New Orleans Gas Lanterns – Timeless Architectural Décor for Any Home

Wouldn’t you love to take home a piece of New Orleans that is much more enjoyable than Mardi Gras beads, a hangover or extra pounds from eating too much!  New Orleans has a rich architectural history inspired by the many cultures which have called our city home throughout the years.  The city, and especially the French Quarter, is a great place to shop for antiques, souvenirs and architectural décor.

One of the most popular ways to bring home a piece of our city is to decorate your home with one or more New Orleans gas lanterns designed to resemble the antique lanterns of years ago.  Just about anywhere you go in the city you will find these handmade, copper gas lanterns still gracing the most visible landmarks of New Orleans including many buildings in the French Quarter and historic homes around the city.

Antique Style Gas Lanterns

New Orleans style gas lanterns are designed to look like the gas lanterns from the 1700 – 1800s when cities were lighted entirely by gas lights.  There is no better example of this than the popular French Quarter style gas lantern which has changed very little since it was first used.  It features a 4 sided glass enclosure with an angled copper tops and a single flame.  Today these lanterns can be flush mounted directly to a wall but when used in their traditional fashion they are usually mounted or hung in order to get maximum radiance from the light.

Popular applications for New Orleans Gas Lanterns:

• Hung from a ceiling or porch wall with a hanging yoke bracket or ladder rack
• Mounted to a vertical wall with either a traditional, gooseneck or scroll bracket
• Placed on a lamp post with a standard or “spider mount” bracket.

Natural Copper Adds Old World Charm and Elegance

Another element adding to the “old world charm” of New Orleans gas lanterns is the use of traditional materials such as copper.  Copper is historically the material of choice for an outdoor gas lantern.  It is a tough, durable metal that can withstand the natural elements and ages gracefully the longer it is left outdoors.

The best lanterns will be those made individually by hand – which means they will be cut and hammered in the traditional style (as opposed to machine made) to give a look of authenticity.  The copper is normally treated so that it begins the oxidation process which adds to the “aged look.” Significant improvements have also been made in the glass used in these lanterns to prevent shattering and keep out wind gusts which may have blown out the flame in older lanterns.

Versatile Decorating Options for Almost Any Space

Because of their many mounting option and durable copper construction, New Orleans style gas lanterns are easy to find a place for.  Almost any wall space will do as these lanterns can be used either indoors or outdoors.  These are some of the most popular:

1. Low voltage electric power allows for indoor use.  For years these lanterns primarily served as outdoor décor.  However you can now have your lantern fitted with an electrical power source for safe, low voltage use either indoors or outdoors.  When used in conjunction with a dimmer switch these lights can look truly spectacular when placed indoors.
2. Outdoor Entrance Lighting:  Generally speaking copper lanterns used as outdoor lighting will help make any building exterior more welcoming.  While it is common to place a lamp or lantern near the entryway of a building, another option owners have is to line exterior walls with attractive fixtures that enhance the decor.
3. Accent your antiques:  Homeowners and businesses with some antique design elements may be the perfect backdrop for copper lanterns. These can be fueled by gas, liquid propane or electricity, giving owners complete control over the amount of light they produce. Whether they prefer the look of a low flickering flame or the ease of using an electrical fixture, they can select copper lamps and lanterns that match their buildings.

A Piece of New Orleans You Will Enjoy for Years