Ceiling lanterns are a great way to add style and light to any room. Whether you're looking to create a certain theme, add a pop of colour, or just create a cosy atmosphere, ceiling lanterns can help you achieve the look you want. In this guide we'll discuss the different types of ceiling lanterns, how to choose the right one for your space, and provide helpful tips for installation.
What Is A Ceiling Lantern?
A ceiling lantern is a type of light fixture that hangs from the ceiling. It is typically used to provide a source of light in a room or hallway and can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
They are great for use in indoor or outdoor spaces and can be installed in a variety of settings, including halls, stairways, foyers, living rooms, and outdoor patios. The light emitted from a ceiling lantern can provide general illumination to a room or area, and the design of the fixture can also serve as a decorative element in the space.
Ceiling Lantern Types And Styles
Traditional Lanterns
Traditional lanterns feature a metal frame, glass panels, and a hanging chain. These types of lanterns work best in classic or traditional spaces, such as living rooms and dining rooms. They are often made of brass or copper and feature intricate designs, such as scrollwork, etching, and filigree.
The glass panels of traditional lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, from small square or round panels to large faceted panels. The hanging chain of traditional lanterns can be adjusted to the desired height and typically feature a decorative finial.
Contemporary Lanterns
For a more modern look, try a contemporary lantern. These have a sleek, minimalistic design and usually feature sleek metal frames and clear glass. Contemporary lanterns are great for modern spaces, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small pendant lights to large chandeliers. They typically feature a single bulb or multiple bulbs, depending on the size of the lantern. The frames can be made from a variety of materials, such as steel, chrome, copper and aluminium.
Vintage-Style Lanterns
The colour palette of a vintage style ceiling lantern is often muted, with warm tones like bronze, brass, or aged copper. Glass panels are a common feature of vintage style ceiling lanterns, which can help diffuse the light and create a softer, more ambient glow. Some vintage style ceiling lanterns are designed to hold candle-style bulbs, which can add to the antique feel and create a warm, flickering light that mimics the look of a traditional candle. They are typically suspended from the ceiling by a chain or rod, which can add to the overall vintage aesthetic. Overall, vintage style ceiling lanterns are designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and add a touch of old-world charm to your space.
Popular Brands
Laura Ashley
The brand Laura Ashley is known for its classic, timeless, and stylish designs. For over 70 years, this British brand has been producing high-quality furniture and home decor that is perfect for creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere in any home. They also sell a range of beautiful ceiling lanterns. These lanterns come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours.
Shop Laura Ashley Ceiling Lanterns
Quintiesse
Quintiesse is a boutique lighting brand based in the UK. Founded in 2004, the company specialises in unique and carefully crafted lighting designs. Their range includes ceiling lanterns, wall sconces, and pendant lighting. Each piece is handcrafted with attention to detail, ensuring that each lantern is of the highest quality and truly unique.
Shop Quintiesse Ceiling Lanterns
Där Lighting
Där Lighting is a leading UK brand of lighting who’s expert design team creates exceptional and unique lighting designs that can enhance the individuality, excitement, and ambiance of any home, regardless of its size or location. They pride themselves on offering everyone the possibility of transforming a living space adding beauty, surprise, individuality, style and atmosphere, as well as the best functional performance and light output.
Shop Där Ceiling Lanterns
Searchlight
Searchlight Electric is another leading provider of lighting solutions. They offer a wide variety of products ranging from traditional light fixtures to modern LED lighting. They are dedicated to providing the highest level of quality and craftsmanship in their products and strive to provide superior customer service. They also offer a wide range of energy-efficient products that are designed to reduce energy costs while providing exceptional lighting quality.
Shop Searchlight Ceiling Lanterns
Firstlight Products
Firstlight Products is an innovative lighting company that specialises in providing unique and stylish lighting solutions for both home and business spaces. Their products range from traditional light fixtures to modern LED lighting. They are committed to providing customers with the highest level of quality and craftsmanship in their products, while also offering the latest in energy-efficient lighting technology. Their products are designed to be affordable and easy-to-install, and they also offer free installation services to help customers get the most out of their lighting solutions.
Shop Firstlight Ceiling Lanterns
How To Choose A Ceiling Lantern
Choosing the right ceiling lantern for your home can be a tricky task. With so many shapes, sizes, and finishes to choose from, it’s important to take your time and find the perfect one for your space. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ceiling lantern:
1. Consider the style of your home. Whether you’re looking for a traditional lantern for a classic space, a contemporary lantern for a modern space, or a colourful lantern for a bohemian-style space, it’s important to choose a lantern that complements your home’s style.
2. Think about size. Make sure you choose a lantern that’s the right size for your space. You want to make sure it’s not too big or too small, otherwise it won’t look right.
3. Consider the finish. Ceiling lanterns can be finished in polished chrome, brass, bronze, nickel and so on, so choose one that matches your home’s style and fits your budget.
Where To Place Ceiling Lanterns For Maximum Effect
When it comes to placement, it’s important to choose a spot where your ceiling lantern can be seen and admired. For maximum effect, try placing the lantern in the centre of the room, as this will create an even distribution of light. If you have a high ceiling, you can also hang the lantern close to the ceiling to create a more dramatic look. Alternatively, if you have a low ceiling, you can hang the lantern lower to provide more light and create a more intimate atmosphere. Wherever you decide to place your ceiling lantern, make sure it’s in a spot that gets plenty of natural light.
How To Hang A Ceiling Lantern
Turn off the power supply: Before beginning any electrical work, turn off the power supply to the light fixture at the circuit breaker box.
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Choose a location: Decide on the location where you want to hang the ceiling lantern. Make sure the spot is centered over the area you want to illuminate and that it is the appropriate height for the room.
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Assemble the fixture: If the ceiling lantern requires assembly, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions to put it together.
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Attach mounting bracket: Attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling, using a screwdriver or drill. Make sure the bracket is securely fastened to a ceiling joist or other structural support.
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Connect wires: Connect the wires from the ceiling to the wires on the fixture, following the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, the black wire connects to black, white to white, and green or bare copper to green or bare copper.
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Secure the fixture: Carefully lift the fixture and align the mounting screws with the holes in the mounting bracket. Secure the fixture to the bracket using screws or nuts and bolts.
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Install light bulbs: Install the appropriate light bulbs in the fixture, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
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Turn on the power supply: Turn on the power supply at the circuit breaker box and test the light fixture to ensure it is working correctly.
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Adjust height: If necessary, adjust the height of the ceiling lantern to ensure it provides optimal illumination for the room.
It's important to note that these steps are general guidelines, and the specific steps may vary depending on the type and design of the ceiling lantern you are installing.
FAQ’s
Do you need an electrician to install a ceiling lantern?
If the installation involves basic wiring and electrical work, such as connecting the wires from the ceiling to the wires on the fixture, then it may be possible for a homeowner or DIY enthusiast with some electrical knowledge to install a ceiling lantern on their own. However, it is important to note that working with electricity can be dangerous, and if you are not confident in your abilities or knowledge, it is always best to consult with a licensed electrician to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
How to change the lightbulb in a ceiling lantern
To change the lightbulb in a ceiling lantern, you will need to first turn off the power to the ceiling fixture. Then, remove the glass globe or fixture cover to access the lightbulb. Be sure to use a cloth or gloves to handle the bulb, as it may be hot. Finally, replace the old lightbulb with the new one, making sure it is the correct wattage, and reattach the globe or cover.
