Lanterns Galore! 50+ Ways to Decorate Your Front Porch

A welcoming front porch adorned with stylish lanterns instantly enhances curb appeal and sets the stage for cozy gatherings. Lanterns lend ambient lighting, visual texture, and seasonal touches to transform an outdoor space. With so many types, placement ideas, and decorating inspirations, lanterns unlock limitless potential for dressing up your home's entrance.

Learn about various lantern styles, clever display spots, filler and embellishment ideas, and overall design concepts to make your porch shine.

Versatile Lantern Styles

Lanterns come in diverse materials, shapes, and designs to match any home. Consider these popular options to find the right fit for your style and budget:

Rustic Metal Lanterns

Metal lanterns are a versatile choice perfect for withstanding weather and frequent use outdoors. Their durability makes them an investment that can last for years. Popular metals include galvanized steel, copper, tin, and wrought iron with black, bronze, rust, or brushed nickel finishes. Metal lanterns suit farmhouse, industrial, or traditional home styles.

Glass Lanterns

Glass lanterns allow light to shine through beautifully and put votive or pillar candles on display. Their clear sides showcase flickering flames and decor fillers. Select clear glass for an unobstructed light source or colored glass for pops of accent hues. Etched, frosted, or patterned glass offer dimensional textures. Glass lanterns evoke vintage, shabby chic, or French Country themes.

Rustic Wood Lanterns

The natural charm of wood inherently fits with rustic, farmhouse, or craftsman style homes. Handcrafted wooden lanterns make a charming addition to porches, especially when adorned with twinkle lights. Opt for weather-treated woods like cedar that can withstand outdoor placement. Allow the wood's grain and knots to show through for an organic look.

Mason Jar Lanterns

Upcycling mason jars into lanterns offers DIY flair at a fraction of the cost. Simply attach a wire handle and add a tea light or string light inside for an easy porch accent. Embellish further with burlap, raffia, or paint. The transparent jars beautifully showcase whatever decor you place within. Achieve a collected look by mixing jars of different sizes and silhouettes.

Creative Display Spots for Lanterns

Lanterns serve both form and function, so think outside the box when positioning them. Here are unique ways to showcase lanterns:

Lining Stair Railings

Use lanterns to illuminate front steps and staircases at night. Space them evenly along the railing or hand them at varying heights for visual interest. This makes entryways safer and more welcoming while highlighting the architecture.

Hanging from the Porch Ceiling

Hang lanterns from the ceiling via hooks, chains, or rope for vertical appeal. Stagger them at different levels to create depth. Hanging also makes the most of smaller porches by keeping space below open. Try mounting near seating areas to direct ambient lighting.

On Tables, Benches, and Shelves

Lanterns double as lovely centerpieces placed on side tables or benches. For a collected look, arrange varying lanterns together. Or use the same style repeatedly for cohesion. Set lanterns on window sills or narrow shelves to save space and highlight architectural accents.

Along Paths and Steps

Line walkways, entryways, or front steps with lanterns to help guide guests. Space them equidistantly or cluster in groups to illuminate dark corners. This adds both safety and visual appeal. Use weatherproof lanterns rated for outdoor exposure.

Inspiring Fillers and Embellishments for Lanterns

While lanterns alone add allure, decorative fillers take the ambiance up another notch. Tailor these design ideas to the seasons:

Fresh Flower Arrangements

Nothing beats the vibrant beauty of fresh florals. Choose flowers matching the season, like peonies and delphiniums in spring or mums and ornamental kale for fall. Add floral foam inside lanterns to hold stems in place.

Natural Elements from Nature

Look to nature for organic fillers like dried leaves, acorns, feathers, seashells, and pinecones. Display them au natural or spray paint metallic for a pop of color. These natural additions complement rustic, farmhouse, or coastal themes.

Candles and Twinkle Lights

Candles set the mood with their romantic flickering glow. Nestle votive, pillar, or tea light candles into lantern bases. Fairy lights or mini string lights also create magical ambiance. Try wrapping lights around lantern frames for a synergistic glow.

Seasonal and Holiday Touches

Reinforce the season or upcoming holiday with thematic decorations inside lanterns. Display pine sprigs and ornaments for Christmas or faux autumn leaves for Thanksgiving. You can also accent with seasonal colors like pastels for Easter.

Design Concepts for Stylish Lanterns

Ready to deck out your porch with lanterns but not sure where to start? Use these arranging ideas to inspire your setup:

Symmetry and Consistency

Line up matching lanterns along stair railings or shelves for a polished, balanced look. The repetition of the same style creates cohesion. Alternate or vary sizes for visual interest.

Bold, Vibrant Colors

Make a statement with brightly colored lanterns in hues like cherry red, cobalt, tangerine, or emerald. Contrast them with your home's exterior paint colors for maximum pop. Punchy colors feel cheery and lively.

Minimalist Elegance

Clear glass and sleek metal lanterns have an effortlessly elegant vibe perfect for modern spaces. Their unadorned forms allow the designs to shine. Pair with greenery for an organic contrast.

Eclectic Display

Go for an artfully mismatched look by blending lanterns of all different shapes, sizes, and materials. The disparate textures and silhouettes make a conversational statement.

Seasonal Style

Incorporate visual cues of the current season into your lantern decor. Refresh them regularly to reflect seasonal changes. Use natural materials like pinecones or faux florals in seasonal colors.

Decking out your front porch with lanterns opens up endless possibilities for injecting visual flair, from displaying your style to setting the mood. Take inspiration from the diverse lantern varieties, intelligent placement spots, decorative fillers, and overall design motifs outlined here. With the right lighting plan, your home's entrance can shift from forgettable to an Instagram-worthy oasis. Let your creativity shine by making lanterns a signature staple of your home's curb appeal.