If you're planning to install garden lanterns, either for decoration or for path lighting, pay attention to all aspects of the lanterns, from the material used to the place you install them. Small lanterns don't look very imposing, but as with any item powered by a fuel and exposed to the elements, you do risk injury or damage if you aren't careful. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the lanterns.
Fuels
It's possible to find gas- or electric-powered lanterns that you connect to your home's supply lines or wiring. These offer long-lasting light, but an additional gas connection is also another point at which a leak can develop. A lantern that's connected to your home's wiring can be much safer, though if you've never modified home wiring before, it's best to have a professional electrician add the lantern.
A solar-powered lantern is the easiest to set up yourself as all you need to do is ensure the lantern is placed so it is in the sun during the day. These lanterns come with rechargeable batteries to store power that's built up. With a solar-powered lantern, you don't have to worry about wiring or maintaining connections to prevent gas from leaking out.
Impact-Resistant Glass
If you have children or pets, or if the lanterns will be placed in areas where the glass could break if the lantern falls, you may want to look for lanterns that use impact-resistant glass or even plastic. If the lantern is pushed over, or if it falls from its perch, the material around the bulb will be less likely to shatter. If you find lanterns you love that use regular glass, just ensure that they are securely connected to the hooks or brackets that are holding them up, and keep pets and children away.
Trimming Plants
Keep tree branches and shrubs well-trimmed around the lanterns. Outdoor lanterns are made for use around plants, but you don't want to risk a plant catching fire if the lantern is defective and overheats, or if there's a short in an electrical lantern's wiring. If you plan to hang the lanterns in trees, remove leaves that are touching the exterior of the lantern.
Lanterns come in so many shapes and sizes that you're bound to find many you like. If you'd like to discuss lantern safety further, talk to sellers and manufacturers to see what they recommend for the styles of lanterns they offer.
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