Rustic Box Lantern Porch Light, Black Die Cast Aluminum Wall Sconce

The porch light most people picture is a glass box with a warm bulb inside. It is familiar for a good reason: the glass lets light out on every side, so one fixture lights the door, the wall and the step, and the shape suits almost any house.

The Rustic Box Lantern Porch Light takes that classic form in black die cast aluminum with four glass panes, clear or water ripple. It uses an E27 base LED bulb and is rated IP56 for outdoor weather, lighting an area of about 54 to 171 square feet. The hardwired version is 12.4 inches tall and 4.9 inches wide and projects 6.5 inches from the wall. The solar version has a 12.2 inch lantern with a 6.3 by 4.7 inch panel on an adjustable arm above it. Both mount on a backplate 6.5 inches tall and 4.3 inches wide.

What makes the box lantern stand out

The shape is the first thing that works. A tall, narrow glass box with a slim bracket reads as a proper lantern, and its straight lines suit farmhouse, craftsman and cottage homes as well as simpler modern ones.

The glass choice changes the mood. Clear glass shows off the bulb and throws a bright, open light. Water ripple glass has a wavy texture that softens the glare and hides the bulb a little, which suits an entry where people stand close.

The black die cast aluminum frame holds a crisp outline in daylight and stands out well against white siding, pale stone and brick.

The solar option is the practical surprise. A small panel on an adjustable arm charges during the day, so a fence, a gate or a shed can have a real lantern without a cable. The hardwired version gives steady light every night from a standard outdoor junction box.

Because the glass surrounds the bulb, light spills sideways as well as down, which makes the whole entry feel lit rather than just one spot on the ground.

Where it looks best, around the house

• Front porches. A pair either side of the door frames the entrance.
• Garage doors. One lantern on each side marks the drive at night.
• Garden gates. The solar version lights a gate with no wiring nearby.
• Sheds and outbuildings. A solar lantern makes a late trip outside easier.
• Back doors and patios. A warm light by the door for evenings outside.

It suits farmhouse, craftsman, cottage and transitional homes, and the clear glass version keeps it fresh on a modern exterior.

Choosing the finish and placement

The finish is black on every version, so the decisions are the glass and the power. Choose clear glass for brightness and a vintage bulb on show, or water ripple glass for a softer glow. Choose solar for a wall with no wiring and good daytime sun, or hardwired for the front door.

A few guidelines help:

• Mount the lantern so its center sits a little above eye level, and set pairs at the same height.
• For the solar version, mount it where the panel gets direct sun and angle the panel toward the sky.
• For the hardwired version, plan the wiring with an electrician before the wall is finished.
• Use the same glass on every lantern across the front of the house for a matched look.

All required mounting hardware and instructions are included.

Layering it with other lighting

A lantern by the door is the welcome layer. Add path lights along the walk so guests are guided from the street to the step.

For more lantern shapes in the same spirit, browse the outdoor lanterns collection, and keep one finish across the house so the lights read as a set.

Keep the light color warm across the front of the house. A warm lantern next to a cool floodlight looks mismatched.

Care is simple. Switch the hardwired version off and let it cool, wipe the frame with a soft, dry cloth and dry it fully, and clean the glass with glass cleaner on the cloth rather than sprayed on. On the solar version, wipe the panel now and then so it charges well.

Is the box lantern right for your space?

This light is a strong fit if you:

• Want a classic glass box lantern in black.
• Need a lantern for a wall, gate or shed with no wiring.
• Want a choice of clear or water ripple glass.
• Like a farmhouse or craftsman look.

It may not suit a very modern home that calls for a flat linear fixture, or an entry that needs a bright security 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.