The Affordable Alternative To A Fire Pit That Still Adds Interest To Your Patio

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Fire adds warmth and ambiance to indoor and outdoor living spaces. On a summer evening, sitting around a fire creates a cozy place to relax with family and friends. However, adding a fire pit is expensive, with prices ranging from around $200 for a small portable tabletop model to $5,000 or more for a large custom-designed outdoor fire pit. Luckily, lantern candles are a budget-friendly alternative for bringing the cozy atmosphere of fire to your patio. 

Lanterns are among the safest and cheapest ways to use candles for gorgeous outdoor displays. The cage provides an enclosure for the candle that protects the flame from the wind and enhances safety on the patio. Plus, candles appear to burn steadier inside a lantern, which helps enhance the fiery effect and set a relaxed mood for your outdoor gatherings. Compared with the hundreds or even thousands of dollars it takes to construct a fire pit, you can add a lantern to your patio at prices that range from $20 to $200. Use one or several lanterns grouped together on tabletops, set along the ground, or hanging from hooks to enhance the effect and provide more illumination.

When choosing a lantern and candle for your patio, it is important to select the right products for safe exterior illumination. A wide selection of styles and sizes are available, so knowing the size of the lantern will help you choose the right candle. Smaller lanterns are best for tealight candles, while larger lanterns can hold bigger candles. For optimal aesthetics and safety, choose a lantern made with fireproof materials that are intended for outdoor use, and select candles in the recommended size for your lantern.

You can also buy or DIY lanterns for your patio. For a charming rustic style, reuse empty soup cans to create unique hanging lanterns. If you prefer to purchase these decorative items, Amazon has a great selection of highly rated indoor and outdoor tabletop and hanging lanterns in modern and vintage styles to help you create the desired aesthetic at prices that fit your budget — including designs like the DECORKEY Luxury Lantern and Lewondr Moroccan Style Candle Lantern. Further, there are nearly endless options to decorate a lantern. For maximum ambiance, accessorize your lantern to match the mood you are trying to achieve on your patio, or switch up the decor to fit the changing seasons of the year.