Lighten up!

Lately I have had this crazy fascination with lanterns- any size, shape, color, material- I am addicted! They all look so different from each other. Maybe it's the arrival of summer that's got me but I think I love them most when they are unexpectedly used inside as opposed to outdoors. The Living Room above featured in House Beautiful a few months ago had a crisp white lantern set on its ottoman. The lantern adds height to the ottoman/coffee table and makes the perfect candle holder.

Some of my favorite retail lanterns this season...

This cute one from Anthropologie has a more girly feel to it with the small floral detailing but its clean lines and unique appearance makes it a lantern that anyone could appreciate

Wow- lanterns with pizzazz! These sleek pieces are made of polished nickel and are from Restoration Hardware. Currently on sale!

The Casablanca Lanterns from Room Service Home retail at $145. These Moroccan inspired beauties would look great indoors OR outdoors. Putting them together in a pair of varying sizes would make them even more irresistable than they already are (if that's even possible!)

Who can refuse a bargain? These lanterns are sold at IKEA for only $9.99 each! They might as well be giving them away! I am sold on the orange one

These candle lanterns from WS Home are very eye catching- rustic yet modern with clean lines... you can carry OR hang these beauties for two very distinct looks!

And who could forget Z Gallerie? If there's a trend, don't worry, Z Gallerie (and/or Pottery Barn) will be taking note of it! This bamboo lantern is said to "scatter brilliant constellations throughout your favorite room in the house". But why does this one still kind of remind me of a birdcage?

Next up- Pottery Barn! These $39 colorful and cheery lanterns go perfectly with PB's other bright decor this season. I can see these at an outdoor barbeque or another festive occasion- how about Fourth of July? They just need to add a white one to the mix and we'd be set!

These West Elm perforated lanterns can hang or stand. Only coming in white, these lanterns would look great against a colorful backdrop.