Curled Hook Coach Lantern, Black Die Cast Aluminum Porch Light

Ask most people to picture a porch light and they describe a coach lantern: a six sided glass lantern on a curved arm beside the door. It has lasted because it works, giving a warm, welcoming light and a shape that suits almost any traditional house.

The Curled Hook Coach Lantern is a six sided black die cast aluminum lantern on a curled hook arm, with a finial at the base. It holds one replaceable E27 LED bulb, rated 10W and about 985 lumens. Choose frosted glass or water ripple glass, and three sizes: 13.4 inches tall with a 5.5 inch lantern, 16.1 inches tall with a 6.5 inch lantern, or 20.9 inches tall with a 9.8 inch lantern. It is hardwired, 110V to 240V, and rated IP56.

What makes the coach lantern stand out

The shape is instantly familiar. A six sided lantern on a curled hook arm is the classic American porch light, and it looks right beside a paneled door, shutters and brick.

The two glass choices change the mood. Frosted glass gives a soft, even, milky glow and hides the bulb. Water ripple glass is clearer and shimmers around the bulb, giving a livelier light.

The details are well judged. A curled arm, a stepped top and a small finial below add character without looking busy.

The black die cast aluminum is durable and understated, and the IP56 rating covers rain and dust on an open wall.

The three sizes cover every entry, from a small side porch to a tall double door.

Even the backplate is considered. On the two smaller sizes it is 6.7 inches tall and 4.3 inches wide, a slim, shaped plate that covers a standard junction box neatly, and on the largest size a broader plate carries the bigger lantern. The bulb is rated at about 985 lumens, enough to light a porch, a step and a house number clearly.

Where it looks best, around the house

• Beside the front door. A pair frames the entry in classic style.
• Brick porches. Black lanterns look crisp against red brick.
• Garage doors. A lantern on each side marks the drive.
• Back and side doors. The smallest size suits a secondary entry.
• Storefronts and cafes. A traditional welcome at a small business door.

It suits colonial, farmhouse, Cape Cod, craftsman and traditional brick homes.

Choosing the size and placement

The 5.5 by 13.3 inch lantern suits a small porch or side door. The 6.5 by 16.1 inch lantern suits a standard front door. The 9.8 by 20.8 inch lantern suits a tall door, a double entry or a large facade.

Mount the lantern with the glass around eye level beside the door, and keep a pair at the same height on both sides.

A few guidelines help:

• A lantern roughly a quarter to a third of the door height looks balanced.
• Use a pair on either side of the door for the classic look.
• Allow for the projection near swinging doors and shutters.
• Plan the wiring with an electrician before the wall is finished.

All required mounting hardware and instructions are included, and the lantern mounts to a standard outdoor junction box.

Think about the view from the street as well. Matching lanterns at the front door and the garage give the house a consistent look, and the same glass on every lantern keeps the facade calm.

Layering it with other lighting

A coach lantern is the welcome layer of outdoor lighting. Pair it with low path lights along the walk, and browse the outdoor lanterns collection for matching lanterns at the garage or gate.

Keep the glass and light color consistent. Frosted lanterns at the front and garage, or ripple glass everywhere, make the facade look planned.

Echo the black finish. Black house numbers, door hardware and shutters tie the lanterns into the front of the house.

Looking after it is easy. Switch it off and let it cool, wipe the aluminum with a soft, dry cloth and dry it fully, and clean the glass with glass cleaner on the cloth, never sprayed on the fixture.

Is the coach lantern right for your space?

This light is a strong fit if you:

• Want the classic coach lantern look at the door.
• Like a choice of frosted or water ripple glass.
• Need a size for a small porch, a standard door or a grand entry.
• Prefer a replaceable screw base bulb.

It may not suit a sleek modern facade that calls for a linear or cube light.

Every order ships free across the US and most arrive in 6 to 9 business days. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery, and questions about sizes are answered at info@norafurnish.com.