28 Charming Fall Lantern Ideas to Brighten Your Home

By Wendy Lemos

When the outside world turns to autumn colors, you’ll naturally want your home to feel welcoming and warm. Honestly, lanterns are a pretty straightforward pick for bringing in that autumnal vibe, and this list has 28 easy suggestions for placing them around your house, whatever your decorating preference.

Distressed Aqua Chair for a Cozy Porch Display

Distressed Aqua Chair for a Cozy Porch Display

Source: ig: corbelcottage

If you need a spot for seasonal decor on your porch, a vintage-style chair can show those pieces. The distressed aqua finish gives it a rustic look, and the seat holds items like pumpkins, seasonal mugs, or a throw blanket.

Lanterns flank fireplace hearth with woven baskets

Lanterns flank fireplace hearth with woven baskets

Source: ig: themoderncolonial

Two wooden lanterns, each with a dark metal top, sit on your fireplace hearth. You’ll want to flank them with a lidded woven basket and a larger woven storage chest. These woven pieces offer a pleasing texture next to the lanterns’ wood and metal.

Lanterns Filled With Miniature Pumpkins and Fairy Lights

Lanterns Filled With Miniature Pumpkins and Fairy Lights

Source: ig: mycozyhomeandcoffee

Large glass lanterns, filled with small pumpkins and delicate string lights, work well on a mantel or shelf. It’s the glass that allows their soft glow to create a warm fall display.

Simple Wooden Lanterns Hold Fall Pumpkins

Simple Wooden Lanterns Hold Fall Pumpkins

Source: ig: favoredfarmhouse

Simple wooden lanterns, each topped with dark metal, can sit on your porch or patio, holding a small pumpkin inside for a subtle seasonal color and warmth.

Gold Lanterns Frame Your Welcoming Fall Entryway

Gold Lanterns Frame Your Welcoming Fall Entryway

Source: ig: christinestarfish

Tall gold lanterns, positioned on either side of the front door, cast a warm, inviting glow. Paired with autumnal floral arrangements and dried corn stalks, they’re a striking metallic accent.

Black Lantern Draped in Cobwebs for a Spooky Centerpiece

Black Lantern Draped in Cobwebs for a Spooky Centerpiece

Source: ig: cottageharborhomes

Drape faux cobwebs around a tall black metal lantern. This creates a spooky Halloween centerpiece. Inside, fill the lantern’s base with dried moss and a flickering LED candle.

Tall Black Lanterns Flank Mums and Pumpkins

Tall Black Lanterns Flank Mums and Pumpkins

Source: ig: ourwintonhome

Place tall black lanterns on either side of your entryway. Let them frame your mums and pumpkins.

Tall Black Lanterns Frame a Stacked Pumpkin Display

Tall Black Lanterns Frame a Stacked Pumpkin Display

Source: ig: bear_creek_farmhouse

In your fall entryway, tall black metal lanterns flank a wooden crate. It’s piled high with pumpkins and gourds.

Black Lantern with Pillar Candles Creates Cozy Fall Glow

Black Lantern with Pillar Candles Creates Cozy Fall Glow

Source: ig: courtneyfitzp01

For a cozy fall glow, position a dark-finish lantern on the floor. Inside this metal fixture, insert two tall pillar candles; their warm, inviting light casts a relaxing autumn ambiance.

White Lantern with Aged Metal Top Holds Pillar Candles

White Lantern with Aged Metal Top Holds Pillar Candles

Source: ig: thevintageroad

On a distressed buffet, a white lantern holds three pillar candles. It’s a rustic piece with a weathered, dark metal roof. The light from the candles casts a cozy glow on the fall display.

Tall Metal Lanterns Add Warmth to Your Fall Entryway

Tall Metal Lanterns Add Warmth to Your Fall Entryway

Source: ig: thegatewayhome

Position tall, open-frame metal lanterns on either side of your front steps. You’ll want to fill them with a mix of seasonal mums, ornamental cabbage, and white pumpkins.

Friendly Ghost Lantern and Stacked Pumpkins Welcome Guests

Friendly Ghost Lantern and Stacked Pumpkins Welcome Guests

Source: ig: southernlifestyled

Beside a tower of pumpkins, a friendly ceramic ghost lantern greets guests on your fall porch. The stacked pumpkins vary in size and color. It’s a playful, welcoming touch.

Black Lanterns Frame Mums and Colorful Foliage

Black Lanterns Frame Mums and Colorful Foliage

Source: ig: gregoryfarmhouse

Flank your front door with tall black lanterns. Place potted mums and colorful foliage plants nearby. Then add pumpkins and white gourds to finish the festive porch arrangement.

White Lanterns with Glass Panels Frame Mums and Pumpkins

White Lanterns with Glass Panels Frame Mums and Pumpkins

Source: ig: returninggrace

A tall, white metal lantern with glass panels can sit on a tiered shelf, filled with mums and surrounded by pumpkins and gourds.

Wooden Crate Lanterns Add Rustic Charm to Your Mantel

Wooden Crate Lanterns Add Rustic Charm to Your Mantel

Source: ig: thepickledrose

If you’re seeking country charm for your fall mantelpiece, a wooden crate is a simple answer. It holds a glass lantern and small pumpkins.

White Lanterns with Aged Metal Accents Add Warmth Above Dining

White Lanterns with Aged Metal Accents Add Warmth Above Dining

Source: ig: kozycolonialhome

If you want overhead lighting for your dining table, try mounting white lanterns. These lanterns, featuring aged metal hardware, sit on a distressed wooden backdrop and hold large pillar candles.

Woven Egg Chair with Fall Pillows and Throws

Woven Egg Chair with Fall Pillows and Throws

Source: ig: sweethomevalley

Add a woven egg chair to your porch. You’ll want to drape it with a patterned throw and plush pillows, creating a textured spot.

Lantern Centerpiece with Mixed Pumpkins and Pinecones

Lantern Centerpiece with Mixed Pumpkins and Pinecones

Source: ig: mollynicolexo

For a wooden tray arrangement, anchor it with a black metal lantern. Around the lantern, mix white and pale peach pumpkins. Add pinecones and greenery for a complete look.

White Pumpkins and Lanterns Fill Fireplace Hearth

White Pumpkins and Lanterns Fill Fireplace Hearth

Source: ig: cutertudor

Arrange a collection of white pumpkins, in varying sizes, on your fireplace hearth. Intersperse decorative lanterns within the grouping. It’s a festive and comfortable fall display.

Pair Tall Black Lanterns with Cozy Plaid Throws on Island

Pair Tall Black Lanterns with Cozy Plaid Throws on Island

Source: ig: amywilsondesigns

Two tall, dark metal lanterns anchor a kitchen island display. Drape a plaid throw between them; it adds warmth and texture. A lit candle inside one casts a soft glow.

Lanterns Flank Fall Sentiment Signs on Console Table

Lanterns Flank Fall Sentiment Signs on Console Table

Source: ig: homehydrangea

Lanterns can flank your favorite fall signs on a console table. They’re pieces with wooden frames and clear glass panels. The materials bring texture and warmth to this tabletop display.

Stacked Painted Pumpkins Add Whimsical Height to Porch Decor

Stacked Painted Pumpkins Add Whimsical Height to Porch Decor

By stacking white and orange painted pumpkins, you can create a playful, whimsical vertical arrangement for your porch display, incorporating fall colors and themes.

Green Lantern and Pumpkin Pillow Create a Cozy Seating Vignette

Green Lantern and Pumpkin Pillow Create a Cozy Seating Vignette

Source: ig: vanfleetfamfarmhouse

A vintage-style green lantern sits atop a woven chair seat. Behind it is a cream pillow embroidered with a pumpkin, offering a distinct color contrast.

Vintage Wooden Crate Doubles as a Rustic Coffee Table

Vintage Wooden Crate Doubles as a Rustic Coffee Table

Source: ig: candlewoodcottage

A vintage wooden crate, complete with stenciled markings and a weathered appearance, can serve as a unique coffee table in your outdoor living space, providing a sturdy surface for drinks and decor.

Glass Display Cases Elevate Fall Pumpkins and Foliage

Glass Display Cases Elevate Fall Pumpkins and Foliage

Source: ig: houseonlouisemeadow

Consider glass and brass display cases for your fall decor. Place pumpkins and autumnal leaves inside these enclosures. The cases protect the seasonal elements within.

Wooden Lanterns Frame a Stacked Pumpkin Display

Wooden Lanterns Frame a Stacked Pumpkin Display

Source: ig: houseonheatherfield

Position dark wooden lanterns on either side of white pumpkins, which are arranged on a large round cutting board and stacked wooden boxes for added height.

Tall White Lantern Anchors a Tray of Creamy Pumpkins and Greenery

Tall White Lantern Anchors a Tray of Creamy Pumpkins and Greenery

Source: ig: a_flann

On a countertop or table, a tall, slender lantern makes a bold centerpiece. Surround it with creamy white pumpkins, pale green hydrangeas, and wispy greenery.