Choosing the right illumination for your entryway is one of the most impactful ways to define your home's architectural personality. As suspended statement pieces, hanging lanterns set an inviting tone long before guests step through your front door. However, deciding between classic, historical detailing and sleek, contemporary lines can feel challenging. Exploring the extensive showroom at Southern Lights—the top lighting store in Burnsville—helps you visualize how different profiles complement your home's unique exterior. Here is how to decide whether traditional or modern fixtures suit your structure best. Shop today.

3 Matching Rules for Lantern Styles

Traditional Lanterns for Classic Architecture

Traditional designs feature ornate flourishes, brass or antique bronze finishes, and bevelled glass panels. These timeless fixtures pair effortlessly with Colonial, Victorian, Craftsman, or Tudor homes. If you are decorating an expansive front porch or a grand two-story entryway, choosing large outdoor hanging lanterns with classic candle-style lighting provides a warm, regal focal point that honors historical proportions.

Modern Lanterns for Contemporary Structures

Modern silhouettes embrace clean geometry, minimalist frames, and striking matte black or polished metals. Featuring open-air frames, clear glass, or integrated LEDs, modern outdoor hanging lanterns pair seamlessly with Mid-Century Modern, modern farmhouse, or industrial home builds. Their uncluttered profiles allow clean architectural lines and bold entry doors to shine without visual clutter.

Scaling for Grand Heights and Open Porches

Regardless of whether you lean classic or contemporary, scale dictates success. A small fixture can look lost under a soaring portico. Sizing specialists can help you determine the ideal drop height and canopy width so your illumination feels balanced against your facade's height and surrounding entryway features.

Find Your Perfect Match at Southern Lights

Selecting architectural fixtures becomes effortless when you compare materials, finishes, and scale side-by-side. Whether you prefer old-world elegance or streamlined modernism, expert guidance ensures your entry makes an unforgettable impression. Visit Southern Lights in Burnsville, MN, today to discover the ideal lighting style for your exterior!

Shop Today