Are you drawn to the warmth, ambiance, and style of vintage lighting? If so, then a vintage lantern is the ideal way to lend you that East Coast cottage feels to your home without sacrificing function.
A vintage lantern can effortlessly light up your garden at night, infusing a romantic style into your space.
But how do you use vintage oil lanterns? Handheld or wall-mounted, if you have never used one, then it can be a little hard to figure out how they work.
Below, we highlight different ways you can use them to decorate your home and enhance your outdoor space.
Step 1: Clean the Lantern
Before you can use vintage oil lanterns, you need to clean them. Start by taking the lantern apart and removing any dirt, dust, or rust. If there is any corrosion, you may need to sand it down.
Once the lantern is clean, you can then oil it to keep it in good condition. You might want to style it too before you go further in your steps. You can find some more ways here for ideas ahead of time.
Step 2: Fill the Lantern With Fresh Oil
When you light a lantern, you want it to give off a bright, steady light. To do this, you need to make sure that the lantern is filled with fresh oil. If you use old oil, it will be thick and will not burn well.
This will cause the lantern to give off a weak and flickering light. Fresh oil, on the other hand, will burn brightly and steadily, giving you the light you need.
Step 3: Insert a New Wick
If your vintage lantern isn’t working as well as it used to, it may be time for a new wick. A wick is the part of the lantern that allows the fuel to be burned, so it’s important to have a good one. There are a few things to look for when choosing a new wick.
Make sure it is the right size for your lantern. The wick should also be made of a material that will burn well and produce a good amount of light. With a new wick, your lantern will be as good as new!
You may even consider making your DIY wick.
Step 4: Light the Lantern
When lighting a vintage lantern, make sure the wick is trimmed to the correct length. If the wick is too long, it will take longer for the lantern to light and the flame will be less constant. If the wick is too short, the lantern will smoke and the flame will be less bright.
Double-check the oil if you have the correct amount. If too much oil is used, the lantern will smoke and the flame will be less bright. If not enough oil is used, the lantern will not stay lit for long.
Then make sure the area around the lantern is well-ventilated to avoid any accidents. If you are not sure, light the lantern carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Enjoy the Perfect Light Your Vintage Lantern Emits
Lighting a vintage lantern is like setting the scene for a perfect evening. The lantern provides both light and warmth, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Once the lantern is lit, there is no need to adjust the flame.
The vintage lantern is self-regulating and provides the perfect amount of light and warmth for any evening. Simply light the lantern and enjoy the soft, warm light it emits.
To learn more about home decorating ideas or other lifestyle tips, visit our blog posts.
