How to Decorate With Farmhouse Lanterns for a Warm Glow

Before Reading this Article, Hire Us As Your Designer or Take a Look at My Top 3 Amazon Picks!

If you are looking to blend Amazon's furniture finds with a personalized touch for your space, check out my portfolio, and hire us! You'll get 3 Idea boards, 2 Concept Boards, 2 Realistic Renderings, a Floor Plan, and a Shopping List! Everything's online, plus a 25% discount on your first online interior design project with my Havenly Promo code 4c7441bcfb. With over 2,000 designs since 2017 and top US brand partnerships, your project is in expert hands. US only. Ready to start?

Farmhouse lanterns are more than just a light source—they’re an essential décor element that adds warmth, charm, and character to any space. With their rustic appeal and soft glow, lanterns fit seamlessly into farmhouse design, creating cozy and inviting atmospheres. Whether you’re using them to brighten a dining table or as decorative accents on a console, farmhouse lanterns are a versatile way to elevate your home’s style.

I’ll never forget the first time I placed a pair of lanterns on my fireplace mantle. The warm glow of candlelight reflected beautifully off the distressed wood, instantly making my living room feel more welcoming. Decorating with farmhouse lanterns is one of the easiest ways to add a touch of rustic elegance to your space.

In this guide, we’ll explore creative ways to use farmhouse lanterns in your home décor and tips for styling them to create that signature farmhouse warmth.

Why Farmhouse Lanterns Are a Great Décor Choice

1. Timeless Appeal

Farmhouse lanterns feature classic materials like metal, wood, and glass, making them a timeless design element.

2. Versatile Use

They work in a variety of settings, from tabletops to outdoor spaces, adding charm wherever they’re placed.

3. Warm Glow

Whether using real candles or LED lights, lanterns create a cozy, ambient atmosphere.

1. Create a Centerpiece for Dining Tables

Farmhouse lanterns make stunning centerpieces, adding height and warmth to your dining space.

How to Style: Place one large lantern or a cluster of smaller ones in the center of the table.
Add Greenery: Surround the lanterns with eucalyptus, garlands, or seasonal décor like pinecones.
Why It Works: The soft glow of lanterns creates an intimate, inviting dining atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Use battery-operated candles to avoid worrying about wax drips during meals.

2. Style Lanterns on a Mantle or Console Table

Lanterns are perfect for adding dimension to mantles and console tables.

Layering Tip: Pair lanterns with other farmhouse accents like wooden candlesticks, framed art, or potted plants.
Balance the Design: Use lanterns of varying sizes to create visual interest and symmetry.
Why It Works: The rustic charm of lanterns complements other farmhouse décor, creating a cohesive look.

Pro Tip: Place the lanterns at different heights using books or small risers for added depth.

3. Use Lanterns as Outdoor Décor

Farmhouse lanterns are just as beautiful outside as they are indoors.

Porch Décor: Place large lanterns on either side of your front door for a welcoming glow.
Garden Path: Line walkways or patios with lanterns to guide guests with ambient lighting.
Why It Works: Lanterns add a magical touch to outdoor spaces while enhancing safety.

Pro Tip: Choose weather-resistant materials like galvanized metal or treated wood for outdoor use.

4. Incorporate Lanterns Into Seasonal Displays

Farmhouse lanterns can easily transition between seasons, making them a versatile décor staple.

Fall: Fill lanterns with mini pumpkins, acorns, or dried leaves for a rustic autumnal vibe.
Winter: Add faux snow, ornaments, or small pine trees for a festive holiday look.
Spring/Summer: Use lanterns to showcase fresh flowers or seashells.

Why It Works: Lanterns serve as the perfect vessel for seasonal decorations while maintaining a farmhouse aesthetic.

5. Highlight a Staircase or Entryway

Use farmhouse lanterns to add warmth and style to transitional areas of your home.

Entryway: Place a pair of lanterns on a bench or console table to greet guests with a warm glow.
Staircase: Line the steps with small lanterns for a dramatic yet cozy effect.
Why It Works: Lanterns help make entryways and staircases feel more inviting and cohesive with the rest of your décor.

Pro Tip: Use lanterns with timed LED candles to provide lighting without constant upkeep.

6. Hang Lanterns for a Unique Twist

Lanterns don’t always have to sit on a surface—hanging them can add visual interest and height to your space.

Pendant Style: Hang lanterns over a kitchen island or dining table for functional and stylish lighting.
Wall Hooks: Use decorative wall hooks to hang lanterns in hallways or bathrooms.
Why It Works: Hanging lanterns creates a focal point while freeing up surface space.

Pro Tip: Choose lanterns with open sides or glass panels to ensure the light shines through clearly.

7. Use Lanterns as Bedroom Décor

Farmhouse lanterns can bring a sense of calm and warmth to your bedroom.

Nightstand Accent: Place a lantern on your bedside table for a romantic glow.
Reading Nook: Use a lantern in a cozy corner to provide soft, ambient lighting for relaxing evenings.
Why It Works: The warm light of lanterns adds a tranquil, cozy vibe to bedrooms.

Pro Tip: Opt for smaller lanterns in the bedroom to maintain a balanced, clutter-free look.

8. Group Lanterns for Maximum Impact

Grouping lanterns of different sizes creates a dynamic and layered look.

Cluster on the Floor: Arrange lanterns of varying heights in an empty corner or by the fireplace.
Table Display: Place a mix of small and medium lanterns on a coffee table or buffet.
Why It Works: The varying heights and sizes create visual interest and balance.

Pro Tip: Stick to a cohesive color palette, such as black metal, distressed white, or natural wood, for a polished look.

9. Illuminate a Bathroom with Lanterns

Lanterns can add a spa-like feel to your farmhouse bathroom.

Bathtub Accent: Place a lantern with a candle near the tub for a relaxing, candlelit soak.
Shelf Styling: Add a small lantern to open shelving alongside rolled towels and greenery.
Why It Works: The soft glow of lanterns adds warmth and elegance to a functional space.

Pro Tip: Use flameless candles for safety in humid bathroom environments.

10. Fill Lanterns with Decorative Elements

Farmhouse lanterns don’t always need candles—get creative with what you place inside!

Fairy Lights: Add a string of fairy lights for a whimsical, glowing effect.
Natural Materials: Fill lanterns with pinecones, moss, or driftwood for a rustic touch.
Themed Displays: Create mini vignettes inside the lanterns using figurines, photos, or seasonal items.

Why It Works: Decorative fillings allow you to customize lanterns to match your style or the season.

Picture Gallery

Tips for Decorating with Farmhouse Lanterns

Stick to Natural Materials: Choose lanterns made of wood, metal, or glass for an authentic farmhouse look.
Layer Lighting: Use lanterns alongside other light sources like string lights or sconces to create depth.
Think About Scale: Use larger lanterns for open spaces and smaller ones for shelves or tables.
Play with Texture: Mix distressed finishes, smooth glass, and woven accents for a balanced design.

Conclusion

Farmhouse lanterns are a versatile and timeless addition to any home. Whether you’re styling them as centerpieces, hanging them for a unique touch, or incorporating them into seasonal displays, lanterns add warmth and character to your space. With so many ways to decorate with them, you can effortlessly create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that reflects the charm of farmhouse design.

So, grab your favorite lanterns, get creative, and let their warm glow transform your home!

FAQs

1. What size lanterns should I use for a centerpiece?

For a dining table, choose medium-sized lanterns (10–15 inches) or mix multiple smaller ones for a balanced look.

2. Can I use real candles in farmhouse lanterns?

Yes, but flameless LED candles are a safer, low-maintenance alternative that still provide a realistic glow.

3. What’s the best material for outdoor farmhouse lanterns?

Weather-resistant materials like galvanized metal, treated wood, or powder-coated finishes work best for outdoor use.

4. How do I decorate lanterns seasonally?

Fill them with seasonal items like pinecones in fall, ornaments in winter, and fresh flowers in spring and summer.

5. Can I mix different lantern styles in one space?

Absolutely! Mixing styles, sizes, and finishes adds depth and visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look with a shared color palette.