The wall lantern combines the glass enclosure with the metal casing for just one candle bulb. This design has evolved from the oil-lantern fixtures which were placed outside the door of ancient dwellings. Today the same design gives a classical touch to contemporary residences, whether a porch, hallway, or entryway – they all get an attractive look from a properly placed wall lantern. This article covers what such a lantern adds to the main areas of a home.
Wall lantern collections include fixtures for such locations. One example is the Ralph Lauren luxury lighting collection by Visual Comfort with wall lanterns in a timeless, tailored style.
Wall Lanterns Frame Light in Glass
Each fixture is mounted on a flat backing plate that will fit over the electrical box. The glass paneling on either side of the light acts as protection against wind and rain. The clear glass lets the light shine through, while seeded or frosted glass prevents the harshness of the bulb. Seeded glass contains small air bubbles that spread the light. There are hanging styles that mount on a bracket arm and flush-mounted fixtures that fit close to the surface. As a preliminary step, homeowners can choose the glass that fits their needs.
Porch Lanterns Greet Guests After Dark
Properly Size the Fixture to Your Front Door
A light mounted near the front door is most effective if it stands between one-quarter and one-third the height of the door. A standard door is 80 inches high; therefore, the range should be 20 to 27 inches. Properly sized fixtures on both sides create a balanced effect. The middle of the light fixture should be 66 inches above the porch floor. Several designer ranges offer porch-ready styles, such as the Ralph Lauren luxury lighting collection by Visual Comfort with classic outdoor shapes. Before a purchase, families can tape a paper cutout beside the door to check the scale.
Weather-Ready Materials Hold Up Outdoors
The porch light is exposed to either rain, sunlight, or snow throughout the year. Brass or copper develops a smooth brown film referred to as patina. Powder-coated aluminum maintains its dark coloration for many years without requiring much maintenance. There is a wet rating where a lighting product is suitable for direct rainfall while there is the damp rating for enclosed porches. Sealed joints also prevent insect entry into the fixture housing. The next step is to ensure that the weather class of the lighting product matches what is written on the label.
Entryway Lanterns Set a Warm First Impression
In an indoor entrance hall featuring a console table, the setting can be enhanced by adding lanterns on both sides of a mirror. These provide the hall with a warm glow that will attract people to the place immediately they open the doors. Indoor fixtures can have thin frames along with clear or etched glass. A dimmer switch ensures that the light of the foyer is reduced at nighttime. In addition, there is a table lamp that offers another glow point.
- A matched pair above a console table adds order to a small foyer.
- Etched or seeded panes soften the glow for guests at the door.
- Warm white bulbs give a soft golden tone to wood floors or rugs.
- A porch light in the same style ties the indoor entry to the exterior.
Hallway Lanterns Guide the Way
Even spacing of fixtures along one wall helps create rhythm in a long hallway. At least 8 to 10 foot spacing between fixtures ensures even illumination all the way to the end of the hall. Narrow corridors should have slender fixtures with shallow depth for easy passage. Similarly, the lantern above the first step in stairways creates an illuminated staircase with easy visibility. In addition, the lantern at the end of a corridor focuses attention towards the framed artwork. One of the simple ways to plan the installation is by marking the stud and box locations on the wall.
Classic Finishes Tie Each Space Together
An example of a house with lanterns at the porch, foyer and hallway creates consistency when the finishing styles complement one another. For example, aged brass provides an attractive finish for both traditional bricks or white trims. Black matte creates sharp definition against pale doors or walls. Similarly, polished nickel is ideal for bright finishes like marble and white tiles in a foyer. Finally, oil-rubbed bronze matches well with dark wooden doors and stone steps.
- The same finish may be repeated throughout the porch and foyer or hallway lighting fixtures.
- Similar frames may be used for indoor fixtures for consistency.
- The same kind of glass will allow the illumination to be uniform from one room to another.
- Doorknobs or house numbers may reflect the lantern finish.
Wall lanterns provide classical appeal along with gentle illumination for a porch, foyer or hallway. Proper sizing will maintain proportion of the front door, while quality materials will withstand outdoor conditions. The same finish of indoor fixtures and outdoor lighting fixtures will make your home interior harmonize with the exterior. As an extra recommendation, you should use the same warm white bulbs for all lighting fixtures.
