How to Style Table Lamps, Lanterns, and Accent Lighting in Your Home
How to Style Table Lamps, Lanterns, and Accent Lighting in Your Home
Lighting is one of the most powerful design tools in any home. While overhead fixtures provide necessary illumination, it's often the smaller lighting elements—table lamps, lanterns, floor lamps, and decorative accent lighting—that create warmth, character, and visual interest.
Thoughtfully placed lighting can transform a room from functional to inviting, highlighting architectural details, showcasing treasured furnishings, and creating the ambiance that makes a house feel like home.
At Out of the Box, we believe lighting should do more than brighten a space—it should help tell your home's story.
Why Accent Lighting Matters
Many homeowners focus primarily on ceiling fixtures when designing a room. However, layered lighting creates depth and sophistication that a single light source simply cannot achieve.
Accent lighting serves several purposes:
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Creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere
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Highlights artwork, furniture, and architectural features
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Improves functionality for reading and daily activities
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Adds texture and visual interest
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Helps define specific areas within larger spaces
Whether you're decorating a cozy reading nook, a grand living room, or an outdoor entertaining space, lamps and lanterns can instantly elevate the look and feel of your home.
How to Style Table Lamps Throughout Your Home
Table lamps are among the most versatile lighting pieces available. They provide both practical illumination and decorative appeal while helping create a layered lighting plan.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
A comfortable chair paired with a well-positioned lamp can transform an unused corner into a favorite retreat.
Choose a taller lamp that directs light toward your reading area while complementing the surrounding furnishings. Vintage and reclaimed lamps often add character and charm that newer pieces simply can't replicate.
Add Soft Lighting to Bedrooms
Bedrooms benefit from lighting that feels relaxing rather than harsh.
Small table lamps on nightstands provide convenient lighting for reading and winding down at the end of the day. Matching lamps create symmetry, while mixing styles can add personality and visual interest.
Layer Lighting in Living Rooms
Living rooms often serve multiple functions, making layered lighting essential.
Place lamps:
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On side tables beside seating areas
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On console tables behind sofas
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On accent tables near architectural features
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In darker corners that need additional illumination
The goal is to create balanced lighting that feels inviting without relying entirely on overhead fixtures.
How to Decorate with Lanterns
Lanterns bring structure, texture, and timeless style to interior and exterior spaces. Their versatility makes them a favorite among designers seeking to add visual interest without overwhelming a room.
Style Coffee Tables
A decorative lantern can serve as a beautiful centerpiece.
Pair a lantern with:
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Coffee table books
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Decorative objects
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Small greenery
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Seasonal accents
This creates an effortlessly curated look while adding height and dimension to the table.
Frame a Fireplace Mantel
Lanterns work particularly well on fireplace mantels.
Placing matching lanterns at each end creates balance and symmetry while drawing attention to the fireplace as a focal point.
Incorporate Lanterns on Shelving
Bookshelves provide the perfect opportunity to mix functional décor with lighting elements.
Lanterns add:
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Visual weight
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Architectural interest
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Texture among books and decorative objects
Mix lantern sizes and finishes to create a collected, designer-inspired look.
Create a Window Display
Lanterns placed along window sills create a beautiful evening glow visible both inside and outside the home.
Using varying heights creates visual interest while maintaining a cohesive design.
Creative Ways to Fill Decorative Lanterns
While candles remain a classic choice, decorative lanterns can be styled year-round with unique fillers that reflect your personality and seasonal décor.
Consider filling lanterns with:
String Lights
Battery-operated string lights create a magical glow and add warmth to any room.
Travel Memorabilia
Display treasured keepsakes from favorite vacations and adventures.
Natural Elements
Pinecones, acorns, driftwood, and seasonal greenery bring organic texture and warmth.
Faux Succulents and Greenery
Low-maintenance botanical arrangements add color and life to decorative lanterns.
Seasonal Decorations
Christmas ornaments, autumn accents, spring florals, or summer-inspired décor allow you to update your lanterns throughout the year.
The beauty of decorative lanterns is their flexibility. They can evolve with the seasons while remaining a timeless design element.
Choosing Unique Lighting for Your Home
The most memorable interiors often feature lighting that reflects the homeowner's personality.
Rather than selecting purely functional fixtures, consider pieces that contribute to the overall character of your space. Reclaimed, vintage, and designer lighting often brings craftsmanship, materials, and details that are difficult to find in mass-produced alternatives.
Whether it's a handcrafted table lamp, an oversized lantern for a covered porch, or a statement floor lamp that anchors a room, unique lighting creates an immediate impact.
Discover One-of-a-Kind Lighting at Out of the Box
At Out of the Box, our inventory is constantly changing, and lighting remains one of our most popular categories.
From designer table lamps and statement lanterns to vintage fixtures and architectural lighting pieces, we regularly source distinctive items from luxury homes throughout Aspen, Vail, and beyond.
Many of our most beautiful lanterns and lighting pieces never make it online before finding a new home.
If you're searching for the perfect finishing touch for your living room, bedroom, deck, porch, or favorite gathering space, we invite you to visit our showroom and explore our ever-changing collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Lighting
How many lamps should be in a living room?
Most living rooms benefit from at least two to three additional light sources beyond overhead lighting. Table lamps, floor lamps, and accent lighting help create balanced illumination throughout the space.
Are lanterns still in style for home décor?
Absolutely. Lanterns remain a timeless design element because they add texture, structure, and warmth while complementing a wide range of decorating styles.
What's the difference between ambient lighting and task lighting?
Ambient lighting provides overall room illumination, while task lighting focuses light on specific activities such as reading, working, or cooking.
How do I create layered lighting in my home?
Combine overhead fixtures, table lamps, floor lamps, accent lighting, and decorative lanterns to create depth, flexibility, and visual interest throughout a room.
Visit Out of the Box
Open Daily
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
7401 Main Street, Ralston, Nebraska
(Just south of Omaha, enter on the east side of the Granary)
Stop by and discover unique lighting, reclaimed luxury furnishings, architectural treasures, and one-of-a-kind décor pieces that help make your home truly unforgettable.
