassuming for you.
6. For a calming vibe
«Abri» is the French word for «shelter», which is quite fitting when you look at this lantern. There’s a sense of calm to its curved lid, frosted glass and powder-coated stainless steel. Colour-wise, it comes in beige or black.
Just be aware that frosted glass absorbs light. So if it’s a super-bright light you’re after, you won’t be completely happy with the Abri.
The lantern’s only downside is that the large version’s 35 centimetres high, meaning it takes up quite a bit of space. Adding it to a tiny balcony might be a tad ambitious.
8. Pure Scandi
These Holmegaard lanterns are Scandinavian to a tee. Maria Berndtsen’s design combines minimalist elements with rustic leather handles – an attention-grabbing mix of materials. The grey and transparent versions blend into their surroundings, chameleon-style.
On the flipside, iron and moisture aren’t exactly a match made in heaven. So be careful if you’re using one of these lanterns outside.
9. Wire mesh
This House Doctor lantern is the dictionary definition of the word «vibes». Combine it with a chunky pillar candle or several tea lights, and it’ll give you instant atmosphere. On account of its size, it’s not ideal for the dining table. However, it’s perfect for the floor or from a tree or wall.
Iron doesn’t do well with long-term exposure to moisture, so you’d best not leave the lantern out in the rain.
Header image: House Doctor
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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