I included some photos of the oil lanterns we have hanging on our sun porch last week and thought I’d follow up with some night shots. They make that space so cozy — it’s one of my favorite places to be when the weather is comfortable.
We’ve had these particular ones for a couple of years. I found them at KMart when I used to frequent the Martha Stewart Collection. These are not Martha Stewart and I’ve since seen them in other stores. Some are actual oil lamps while others are designed to look like oil lamps but are actually meant for a pillar candle or votive.
Depending on the amount of light you are going for, all are great options. I really like the larger flame that comes off the thick cotton wick in the oil lamp.
I will caution you to avoid the citronella oils. It sounds like a good idea — and it is, for Tiki torches — but not for lanterns. The citronella oils are intended to smoke and the lanterns are not designed for that. The ash builds up in the lantern and creates an enormous mess!
Of course that’s not an issue if you opt for an electrical version. Here are few online sources for hard-wired lanterns with a similar aesthetic (have I used that word twice in two days already?):
Pottery Barn Kids — Fisherman Lamps (ceiling or sconce)
Lowes — Hanging Lantern (ceiling or sconce)
Lowes — Small Lantern Lamp
Shades of Light — Bronze Beacon Lantern
Circa Lighting — Marine Flush Mount
We’ll leave the light on…
Tags: oil lanterns, outdoor living, sun porch