It's been three years since we moved into our home and one year since we did our exterior renovation, but there are still a few outside updates to make. One of those is replacing the front porch lights. They are so massive — I've never had such big lights!! They came with the house, and I'm ready for something new.
Outdoor lanterns are more than just aesthetic — they can enhance the property value, affect visibility and extend your outdoor living space. I really like an exterior fixture to have multiple little lights in it. It feels more magical to have those flame bulbs alight.
I have my eye on some that I'll share below, but first! A quick real talk about the two types of lanterns.
Electric or Gas Lanterns?
We took an anniversary trip down to New Orleans around 2018 and saw all of these gas-lit porch lights — almost every home there had one! I said to Chris, "This is the most charming thing that I've ever seen. I love this. I need this." So in our last house, we installed a beautiful one from Bevolo. But let me tell you: your gas bill is gonna go up. And it should be noted that lanterns with a light bulb are modeled after gas lanterns. They are faux gas lanterns. And the truth is that the "new" model was invented for good reasons: ease, cost and looks. The light is brighter and actually more visible too!
Lantern Pendants (similar) | Pergola | Barstools | Dining Table | Dining Chairs | Dining Arm Chairs | Marble Bowl | Faux Artichokes
And so while we did think about going with a gas light — I'm glad we got to experience it at our last house — I'm very happy sticking with electricity this time around! To keep that cozy feeling, I usually go a little warmer on the outside bulb temperature. It just really looks harsh to see a daylight-style bulb outside. My go-to is 2700K outside. It's the perfect moody, traditional vibe.
See what I'm eyeing below and let me know your favorites!
- Arched Outdoor Sconce | $359
- Howa Outdoor Hanging Lantern | $108
- Calistoga Indoor/Outdoor Sconce | $299
- Galena Outdoor Wall Light | $261
- Piedmont 4 Light Lantern | $364
- Valencia Sconce | $399
- Rosedale Hanging Lantern | $959
- Wellsworth Lantern | $352
- Darlana Outdoor 3/4 Lantern | $1099
- Brass Outdoor Lantern | $94
- Black Lantern Wall Light | $49
- Caleb Outdoor Metal Lantern | $249
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Why the switch from gas (blog post in 2020 from your previous home) to electric lanterns? I love the look of the gas lanterns and would be interested to know the pros and cons of them from your perspective.
They are so charming and if you're doing a new build and you have your heart set on it, you should do it! We were redoing our whole exterior at our last house, so it was easier to build in. I think that for our current house, it just doesn't feel like an expense that we want to take on (running a gas line behind brick will add up). Another slight con is it doesn't put out as much light, and we're in a wooded area so I can see it feeling a little too dark.
I love #5 for the hanging fixtures. My first choice for the fixed lights is #8 if the colors work together. It's hard to tell from the pictures.
Glad you did not choose gas. For the climate, we should be avoiding or converting from fossil fuels whenever possible. Have you considered using dark skies exterior lights? Light pollution is making it difficult to experience the magic of night skies in urban (and rural) areas. I converted all exterior lights to dark skies fixtures seven years ago, and the visibility around my house at night was actually improved.
If I were you, I would run gas lines and install real flame lanterns. They are popular here in the Chicago Suburbs!
Minimizing our use of fossil fuels is key to minimizing climate change and environmental concern. Please consider what is good for us living on the planet instead of just what looks cute.
Can you give us some gas options? I loved your gas lanterns at your last house.
Love all of them! As part of the selection of lantern, could you also please provide some tips on how to choose scale and sizing?
I love the gas look. What brand/ style light bulbs in particular should we look for?
A vote for number 8 - the brass will go well with the red brick and your windows. The tall, elegant shape is better on our house than the broader gaslight shape?