I spent most of Saturday hitting a few local antique malls with my Mom and sisters (AKA, my perfect Saturday!) on the hunt for a few upgrades for my Mom's builder basic house. We found an antique bell jar lantern that was just beautiful. It was more than we wanted to spend and needed some work by a professional, so we passed, but I haven't stopped thinking about it.
Bell jar lanterns or hall lanterns were made in the early 19th century for English and American homes. The glass was hand-blown and may have been etched or left clear. Older examples were lit with candles or oil, and the cap on the top was used to prevent scorching on the ceiling. Source.
Antiques range in price based on age and condition, but reproductions are widely available. Here are a few of my favorites.
Small Clear Hall Lantern from Circa Lighting
Bronze and Clear Glass Smokebell at Shades of Light
Hundi Lantern from Pottery Barn
Top image: Kristen Panitch in House Beautiful. Lantern images: courtesy their respective sources.
9 comments:
I have 2 of the Pottery Barn lanterns and I LOVE them! They make me happy every time i see them. I was just thinking the other day that they are one of my favorite things in my home they were worth every penny.
I know what you mean with builder basic houses. It seems like they pick out the plainest, cheapest light fixtures! We were lucky enough to buy our house before it was completed so we upgraded the lighting, but there are still upgrades to be done, like landscaping.
I think lighting really makes a room. I can't help myself when it comes to chandeliers. Too many options; its hard to choose...Good luck with that. haha
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I found one for our front entry at a yard sale for $5. i was so excited when we discovered it worked.
These lighting fixtures have always been on my wish list! There is nothing like a cool light fixture to make a room! Kinda like a great piece of jewelry for an outfit!
i;ve got that hundi lantern in my entry wall...an upgrade from the awful light the builders installed first!
I love these lamps. Wish I could use in my house but my ceilings are way to short.
I have the PB one in my bedroom, I love it too! We use it a lot.
Bell jar lanterns make my heart skip a beat. Love them!
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