Decorative Lanterns

Materials and types: what you'll find in our catalogue

The lanterns in this selection are made of four main materials, often combined in the same model.

Natural and white wood

BONTURI Casa Home Decoration offers lanterns made entirely of wood, in natural e whitefinishes. Sizes range from the mini version (10×10×19.5 cm) to models up to 40 cm tall (15×15 cm base). The wooden structure suits rustic, Nordic and country-style interiors. Some models combine a wooden body with a metal cap — the Mini Wood Lantern H 19.5 cm with metal top is the most compact format in the range, useful for arrangements on shelves or narrow ledges.

Metal: gold, black and white

Metal is the most versatile material in the selection. ARPIMEX offers square metal lanterns in gold finish in two sizes (19.5×19.5×30.5 cm and 23×23×34.5 cm), suitable for formal tables and elegant arrangements. BONTURI offers 2-piece sets in metal in white e blackfinishes, with heights up to 45 cm. Black versions blend into minimal interiors; the gold ones are among the most popular for weddings and christenings.

Wood and metal combined

The wood-metal combination is one of the most common in our catalogue. BONTURI's Metal Wood Lantern H 29 cm (15.5×15.5 cm, available in white and black) is the single model for desk or shelf. The H 38 cm format (19.5×19.5 cm), in the same finishes, works well on the floor or on a chest of drawers. The 2-piece sets in this combination reach 50 cm in height, for compositions with volume play without overcrowding.

Three-piece sets and seasonal models

For more elaborate compositions, Bizzotto offers the Set 3 Lanterne Torsti in wood, glass and metal, in black and brown finishes: three scalable sizes for floor or centrepiece arrangements. EDG Enzo De Gasperi adds to the selection a seasonal lantern with star cutouts on the metal in black finish (H 24 cm, Ø 19 cm) — designed for Christmas compositions on sideboards, windowsills and festive tables. To complete your Christmas arrangements, pair it with scented and decorative candles or with candleholders from the same selection.

How to choose the right lantern

For everyday living

If you're looking for a permanent décor accessory, opt for neutral materials: natural wood or white finish adapt to more styles without requiring seasonal rearrangements. Medium-sized single models (H 25-40 cm) sit well on shelves, chests of drawers and windowsills. 2-piece sets allow you to vary the height on the same surface, creating visual depth.

For the garden and outdoor spaces

Choose lanterns in painted metal or treated wood, in larger sizes. BONTURI's 2-piece sets in natural finish with bases 22×22 and heights up to 64 cm are a good reference for those wanting an eye-catching light point along a path or on a terrace. Outdoors, always prefer LED candles: they eliminate the risk of flame in the open air and work even in wind. If you want to match lanterns with table lighting, also have a look at our outdoor tables to assess proportions relative to the surface.

For weddings, christenings and ceremonies

ARPIMEX lanterns in gold finish are the most direct choice for wedding and ceremonial arrangements. Line them along the entrance path, use them as luminous centrepieces or as place markers paired with LED tealight candles. The coordinated 3-piece sets (Bizzotto Torsti) allow you to multiply compositions while maintaining style consistency. Pair the lanterns with ceremony decorations for a complete arrangement. For those organising ceremonies, at the L'Arcolaio store in Pignataro Interamna it's possible to see the models on display and assess proportions in person before purchase.

For Christmas

EDG Enzo De Gasperi's Metal Natale Lantern with Stars is the direct choice for year-end compositions. It pairs with dried branches, pinecones, fabric ribbons and glass spheres. BONTURI white wood sets coordinate with garlands and other decorations. For more complete arrangements, you'll also find frames, photo holders and pictures that complement as decorative elements in the same composition.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use decorative lanterns outdoors?

Yes, provided you choose the right material. Painted metal lanterns resist weathering well, as long as they're not exposed to prolonged heavy rain. Treated wood handles temperature fluctuations well but needs periodic protective treatments. Avoid leaving untreated gold-finish models or unfinished wood components outdoors.

Are real candles or LED candles better?

It depends on the context. LED candles are the safest choice for events with many people, for use in the presence of children and for untreated wooden lanterns. For a warmer visual effect at home, tealight or cylinder candles work well in metal and glass lanterns with good internal ventilation. Always check that the lantern base is stable and level before lighting a real candle. You can find a selection of scented and decorative candles that can be paired with these models.

Are all 2 and 3-piece sets in the same finish?

Yes. The sets in our catalogue — BONTURI and Bizzotto Torsti — are coordinated sets: the pieces share material and colour, with scalable dimensions. This simplifies composition without having to manually match pieces from different brands or collections.

Are decorative lanterns suitable as gifts?

Single lanterns in mini or medium format (H 19.5-25 cm) are a good gift idea for ceremonies, inaugurations and seasonal celebrations. They are not products designed as packaged favours, but work well paired with other items. For favours, at L'Arcolaio you'll find a dedicated selection. To complete the ceremony table, also consider confectionery and sweets that can be coordinated with the arrangement.

How do you clean wood and metal lanterns?

For wood: soft dry cloth or slightly damp, no abrasive products. For metal: neutral detergent and immediate drying to avoid streaks; gold finishes are revived with a dry microfibre cloth. For glass: standard glass cleaner with soft cloth.

At the L'Arcolaio store — open in Pignataro Interamna from Monday to Saturday 8:30-19:00 and Sunday 10:00-19:00 — you'll find a good part of the selection on display. For those unable to visit the store, shipping is available throughout Italy and in 21 European countries. For the best-selling items at the moment, also browse the site's best sellers section.