zkee Tabletop Party Decorative Lanterns, 8-Pack

Flickering, decorative candle lanterns that use wax candles can be beautiful, but they have a downside: cleaning up the melted and hardened wax can be a tedious, time-consuming chore. Not only does the mess tend to get onto the glass, but it can also flow into the nooks and crannies of the lantern, possibly requiring the whole thing to be thrown out.

There’s no reason to deal with all that, since you can achieve nearly the same look and atmosphere with battery-powered LED lantern candles. They come in different sizes and finishes, but they all create a calming ambience without a mess. Best of all, there is no need to worry about these lanterns causing a fire.

Vintage-themed lanterns are trendy, but lanterns of any aesthetic can be made from metal, plastic or wood. Look for options with unadorned glass panes or with cross grids. It’s handy to get the types that have hooks on top, as they can be easily suspended or displayed on tables. Some feature solid panels with cut-outs, allowing the light to shine out in splendid, flickering patterns.

It is also wise to buy battery-powered decorative lanterns that have automatic shut-off features or timers. This way, if you forget to turn the lantern off — which you will definitely do — the batteries are less likely to die in a hurry. Kerosene-style LED lanterns have a more rustic look, and some also have dimmer features.

For maximum eco-friendliness and power efficiency, there are also solar-powered decorative lamps on the market that may or may not require batteries. These may also have automatic shut-off features built in.

• Some, but not all, battery-powered decorative lanterns come with batteries. Read the product description carefully to know for sure. Either way, it makes sense to buy some extra batteries when you buy the lantern as they will inevitably run out.
• Solar-powered decorative lanterns have batteries that can work indoors or outdoors, making them more versatile.
• Portable battery-powered lanterns can also be functional. You can bring them out to your deck or on camping trips. They are also good to have on hand in case the power goes out.
• If you plan to use the lantern outdoors, verify that it’s made of waterproof materials.
• Some lanterns even have built-in Bluetooth speakers, making them perfect for gatherings or outdoor lounging.