Lantern Wall Sconce

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For a wall sconce that will accent your home in a classical sense, perhaps a lantern wall sconce is the way to go. These come in many styles, every one is made of the finest materials, and we think we might just have the wall sconce for you in this lovely collection. Take a look and tell us what you think. You may have trouble picking out just one.

Vanessa Weber Interior Design Expert

Vanessa is a New York-based designer specializing in architectural lighting. Whether you are planning an event, want to illuminate your backyard retreat or simply need advice on what lamp to purchase for your bedroom, Vanessa will be more than happy to share her knowledge and expertise.

6 Recommendations and 150 Ideas

Updated 07/11/2022

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Modern Lantern Sconce

This lantern sconce comes in two sizes – just under 14 or 18 inches tall. UV and fade-resistant, it is made from metal with clear glass panels in a matte black finish. The chic rectangular shape gives it an elongated look.

Designer Advice:

We recommend hanging this sconce in your entryway for a stylish and welcoming feel. Its stark look would pair well with clean-lined furniture in a matching matte black finish. It would also look nice on a white wall, making the black appear more dramatic and creating a contrast. It won’t stand out well against a darker wall.

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Antique Hanging Lantern Sconce

Made from solid copper and brass, this stunning sconce is crafted in the USA. Its antique vibe stems from the clear seeded glass finish and brass hardware. The bold matte black panels and raised top give it even more of a vintage look.

Designer Advice:

Though it may have an old-fashioned vibe, there’s nothing stale about this lantern. It would look gorgeous hung in your kitchen or a utility and is a good way to add character to a space. Accentuate the brass hardware with small details in your kitchen, like a brass fruit bowl or a brass vase on your windowsill.

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Rustic Lantern Sconce Indoor

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This lantern sconce has been designed with a cottage theme in mind. It comes ready to mount with loop hardware, though nails aren’t included. It is crafted from durable iron and glass, with a subtly distressed black finish and traditional lantern detail.

$57.99 ~~$75.5~~

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Geometric Lantern Wall Sconce

The geometric design of this wall sconce gives it an extra unique look. Made from iron with glass accents, it features a burnished dark brown finish for extra character. It hangs via a loop and has a raised top.

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Enclosed Lantern Sconce

Featuring an aluminum frame with a matte black finish, this lovely lantern sconce is full of European flair. The glass panels are decorated with geometric detail. It hangs via a curved loop at the top. Plus, it is rust-resistant.

Designer Advice:

This lantern will set the scene in your home instantly. Embrace its mystic and cozy vibe by placing it in a small space rather than a large one. We recommend pairing it with a leather sofa and distressed furniture for a vintage European vibe. If that isn’t your style, make it more contemporary with a lighter décor scheme.

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Scrollwork Rustic Lantern Wall Sconce

This lantern wall sconce has a coffee-brown finish and has been heavily distressed. Crafted from steel and glass, it can be dimmed to your preference and features frosted glass panels. The panels are accentuated by pretty scrollwork detail.

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Jump to More Ideas

Lantern Wall Sconce

Buying Guide

Lantern wall sconces were a practical way to put a candle lantern or oil lantern above room activity where it cast the best light and was less likely to be jostled or knocked over. The arrangement continued to be a practical lighting solution with the advent of piped-in gas lighting. Even electrical lighting works well positioned above and to the side of interior room activity. With so much history behind them, lantern wall sconces have had time to evolve into designs that are both beautiful and practical.

What are the most popular designs of lantern wall sconces?

Candle Lantern Wall Sconce

A candle lantern is a practical solution to emergency lighting and for camping. Candles are easy to operate, being simply a fuel source and a wick. They do have some drawbacks, however. They are an open flame, which makes it easy to set things on fire and they can be blown out by a strong wind. Placing the candle inside a protective glass case keeps it from flickering with every passing breeze. Hanging the candle lantern in a matching wall sconce makes it a reasonably safe light source for a family or a scout troop since that makes a protected place for the light source. More than that, candle lanterns that have a matching wall sconce, such as the Mariana Lantern Wall Sconce are a beautiful addition to your interior decorating scheme. You don’t need to wait for an emergency to use them; they can be part of the ambiance for a romantic evening.

Gate Post Lantern Wall Sconces

A lantern wall sconce has long been a traditional staple for gated entries or porticos. They can easily fit on a mortared rock gate post and provide a shining beacon into the night. Their only drawback is that candle lanterns or even oil lanterns eventually need refueling. Photovoltaic solar lanterns are the perfect solution. They can run on batteries that are powered up during the day and that respond to a timer that will turn them on at dusk. The electric candles inside traditional coach-house lamp frames create a beacon that can easily guide the wayward traveler home.

Reflective Candelabra Socket

Reflective wall sockets were designed to cast the light from a candle or oil lamp back into the room. The principle works just as well with an electric bulb. When the socket is fitted with a faux candle flame bulb, especially the ones that flicker to simulate a natural flame, the polished panel behind the bulb serves the same purpose today as it might have done in an ancient keep.

What are some examples of quality lantern wall sconces available on the market?

The Kichler 1 Light Outdoor Sconce

The Kichler 1 Light Outdoor Sconce is unabashedly modern. With no nod at all to historical shapes, the frosted cylinder provides protection for an electric light bulb. Its soft light is perfect for that dark space just outside a back door, or it could even be paired to flank a front door.

The Forsyth

One of the difficult parts of dealing with modern lighting is glare. The Forsyth extra large wall sconce takes care of this problem. The dark curve of the sconce hides the bulb behind it, but the illumination floods out over the top of the sconce.