A Moroccan lantern does something a plain lamp can't: it turns a single bulb into a room full of pattern. Every lantern here is solid brass, pierced by hand one opening at a time, so when it's lit the walls and ceiling around it fill with stars, arches and lattice. Choose a hanging lantern for an entryway, a porch or a dining table, or a table or floor lantern for a quiet corner.
Hanging, Table or Floor?
Hanging lanterns ($250–$600) are the classic choice. The slim 8-inch styles suit a hallway, a stairwell or a bedside, where a wide fixture would crowd the space. Twelve-inch lanterns are the everyday size — right for an entryway, a covered porch or over a small table. The 16-inch lanterns are statement pieces for a kitchen island or a dining room.
Table lanterns ($200–$450) are small enough for a nightstand, a shelf or a sideboard. The 12-inch pierced lanterns throw the most pattern for their size; the 20-inch beaded lamp is more of a decorative piece, with glass beads that catch the light.
Floor lanterns ($225–$450) stand 17 to 28 inches tall. Set on the floor, they send their pattern across the floor and the lower wall rather than the ceiling — lovely in the corner of a living room or bedroom, beside a reading chair, or as a pair either side of a doorway.
Where to Hang It
In an entryway or hallway, keep the bottom of the lantern at least 7 feet above the floor so nobody walks into it. Over a dining table, hang it 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop — low enough to feel intimate, high enough to see across the table. A hanging lantern beside the bed, instead of a table lamp, frees up the nightstand and puts the pattern on the wall behind you.
Getting the Best Pattern
The bulb matters as much as the lantern. A clear bulb gives crisp, sharply defined shadows; a frosted one softens them into a gentle glow. Warm white LEDs (around 2700K) bring out the warmth of the brass, and a dimmer lets you choose between bright light for the evening and pattern-only light late at night. Pattern shows best on a plain, light-coloured wall or ceiling.
Finishes and Care
Most lanterns come in a choice of four finishes — silver, gold, black or bronze — picked with the selector on the product page; others are made in the single finish shown. Because each piece is pierced and finished by hand, small variations are part of its character. Dust with a soft, dry cloth; avoid polishes and chemical cleaners, which can strip a hand-applied finish.
Indoors and on a Covered Porch
The lanterns are made for indoor use and are equally at home on a covered porch, a pergola or a patio with a solid roof. Keep them out of direct rain: brass left out in the weather will darken and develop a patina over time. Table and floor lanterns plug in, with an inline switch on the cord. Most hanging lanterns are hardwired from a ceiling canopy, while a few come with a plug-in cord instead — each product page says which. Every lantern is supplied with UL-listed wire.
Looking for something more open? Browse our Moroccan pendant lights, or our Moroccan chandeliers for larger rooms. Not sure which size will suit your space? Our size guide walks you through it.