September 2022
Lantern Swag- Home Decor Item
09/15/22 12:56 PM
Lantern swags or toppers are trending and popular in home decor. Lanterns themselves have been around for quite sometime used often as a portable source of lighting, typically featuring a protective enclosure of the light source which is usually a candle (some cases a wick in oil bottle). The lantern enclosure was primarily used to prevent the burning candle from being extinguished and made it easier for one to carry or hang up the light source. Another very important feature of the lantern was that it reduced the risk of fire as it helped prevent a spark leap from the flame.
The term is derived from Latin meaning "lamp torch" another alternate spelling has been found to be "lanthorn" due to the fact horn was used to create windows before glass was invented and cost effective.
This type of lantern typically has four glass paneled sides with one side being a hinged glass door for one to place the candle on the interior of the lantern. In some ancient times fireflies where placed in transparent containers for a short term solution as well. Today we have the luxury of using a far more safe lighting source which are the wonderful LED battery powered candles that can be turned off and on with a remote control and set on timers to automatically go on or off at a given time. Technology and design of this light source has improved over the years when comparing earlier versions of the LED candle which really did not represent very well the flame of candle. Premium versions can be more difficult to distinguish from a real deal when a few feet away. Personally I prefer an LED for the attributes above of turning off and on with a remote or place on a time but the real preference is the fact I do not have to worry about forgetting to extinguish the flame.
The adorned lantern we see as home decor today have become quite trendy and I think much of it has to due with the fact an LED candle allows one to add florals ribbons and ornamentation to the lantern without any concern of flammability.
The lanterns used as home decor today are available in variety of sizes. The materials they are made with are typically metal or wood and have small plates glass (or plastic) that are held in place on the inside of the metal or wood framed lantern. This type of lantern is similar to lanterns used as functional items to hold a light sources as I discussed earlier.
It is important to note that not all lanterns have these glass panels like the metal lantern shown above; there are lanterns available without glass, which allows the addition of decorative items on the interior which can flow outside of the actual frame of the lantern. These lanterns can be quite charming as well and still hold a candle inside.
There are lanterns available to suit any style of decor you have. The wood frame tends to have a more rustic and natural appearance. Of course there are painted woods, stained and varnished woods some more finished and polished than others. A more refined wood with a smooth finish will work nicely for a more traditional style.
Metal frames also can bring a rustic appearance but can also lean toward an industrial look. This depends on the color of the metal, how the frame was designed and whether it has specific characteristics. Perhaps the lantern carries a hint of a design style such as a top that looks similar to an asian pagoda which would then could appear to have more of an Asian theme.
Lanterns come in a variety of sizes they can range from very small lanterns that are almost toy like in appearance to very large types that can stand 3-4' tall.
What I consider to be medium sized lanterns will range on average between 17"-21" to be used in the home. I have found this to be a good size and tends to fit nicely on a console, bookcase, entry table, a mantle or bathroom vanity to name a few. I am certain you will find of all kinds of places you would like to place a decorative lantern in your own home.
When placing a lantern on the exterior of the home look for something a bit larger in scale or even place in groupings of lanterns. If the lantern is standing alone something that is 36" or larger will make a bold statement. It is also a fun way to add a decorative item on the interior and is less likely to get destroyed by the elements if in a lantern with glass panels.
Once you have determined the design style of the lantern that suites your home then you can look for decorative applications for the lantern. A lantern swag or lantern topper can be a wonderful way to incorporate color, a theme of a season or holiday to your interior space. The swag or topper should not cover the entire lantern so you cannot see that it is a lantern. Consider the topper as like a bit of jewelry for your lantern.
Take a moment to look at this lantern topper. This is Summery Bee themed swag and works on this lantern which is about 17" tall. You can see the lantern below the swag clearly and if the LED candle is on it would provide a lovely warm glow to the lantern.
Another example is this Patriotic Swag. I call it Old Glory as it has been embellished with a star that has a weathered flag design painted on it. As I mentioned you can find different locations in your home to place a lantern the one above was shown in anentryand Old Glory is shown on a book shelf in a home library and is placed in a grouping of navy hurricanes that repeat the blue color in the lantern swag.
The next example is a swag used to add an autumn theme to the home. What a wonderful way to incorporate the rich fall colors and use the lantern to bring in the element of a cozy warm space. In some areas of the country, the season can tend to be a bit chilly and we begin to wear sweaters and warmer attire and look forward to lighting candles or the fireplace on the chilly mornings. This lantern is a great way to incorporate that warm feeling from the moment your guest enter your front door. Doesn't this lantern bring the season into the home. The leaves and beautiful bow all pay homage to the fall colors along with the pumpkin, squash, acorns, pinecones, berries and cotton.
Winter Season has so many themes that can be used for decor items. There is European style Christmas with St Nicholas and Krampus, American themed Christmas with the Christ Child and Christmas manger scenes, and then of course the whimsical versions of Santa Claus, Elves, the winter monster Grinch, Snowmen etc. Here is a lantern topper showing a more whimsical nature. How fun to decorate your home with these lovely lantern topper swags!
Please let me know if you find the information here helpful or if you have any other questions I can answer for you to help you make a selection on a lantern or swag for a lantern to be used in your home.
The term is derived from Latin meaning "lamp torch" another alternate spelling has been found to be "lanthorn" due to the fact horn was used to create windows before glass was invented and cost effective.
This type of lantern typically has four glass paneled sides with one side being a hinged glass door for one to place the candle on the interior of the lantern. In some ancient times fireflies where placed in transparent containers for a short term solution as well. Today we have the luxury of using a far more safe lighting source which are the wonderful LED battery powered candles that can be turned off and on with a remote control and set on timers to automatically go on or off at a given time. Technology and design of this light source has improved over the years when comparing earlier versions of the LED candle which really did not represent very well the flame of candle. Premium versions can be more difficult to distinguish from a real deal when a few feet away. Personally I prefer an LED for the attributes above of turning off and on with a remote or place on a time but the real preference is the fact I do not have to worry about forgetting to extinguish the flame.
The adorned lantern we see as home decor today have become quite trendy and I think much of it has to due with the fact an LED candle allows one to add florals ribbons and ornamentation to the lantern without any concern of flammability.
Types of Lanterns
The lanterns used as home decor today are available in variety of sizes. The materials they are made with are typically metal or wood and have small plates glass (or plastic) that are held in place on the inside of the metal or wood framed lantern. This type of lantern is similar to lanterns used as functional items to hold a light sources as I discussed earlier.
It is important to note that not all lanterns have these glass panels like the metal lantern shown above; there are lanterns available without glass, which allows the addition of decorative items on the interior which can flow outside of the actual frame of the lantern. These lanterns can be quite charming as well and still hold a candle inside.
Styles of Lantern
There are lanterns available to suit any style of decor you have. The wood frame tends to have a more rustic and natural appearance. Of course there are painted woods, stained and varnished woods some more finished and polished than others. A more refined wood with a smooth finish will work nicely for a more traditional style.
Metal frames also can bring a rustic appearance but can also lean toward an industrial look. This depends on the color of the metal, how the frame was designed and whether it has specific characteristics. Perhaps the lantern carries a hint of a design style such as a top that looks similar to an asian pagoda which would then could appear to have more of an Asian theme.
Sizes of Lanterns
Lanterns come in a variety of sizes they can range from very small lanterns that are almost toy like in appearance to very large types that can stand 3-4' tall.
- First step is determining where the lantern is to be placed. Is the lantern placed indoors or out doors? Sitting on the floor or on a table, bench, mantel, or other object?
- Evaluate the size of the space. Is it on a porch where it is out in the open and will be grouped with other items?
- What is the scale of other items in the area before selecting lantern? Avoid picking a lantern that can look too small and dwarfed when placing with much larger sized objects and the reverse should also be considered. A good rule of thumb is to place objects in groupings of three and scale in sizes large medium and small.
What I consider to be medium sized lanterns will range on average between 17"-21" to be used in the home. I have found this to be a good size and tends to fit nicely on a console, bookcase, entry table, a mantle or bathroom vanity to name a few. I am certain you will find of all kinds of places you would like to place a decorative lantern in your own home.
When placing a lantern on the exterior of the home look for something a bit larger in scale or even place in groupings of lanterns. If the lantern is standing alone something that is 36" or larger will make a bold statement. It is also a fun way to add a decorative item on the interior and is less likely to get destroyed by the elements if in a lantern with glass panels.
Adding a lantern swag to your home decor
Once you have determined the design style of the lantern that suites your home then you can look for decorative applications for the lantern. A lantern swag or lantern topper can be a wonderful way to incorporate color, a theme of a season or holiday to your interior space. The swag or topper should not cover the entire lantern so you cannot see that it is a lantern. Consider the topper as like a bit of jewelry for your lantern.
Take a moment to look at this lantern topper. This is Summery Bee themed swag and works on this lantern which is about 17" tall. You can see the lantern below the swag clearly and if the LED candle is on it would provide a lovely warm glow to the lantern.
Another example is this Patriotic Swag. I call it Old Glory as it has been embellished with a star that has a weathered flag design painted on it. As I mentioned you can find different locations in your home to place a lantern the one above was shown in anentryand Old Glory is shown on a book shelf in a home library and is placed in a grouping of navy hurricanes that repeat the blue color in the lantern swag.
The next example is a swag used to add an autumn theme to the home. What a wonderful way to incorporate the rich fall colors and use the lantern to bring in the element of a cozy warm space. In some areas of the country, the season can tend to be a bit chilly and we begin to wear sweaters and warmer attire and look forward to lighting candles or the fireplace on the chilly mornings. This lantern is a great way to incorporate that warm feeling from the moment your guest enter your front door. Doesn't this lantern bring the season into the home. The leaves and beautiful bow all pay homage to the fall colors along with the pumpkin, squash, acorns, pinecones, berries and cotton.
Winter Season has so many themes that can be used for decor items. There is European style Christmas with St Nicholas and Krampus, American themed Christmas with the Christ Child and Christmas manger scenes, and then of course the whimsical versions of Santa Claus, Elves, the winter monster Grinch, Snowmen etc. Here is a lantern topper showing a more whimsical nature. How fun to decorate your home with these lovely lantern topper swags!
Please let me know if you find the information here helpful or if you have any other questions I can answer for you to help you make a selection on a lantern or swag for a lantern to be used in your home.