Lighting Splurge vs. Steal: Lanterns

If you have every purchased a light fixture for your home recently you may have noticed that lighting can be extremely expensive.  It’s one of the lessons I have learned the hard way both working for a residential architect for several years, and in renovating my own home.  It is nothing to spend $500 – $1000 on a single light fixture.

I was reminded of this sad fact once again recently as B and I have been on the hunt for a replacement light fixture for our dining room.  I jumped the gun too early with the one I originally purchased and B and I both are unhappy with it after all the work we’ve done in that room.  We’ve been looking online, at a local lighting store and even visited Lowe’s but less expensive options often look cheap and the ones we both really like have been around the $1500 price range.  OUCH!

Aside from the cost, neither B nor I have determined specifically what we really want.  I think we are both leaning toward something more modern with a hit to something old but that isn’t very specific either.  I have realized though that I’ve been leaning more toward the idea of a lantern style so after coming up short at Lowe’s, I decided to do some more digging online and realized that with some effort you can actually find affordable lighting options that mimic more expensive options.

Since I’m leaning toward a lantern style for our dining room, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite options and found versions for the splurge and the steal price points.

Chesterfield Pendant – Lighting Connection $438 vs. Hastings Collection Rust Hanging Lantern – Home Depot $132.25

The shapes of the above lanterns are different but they both have unique curved details which give them a similar feel.

Lantern 2

 

Darlana Large Lantern – Circa Lighting $945 vs. Geometric Cage Lantern – Lighting Connection $195

I have been obsessed with the Darlana for a couple months now.  LOVE!  The version from Lighting Connection is almost identical and a fraction of the cost.  It’s sleek and modern but I think still works in a more traditional home as well.

Plantation Medium Lantern – Circa Lighting $1575 vs. Dunbar Lantern – Lighting Connection $398

Maybe my second favorite is the Plantation Lantern.  It has a unique look to it and still has both traditional and modern characteristics.  The Dunbarn is two-toned but I almost like the taller, more slender shape and I think the black frame for the glass gives it a cool look.

EdgeMod Preston Pendant Light – Hayneedle.com $204 vs. Four-Sided Glass Hanging Pendant Lantern – World Market $99.00

If you like a modern, minimalist look, either one of these options would be a great choice.  The only real difference (aside from the price) is the chain and the proportions.

Brickyard 3-Light Foyer Pendant – Wayfair.com $170 vs. Jacinta 3-Light Pagoda-shape Lantern Overstock.com $89.99

When I spotted these lanterns, I had to check to see if they were the same light but I don’t think they are.  Yes the colors are different but that’s nothing a little spray paint couldn’t fix.  Neither option is super expensive and the Wayfair version has other color options available but for half the price, I thought the “steal” version was worth sharing.  I love this look for a foyer.  It is a little more traditional looking but the open frame still gives that modern edge.

Regardless of the look  you are going for when it comes to a lantern style light fixture, there are options at just about any price point.  Whether you are going for the splurge or looking to get a similar look for less, all it takes is a little time and an open mind to find the right option for your home and budget.

Lantern 2 is my favorite.  What about you?