The sun is setting and paints the sky with shades of purple and orange and now it's time to move your outdoor enjoyment towards the night. However, who says that the fun must end once the light fades? If you have the right outdoor lighting you can create a magical atmosphere that will allow you to extend your living space onto the deck, patio or your backyard.

Outdoor lanterns are an excellent option to achieve this. They offer both function and design, putting out an inviting glow that illuminates paths and highlights the features of your garden and creates the perfect mood to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars. With so many designs and materials available selecting the ideal lantern may be overwhelming. Do not be concerned, this guide will guide you through the vast array of outdoor lanterns to find the perfect ones to complement your outdoor space.

Selecting the Best Style

Before getting into the material Let's look at the various types of outdoor lanterns used. Here are a few popular choices:

• Post-mounted lanterns: These imposing fixtures are awe-inspiring on poles, bringing a sense of class to your entrance or driveway, or even large open spaces. They come in a variety of styles ranging from the colonial-style to contemporary.
• Hanging lanterns: When hanging from the roof of a pergola or the gazebo, hanging lanterns make for a welcoming and warm environment. They can be basic and straightforward, but they can be extravagant, sporting intricate designs and colorful glass panels.
• Wall-mounted lanterns: To accent your front entrance or patio entrance or along a walkway the wall-mounted lanterns give an element of class and offer lighting to ensure security. They are available in various dimensions and shapes, making them ideal to highlight various styles of architecture.
• Tabletop lamps: These beautiful lanterns sit on tables and add an element of fun and soft lighting to decks, patios, or dining areas outside.

The Power of Material: Metal, Wood, and Glass

With a greater understanding of the designs available and the options available, let's explore this world of material. Every material has its own unique advantages and distinct design:

• Metal lante­rns: They're strong, last through bad weathe­r, and are perfect for outside­. Their colors? There's bronze­, black, even gold! Some look mode­rn, others traditional. Take old-school iron lanterns, for e­xample, they’re classic. But sle­ek stainless stee­l ones? Plain chic! But remembe­r, metal gets hot when the­ lights are on. This is important if there are­ kids or pets around. 
• Wooden lanterns: The­y add a country-style charm to your yard. They make patios, de­cks, and balconies cozy. Cedar and teak are­ a hit because they can handle­ the eleme­nts. But be careful, teak can be done easier than stainless ste­el. It’ll need a good cleaner with a heavy-duty cleaner to guard against the­ weather.
• Glass lanterns: They provide an elegant appearance and lively display of light glass lanterns are a stylish method of lighting your outdoor areas. Clear glass allows the entire illumination of the bulb to reflect off, while colored or frosted glass creates soft diffused light. Be aware that glass lanterns can have a heavier weight than others, and may require a more secure mounting.

Affording Style That Matches Yours

After you've looked at the various designs and materials and styles, you can begin thinking on how these lanterns can fit in with your outdoor lighting design. Here's a quick guide:

• Traditional style: To get a classic design, go for wall-mounted or post-mounted lanterns made of copper or wrought iron with transparent glass panels.
• Modern style: Sleek black or stainless steel lanterns that are geometric as well as with clear glass add a modern touch to outdoor spaces.
• Rustic style: Lanterns made of wood with natural or distressed finishes add charm and warmth to your patio or deck.
• The cottage Style: Hanging lanterns that have vibrant glass panels, or wall-mounted lamps that have an old-fashioned style can create a fairytale-like ambience.

Beyond Style The Functional

While it is important to consider aesthetics, don't forget practical considerations. These are some other considerations to be aware of:

• Lighting source: A lot of outdoor lanterns are powered by LED bulbs nowadays. LEDs are efficient in energy consumption and last for a long period of time and come in a variety of temperatures (warm white, cold white.) to give the perfect lighting.
• The size and dimensions: Think about the dimensions of your backyard area when choosing the right lanterns. Large lanterns may take up the space in a small area, whereas small lanterns may be overlooked in the huge backyard.
• Brightness: Think about what amount of lighting that you require in different places. The walkways might require brighter lighting, as opposed to an area for sitting in which a less glaring light could be ideal.
• Weather resistance: Ensure that the lanterns you choose are suitable for use outdoors and withstand the elements found in your locale.

Lanterns: The Final Touch

Outdoor lanterns provide more than just lights; they're an extension of your individual design. With a myriad of choices and styles it is possible to choose the right lanterns to turn the outdoor area into an efficient and comfortable space. Get creative, experiment with different designs and let your lights help you create unforgettable outdoor adventures.