Lantern Ideas for Everyday Decor
Looking for creative lantern decor ideas to brighten up your space every day?
Lantern Ideas
Whenever I visit the market with Carrie, I’m always on the lookout for creative lantern decor ideas. During my recent trip to the Dallas Market, I snapped some inspiring photos of beautiful lantern displays. Most of these came from the RAZ, Direct Export, and Regency showrooms, showcasing a variety of styles perfect for everyday decor. Here are a few of my favorites!
Simple Classic Lanterns
I love lanterns with smooth, clean lines—no excess, just timeless style! These black metal lanterns are a favorite of mine because they’re perfect for year-round decorating. Their simple design makes them easy to dress up for any season or holiday.
A simple way to elevate your lantern display is by grouping lanterns of different heights together. Instead of placing one at each end of a table, try arranging them side by side for a more cohesive look. To create balance, add a lower-height element—like a floral arrangement—on the opposite side. This way, the display flows naturally from high to low, creating a visually appealing arrangement.
The first black lantern features an open style, while the one above has glass sides and is open at the top. I really like the washed or distressed finish of the black—it adds a nice touch of character. However, lanterns with glass sides can be a bit limiting when it comes to decorating. It’s often nice to have the freedom to place florals or other decorations inside that can extend out from the sides or top, allowing for more creative expression.
The yellow flowers really pop in this lantern, adding a bright and cheerful touch! While the background is a bit busy, you can still see the open sides and top of the lantern. The battery candle is placed inside a clear vase, giving it a polished look. The yellow floral accent is likely just a simple candle ring, but it makes a big impact with minimal effort.
Farmhouse-Style Lanterns
No list of everyday lantern ideas would be complete without farmhouse-style lanterns! Despite evolving trends, farmhouse decor is here to stay. But let’s be clear—farmhouse style isn’t just about apple-topped canisters and ruffled curtains!
To me, it’s more about creating a warm, simple, and comfortable space. It’s a timeless, lived-in style that feels inviting and effortless—perfect for real families and everyday life.
These lanterns have a charming, milk-bucket-inspired design with a round handle on top and a beautifully distressed finish. They bring a rustic, farmhouse feel that’s both simple and stylish. Now, I have to say—I’m not completely sold on the rolled-up pages inside. Something about paper next to candles, even if they’re battery-operated, just feels a little risky (or maybe it’s just my overactive imagination!). 😅
These everyday lanterns definitely lean into a country style with their chicken wire and little bird accents on top. And check out the tray of chick eggs in the background—even a few feathers for that extra farmhouse touch!
Now, as someone who actually grew up on a farm, I can appreciate the charm. We had cotton fields, cows, a barn, and chicken houses. I worked in the fields, gathered eggs, and picked more cotton than I ever care to again! 😆 While I may be done with farm chores, I’ll always love a good farmhouse-inspired lantern!
While the lantern with the eggs definitely gives off a bit of an Easter vibe, it hits a little too close to home for me—way too reminiscent of farm work! 😆 I’ll take the farmhouse style, but I’ll gladly pass on the egg gathering!
Wood Lanterns
Wood lanterns, whether they have glass or not, always have a cozy, inviting feel. They come in a variety of finishes—white, antique tones, and natural wood—each adding warmth and charm to any space. No matter the color or style, you just can’t go wrong with a classic wood lantern!
I love the wide expanse of glass on these lanterns—whatever you fill them with will be beautifully showcased and stand out perfectly. The natural wood color is also a great choice since it blends effortlessly with almost any decor style.
Speaking of rustic lanterns, I once featured a rustic Christmas tree that incorporated decorated lanterns. Check out how the lanterns were hanging in the video! The link is below.
This is a great example of a white-washed lantern with open sides, giving it a light and airy feel. The eucalyptus extending outward adds a nice touch and creates a slightly different look. Plus, eucalyptus is perfect for everyday lantern decor—it’s versatile, easy to swap out, and always looks fresh. This arrangement almost looks like a simple candle ring or maybe a section of a eucalyptus garland curled up inside!
Other Market Trends
These distressed metal lanterns look great displayed on a wicker tray. I wanted to point this out because wicker was everywhere at the Dallas Market this year—wicker vases, lanterns, trays, and more! I personally love the look of wicker, but I have to admit… I’m not a fan of cleaning it! 😆
Wrapping it up
Here’s an example of an everyday lantern idea I put together recently with one of my own lanterns. I usually switch up my lantern decor for fall and Christmas, but for the rest of the year, I like to keep things neutral and versatile. It’s an easy way to keep my decor fresh without constant changes!
