I am a HUGE fan of decorating with lanterns.  I try to incorporate them into vignettes as often as I can.  You can see I used them here on my Fourth of July mantle:

and here at Christmas:

They are so versatile, and if you find a good source, they can also be inexpensive.

I recently became an affiliate for Oddity Inc, which features affordable home decor and holiday accents, and I was tickled when I saw their huge selection of lanterns.   

Plus from February 25-27 Oddity is having a flash sale.  Customers can save 35% off a purchase of $35 or more (on anything in the store.. not just lanterns)! 

If you have been looking for some inexpensive home decor items this is a great opportunity.

As inspiration,  I thought I would show you some examples of my favorite uses of lanterns in decorating and how you could easily get the same look for a lot less money.



The use of lanterns in outside spaces is really popular.  Since candles (both real or electric) offer beautiful ambient light without the need for a power source.

For example, I love this this garden lighting design (featured in Sunset Magazine):


And lanterns are beautiful even if you don't light the candles.  Cottage in the Oaks used a grouping of unlit lanterns for this adorable vignette on her steps:

These tall lanterns would be a perfect alternative:


And of course, you don't have to use candles.  The Malta line of lanterns from Pottery Barn are really popular, especially when filled with seasonal items.

You could do something similar with this affordable six sided lantern (Compared to the $119 price tag for the pottery barn version)


Lastly, you can incorporate lanterns into your decor as subtle accent pieces. Notice how they used two nautical style lanterns next to the bed to reinforce the nautical theme but without them being a focal point?

image source

I think you would definitely get that same nautical feel using this little round one:
or even this one (Which is less than $20!)

I love the vast range of decorating styles and functions you get when using lanterns.  Hopefully you also can find the perfect type to fit your decorating niche as well!