Metal Candle Lanterns

Metal candle lanterns stretch back to the very early days of Great Britain and have been one of the most popular types of ourdoor lantern. If you’re not completely familiar with the product, you’re looking at sheet iron and wrought iron that has been punched, cut, bent and twisted into shape. The piece is then primed (to avoid corrosion), sprayed or airbrushed by hand then finished with a glossy sealing coat — again to avoid corrosion. The lanterns can be 4 or 2-sided but on the back of the piece you’ll find a small metal or glass hatch which you can open to place the candle inside and light it. These lanterns are at their best laid out around a pool or in a garden.

Metal candle lanterns and hurricane lamps are an elegant way to enjoy soft light either from the garden, or insoors; from classic nickel plated carriage lanterns to elegant floor standing hurricane lamps, storm lanterns and glass candle bowls - Metal candle lanterns create a sophisticated ambience and large hurricane lamps can make a dramatic table centrepiece.

The soft scattered light that glows from the tiny holes and the balance of the dark durable material make metal candle lanterns a great addition to your garden, proch of even next to a fireplace. Each lantern comes with an easily removable candle armature. They look great on the ground or hung from a tree and come with a block oxide finish for outdoor use.

A collection of metal lanterns, glass lanterns, hurricane lamps and storm lanterns make evenings spent in the home or garden more enjoyable, whether the scene you’re creating is one of romance, entertainment or relaxation. Metal candle lanterns create a warm ambience and come in a variety of styles, from modern leather handled lanterns to classic carriage lanterns.

Make your own metal candle lantern

Materials: Metal cans, hammer, strong nails (a couple of sizes if desired), pliers, wire, tea lights or candles.

  1. Collect metal cans of varying sizes. Smooth sides are preferable. Wash them and remove any labels. If there are any sharp edges around the rim, file them down with a metal file or use some needle nose pliers to flatten edges.
  2. Next we have to punch some holes in the cans– but we don’t want to smash or dent the can in the process. So, here is a fun part – fill the cans with water, keep them upright, and wait until they freeze solid.
  3. Designs: While you are waiting for it to freeze, come up with some designs. Look around online for some other hole punching designs or come up with your own.. You can use a marker or crayon to draw on the can before you freeze it. Alternatively, wrap a peice of paper around your can with your design on it. If you are very confident, and wish to try your luck, feel free to just start out punching hole willy nilly. Even with haphazard holes throughout the lantern, it will look great.
  4. Punching: Make sure to only ounch one can at a time, leaving the rest in the freezer until you are ready for them. Holy a very strong nail against the can and tap firmly to make holes, remember to get a frim grip on the can, and place it on a flat surface to prevent it moving. Move the nail and repeat. Regular metal cans pierce very easily, just a couple of taps will make a hole.  Experiment with different sized nails for large and small holes. Punch 2 or 3 holes evenly spaced around the top of the can if you would like to put wire through it to create a holder. This is really cool to hang from a shepherds hook or tree limbs.
  5. After you’ve completed your metal candle lantern, set the cans aside to allow the ice to melt. One they are dry, place a tea candle or small scented candle inside and find a nice place to put your now metal candle lantern.