There's something about flickering light that instantly makes a space feel warmer — whether it's a scented candle on a side table or a Moroccan-style lantern glowing in the corner of a room. But candles and lanterns serve slightly different purposes, and knowing which one fits your space (and your mood) makes all the difference. Browse our full Candles & Lanterns collection below.

When to Choose a Scented Candle

Scented candles do double duty: they set a mood and fill a room with fragrance at the same time. A wine bottle-shaped candle or a novelty scented candle makes a memorable gift for a housewarming, birthday, or just because. If you're decorating for a dinner party, small votive-style candles paired with a decorative candlestick create an intimate, elegant table setting without much effort.

When to Choose a Lantern

Lanterns are the better choice when you want a bigger visual statement or a light source that can move around — patio, garden, entryway, or an indoor accent piece. A Moroccan-style lantern brings intricate, colorful detail to a room even when it's not lit, doubling as a decor piece during the day. Larger options, like a wooden garden lantern or a lighthouse-style lantern, work beautifully as standalone statement pieces on a porch, mantel, or outdoor table.

Mixing the Two for a Layered Look

You don't have to choose just one. A popular approach is layering: a cluster of candles at different heights inside or around a larger lantern combines the glow of both. Try a candle lantern that houses a flameless or real candle within a decorative frame — it gives you the ambiance of an open flame with the safety and containment of a lantern shell.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Considerations

For outdoor spaces, look for lanterns with weather-resistant materials like metal or treated wood — a garden lantern or lighthouse lantern can handle being left outside through most seasons. For indoor ambiance, glass and colored-glass lanterns (like our yellow or purple Moroccan styles) diffuse light beautifully without needing to withstand the elements.

Styling Tip: Match Your Season

Rotate your lighting decor seasonally: warm amber and rainbow-toned lanterns feel right at home in fall, while crisp white candle lamps and pillar candles suit winter and the holidays. Check out our Christmas collection for seasonal decor that pairs well with candlelight.

Whether you're after the cozy flicker of a candle or the statement glow of a lantern, browse our full Candles & Lanterns collection to find the right piece for your space — and explore our Home Decor collection for more ways to bring warmth into any room.