Lantern Lights for a Brighter Kitchen
Kitchens are the heart of the home, where families gather to cook, eat, and spend quality time together. The right lighting can make all the difference in creating a warm, welcoming kitchen space, and lantern light fixtures are an elegant choice to achieve that farmhouse, rustic aesthetic.
With origins tracing back to candlelit street lanterns of the past, lanterns today use modern lightbulbs to cast a soft, ambient glow. Kitchen lanterns made of antique brass, frosted glass, and hammered metal designs evoke vintage, industrial style. They can impart old-world rustic charm or industrial edge to your cooking space.
Benefits of Lantern Lights in Kitchens
Compared to harsh ceiling lights, the mellow illumination from vintage lantern fixtures in kitchens provides some great benefits:
- Creates a focal point - Lanterns attractively accent the kitchen and draw the eye upwards
- Warmer ambiance - The softened lighting from lanterns makes the room feel cozier
- Mood lighting - Lanterns cast a calming glow for an inviting atmosphere
- Versatile styles - Hanging kitchen lanterns suit country cottage to modern and minimalist decors
With the right lantern fixtures, your kitchen can evoke Tuscan-inspired warmth or Parisian bistro charm. Besides the aesthetic appeal, the gentle lighting makes the space more enjoyable to prepare home-cooked meals for your family and friends.
Choosing Kitchen Lantern Lights
When shopping for lantern light fixtures for kitchen areas, you'll find diverse options to match any size or decor style. Here are some factors to guide your choice:
Lantern Styles
Kitchen lanterns draw inspiration from streetlamps of the past as well as exotic Moroccan designs. Styles include:
- Bell jar lanterns with curved glass
- Crystal and wrought iron lanterns
- Geometric lanterns with clean lines
- Cage lanterns featuring open-air framework
- Chandelier styles with elegant crystals
- Drum lanterns topped by fabric lampshades
You can opt for a matched lantern set or creatively mix different shapes and metal finishes for visual interest.
Size
Lantern light fixtures range from small mini pendants to extra large statement pieces. Consider your kitchen size and ceiling height to determine appropriate lantern scale and impact.
- Small galley kitchens can display singular pendants, scaled to not overwhelm
- Hanging kitchen lanterns make a dramatic impact clustered over islands or dining areas
- High ceilings call for large lanterns to create a cozy intimate effect nearer the floor level
- Low beams or ceilings may warrant smaller multi-lantern groupings scaled to the space
Materials
From antique brass to oil-rubbed bronze, crystal to hammered metals, lantern light fixtures for kitchen are crafted from various artisan materials for unique character. Classic and timeless choices include:
- Brass - Warm vintage patina or contemporary matte blackened brass
- Aged iron - Rustic wrought iron with authentic hammered detail
- Seeded glass - Cloudy texture filters the glow beautifully
- Clear crystal - Elegant cuts adorn metal frame lanterns
Mounting Types
Kitchen lanterns come in ceiling-mounted or hanging pendant options. How and where you want the light positioned can determine the best fixture choices.
- Ceiling lights - Fixed placement above kitchen islands or tables
- Hanging pendants - Adjustable height levels via chain lengths
Hanging fixtures allow versatility in positioning lights closer to task areas as needed. Ceiling mounts create an unobstructed flow and clean sight lines overhead.
Damp or Wet Location
Kitchens prone to steam, moisture or grease require damp or wet-rated lantern light fixtures . Properly rating fixtures prevents safety issues and damage over time. Considerations include:
- Wet rating for outdoors or high humidity areas like above sinks
- Damp rating where occasional moisture may occur
- Dry rating for all other general indoor placement
Ideal Kitchen Spots for Lantern Lights
Lantern light fixtures shine beautifully as decorative accents plus functional lighting. Ideal kitchen placement spots include:
Over Kitchen Islands
Islands are popular gathering spots for cooking, casual dining and homework. Grouped lantern light fixtures here cast a welcoming glow for dining and tasks.
Above the Kitchen Sink
The sink area demands good lighting for food prep and cleaning duties. A singular pendant lantern illuminates without glare.
Over Breakfast Nooks
Cozy banquettes and breakfast nooks deserve hanging lanterns to spotlight dining activities and socializing.
In Kitchen Entryways
Lanterns flanking doorways lead guests into the heart of the home providing both path lighting and visual interest. Their uplighting showcases architectural details.
Over Countertops
Strategically placed lanterns over counters reduce shadows for food prep areas. They focus directional lighting right where you need it most.
Designing with Lantern Lights
With some thoughtful planning, lantern light fixtures can transform the look and enjoyment of your kitchen. Follow this design advice:
Size Variety for Interest
Play with light fixture scale. Large statement lanterns contrast beautifully with smaller coordinating pendants. The variety enhances visual appeal and functionality.
Display Different Heights
Hanging lights at staggered heights layers lighting plus adds architectural dimension. Raise pendants over a central worktable higher than flanking piece.
Combine Lanterns with Other Lights
While gorgeous on their own, lanterns pair nicely with other fixtures like track lighting or recessed cans. Mixing light sources reduces shadows and fully illuminates.
Group in Odd Numbers
Clusters of 3, 5 or 7 lantern lights please the eye more than paired fixtures. Odd groupings created balanced asymmetry.
Paint or Finish for Cohesion
Unify eclectic lanterns by painting metal finishes the same tone. Or choose same-colored seeded glass for visual flow.
With some creative lantern choices and strategic placement, your kitchen can shine brighter with both task and ambient lighting. Lantern light fixtures impart timeless antique allure blended with welcoming radiance.
Lighting showrooms offer myriad fixture choices to view styles in person. Low ceiling clearance? Unsure about sizing or placement? Lighting specialists help find ideal options to meet your exact needs.
For even more lantern diversity, leading online retailers like Lighting Connection showcase thousands of stylish lanterns from top brands. Convenient search filters narrow by material, finish, style, shape, size, and more.