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Outdoor lighting does more than brighten your entryway. It sets the tone, highlights architectural details, and adds curb appeal. Among the most effective and timeless choices are outdoor hanging lanterns.
Whether you’re updating your porch or planning a new patio, the right lantern style makes a big difference. From vintage and rustic designs to modern and minimalist fixtures, each one offers its own look and lighting effect.
In this guide, you’ll learn how different lantern styles, materials, and shapes complement various home types. We’ll also cover where to place them, how to choose the right size, and what to consider for long-term use outdoors.
What Are Outdoor Hanging Lanterns?
Outdoor hanging lanterns are suspended light fixtures installed in covered exterior spaces like porches, patios, and pergolas. Unlike flush-mount or wall-mounted lights, they hang from a chain or rod, adding height, visual interest, and ambiance to a home's exterior.
These lanterns serve a dual purpose: they provide necessary lighting near entry points and contribute to the architectural style of the home. Whether illuminating a colonial front porch or a modern outdoor seating area, their presence sets the tone for your entire exterior.
Because they're used outdoors, these fixtures are built with weather-resistant materials and designed to handle moisture, temperature changes, and long-term exposure. Styles vary widely, making it easy to find one that matches the look and feel of your home.
Classic Lantern Styles and Where They Work Best
Classic outdoor hanging lanterns draw from historical architecture and timeless design details. These styles work especially well with traditional or transitional homes, adding warmth, balance, and a sense of permanence to your entry or patio.
Colonial and Traditional Lanterns
- Features: Symmetrical shapes, beveled glass, black or bronze metal finishes
- Best for: Brick exteriors, colonial revival homes, historic restorations
- Lighting effect: Clear glass offers bright, defined light for front entries
Farmhouse Style Lanterns
- Features: Matte black or oil-rubbed bronze frames, seeded or clear glass, clean lines
- Best for: White siding homes, board and batten exteriors, covered porches
- Lighting effect: Soft but structured lighting that complements rustic simplicity
Rustic Outdoor Lanterns
- Features: Weathered or antique finishes, curved arms, lantern-inspired shapes
- Best for: Stonework facades, craftsman homes, cabins, or lodge-style properties
- Lighting effect: Diffused light with warm tones, often paired with Edison bulbs
These styles are about more than looks. Their finishes, glass types, and proportions contribute to how they illuminate your space, and how well they complement your home’s architecture.
Modern and Contemporary Lantern Styles and How to Match Them to Your Architecture
While classic lanterns lean on tradition, modern and contemporary styles take a more streamlined, architectural approach. These fixtures focus on clean lines, bold geometry, and minimalist finishes that complement newer homes and renovated exteriors.
Modern Hanging Lanterns
- Features: Sharp angles, rectangular frames, neutral finishes like matte black or brushed nickel
- Best for: New construction homes, mid-century modern, and minimalist exteriors
- Architectural pairings: Smooth stucco, metal siding, or concrete facades
- Tip: Use multiple matching fixtures to create symmetry and clean sightlines
Industrial Hanging Lights
- Features: Exposed bulbs, wire cages, galvanized steel or aged metal finishes
- Best for: Urban loft-inspired homes, brick exteriors, or transitional designs with edge
- Architectural pairings: Dark trim, steel accents, reclaimed wood elements
Transitional Lantern Styles
- Features: A blend of old and new — traditional silhouettes with updated finishes
- Best for: Homes that mix vintage and contemporary elements
- Architectural pairings: Painted brick, mixed siding, or remodeled historic homes
No matter your exterior, there's a modern or transitional option that adds personality without overwhelming the space. You can explore a curated selection of modern and transitional outdoor hanging lanterns in our outdoor lighting collection.
Materials, Finishes, and Design Features That Matter
When choosing an outdoor hanging lantern, the materials and finishes matter just as much as the style. These fixtures are exposed to sun, wind, and moisture, so durability and design go hand in hand.
Weather-Resistant Materials
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Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, great for humid or coastal climates
- Brass: Strong and timeless, often develops a natural patina over time
- Stainless Steel: Sleek and modern, with high resistance to corrosion
- Galvanized Steel: Popular for rustic and industrial looks, may need more maintenance in harsher weather
Glass Types and Lighting Effects
- Clear glass: Creates bright, direct illumination and works well with decorative bulbs
- Frosted glass: Softens the glow and reduces glare
- Seeded glass: Adds visual texture and fits well with farmhouse or transitional styles
Finish Considerations
- Powder-coated finishes help protect against fading and chipping
- Dark finishes like matte black or oil-rubbed bronze hide wear and dust
- Lighter finishes can brighten shaded entries or covered patios
Choosing the right materials helps your lantern maintain its appearance and function over time with less maintenance and better overall performance.
Decorative and Functional Benefits of Hanging Lanterns
Outdoor hanging lanterns bring more than just light to your space. They add dimension, improve visibility, and help define the overall style of your home’s exterior.
Design and Style Impact:
A well-placed hanging lantern can act as a statement piece near your entryway or patio. It draws the eye upward, softens flat facades, and complements architectural elements like doors, columns, and trim.
Functional Lighting Where It Matters:
These fixtures help illuminate porches, covered patios, and walkways with targeted, comfortable light. They're especially useful for evening curb appeal and can create a welcoming mood near front entries or outdoor seating areas.
Layered Lighting and Curb Appeal:
Outdoor hanging lanterns work well with wall sconces, landscape lighting, and recessed porch lights. Together, they create a layered effect that boosts visibility, adds character, and increases perceived home value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Hanging Lanterns
Q: What style of outdoor lantern works best with a brick exterior?
A: Traditional and colonial-style lanterns pair well with brick homes. Look for black or bronze finishes with clear or beveled glass to complement the rich texture of the brick.
Q: Can I use industrial-style outdoor lights on a modern farmhouse?
A: Yes. Industrial hanging lanterns can complement modern farmhouse exteriors when paired with the right materials. Choose fixtures with a matte black or galvanized finish and keep the design clean to avoid visual conflict.
Q: Are outdoor hanging lanterns suitable for side entries or garage doors?
A: They can be, depending on the architecture and clearance. For covered side entries or breezeways, a small-scale lantern can add style and light. For garages, wall-mounted fixtures are usually more practical, but pendant-style lights may work for covered drive-throughs or extended overhangs.
Q: How do I match lantern size to my home's proportions?
A: Match the fixture height to roughly one-third to one-quarter of your doorway. For homes with tall ceilings or double-door entrances, slightly larger lanterns help maintain visual balance.
Q: Can I mix hanging lantern styles across different outdoor areas?
A: You can mix styles, as long as they share similar finishes or design elements. For example, pair a clean-lined modern pendant at the back patio with a transitional lantern at the front entry to maintain visual harmony.
Find the Right Hanging Lantern for Your Home
Whether your home leans traditional, rustic, or modern, there’s an outdoor hanging lantern that can elevate its look and function. From selecting the right material and finish to matching styles with your exterior design, the right fixture helps create a warm, welcoming space that shines day and night.
At FLC Select, we offer a curated selection of outdoor hanging lanterns designed for every style and setting. Our collection includes farmhouse, transitional, industrial, and contemporary looks — all crafted with durability and outdoor performance in mind.
Not sure which one fits your space?
Our team is here to help with product recommendations or design advice.