Candle lanterns have been around since the 17th century and while the light they give off is very moderate they still provide a beautiful way to illuminate your home or a patio area outdoors today. They're designed to keep out wind and rain and they contain the heat of the flame which prevents them from getting too warm on the exterior so you can still lift them by their handles. Early candle lanterns were made from pierced tin to let light escape and sometimes this colonial style is still used. They are great for decorating your yard and many people use them to light the end of the walkway near the street. Use them in your home to light up entry ways for a rustic look.

The cage of a candle lantern keeps the candle secure within the lantern and prevents it from dripping wax and causing a fire. The design of the lantern also keeps outside elements from damaging the candle within. Wind and rain will not penetrate the lantern and will keep your candle burning throughout the night. A typical lantern is made of metal, whether it's tin or pewter, wrought iron or brass. There are even some fire retardant papers, nylon and silk and used to make these lanterns, so there is never an issue of a fire starting. Whether you are creating an historic look within your home or hanging some outdoor candle lanterns for a garden party, you will find an element of creativity and charm unsurpassed by other lighting.

Hanging candle lanterns make gazebos and other outdoor areas come to life when lit at night. Even though they don't light up the place the soft light they do emit can really tame an environment. Aromatherapy candles used in a hanging candle lantern can bring about some ambiance as well. Hang them in the yard under trees to create various lighting effects for an outdoor party or for wedding ceremonies that run into the night time hours. Whatever use you find for them they will instill a mysterious and calming effect. Once used to light carriages and streets the lantern candle holders of today are more for decoration than practical use. That makes sense since modern technology can reproduce these lighting techniques on a grander, safer scale. Still the use of a lantern candle holder can bring about a romantic setting in a garden area or any where you want a little outdoor ambiance.

For something a little more exotic in décor look for Moroccan candle lanterns. They are pagoda shaped and have colored glass in an intricate bronze or brass frame. They also have hinged doors which make it easier to place or remove your candles. The glass is typically colored and amber is quite popular but you can also find them with clear glass. Like I said, amber is used often but you can find other glass done in a deep red, a light blue, sea green, turquoise, violet and even white. These lanterns are perfect for both indoor and outdoor candle lantern use.

You can learn how to make your own garden candle lanterns with the following video.