How to Make Outdoor Lights Look Like Gas Lanterns
I’ve always loved the charm of traditional gas lanterns. There’s something about the warm, flickering glow that makes an exterior feel so inviting. The good news? You can get a similar look with regular electric lanterns and a simple light bulb swap. I’ve tested quite a few flickering flame light bulbs over the years, and there are two things I’ve learned that make ALL the difference. Let’s chat about how to achieve a realistic, designer look… without breaking the bank.
After our trip to Hotel Peter and Paul New Orleans a few years ago, I fell hard for gas lanterns scattered throughout the city. Unfortunately, running gas lines and swapping light fixtures was not in our budget upon returning home, but I did find a worthy alternative. Read on for my designer tips when it comes to flickering bulbs.
The Secret to Realistic Flickering Flame Light Bulbs
Not all flickering flame light bulbs are created equal. I’ve purchased some expensive ones that looked incredibly fake! After trial and error, I’ve found that the secret is actually a combination of the bulb AND the glass on your light fixture. Here are my two biggest tips…
- Choose seeded, reeded, or textured glass. This is probably my most important piece of advice! The texture helps disguise the actual bulb while allowing the flickering effect to shine through. Clear glass exposes the bulb, making it much harder to achieve a convincing gas lantern look.
- Find a realistic flame bulb. Some flickering bulbs are far too yellow, while others have an unnatural, repetitive flicker. You want something with a warm, subtle glow and natural looking movement. I’ve tested quite a few, and surprisingly— my favorite bulbs are also some of the most affordable.
My Favorite Flickering Flame Light Bulb
Here’s where things get interesting. I’ve purchased expensive specialty bulbs in the past, assuming they’d look more realistic. That hasn’t necessarily been the case. My current favorite is actually budget friendly from Amazon, and I prefer this bulb over several of the pricier versions I’ve tried. They create a lovely flickering effect when paired with the right lantern.
What to Check Before Buying…
If you’re shopping for flickering flame light bulbs, here are a few details worth checking:
- Bulb base: Make sure it fits your fixture. E26 and E12 are common sizes.
- Flame color: Look for a warm, natural glow rather than an overly orange effect.
- Flicker pattern: Subtle, irregular movement looks more convincing than a fast, repetitive flicker.
- Outdoor compatibility: Check the bulb’s rating and your fixture’s requirements.
- Brightness: These are often better suited for ambiance than functional lighting.
Will Flickering Flame Bulbs Work in Any Outdoor Light?
If you’re considering this upgrade, I’d recommend starting with the bulb before replacing your entire light fixture. It’s such an inexpensive swap, especially if your existing lantern already has textured glass. Technically, many light fixtures can accommodate flame effect bulbs, provided the bulb is compatible with the light. However, that doesn’t mean every combination will look good.
Designer Recommendations: Outdoor Fixtures
Click directly on each light fixture within the collage to shop… all of these have seeded or reeded glass— which would be perfect for flickering bulbs.
One more thing worth considering is brightness. I treat these as decorative ambient lighting rather than my primary source of exterior illumination. If you need bright lighting for steps, pathways, or security, I’d incorporate another light source. If you missed my designer guide on choosing timeless exterior lighting, be sure to give that a look!
Questions?
Usually not. You can often use your existing electric lantern as long as the bulb is compatible. However, I prefer lanterns with seeded, reeded, or textured glass for the most convincing result.
Some do, but many don’t. I’ve found that the color, movement, and surrounding glass make a huge difference. Even an expensive bulb can look artificial in the wrong fixture.
You can find them on sale, here! They’re under $150.
It depends on the bulb, but I prefer them for decorative lighting. If you need your porch lights to illuminate stairs or walkways, I’d layer additional functional lighting.
Of course! I use this one.
Related Lighting Posts
Looking for more helpful lighting posts? I’m going to link some of my favorites for you below. As always, let me know if you have questions!
- Where to Use Dimmer Switches: A Designer’s Guide
- 25 Visual Comfort Lights Worth the Investment
- The Best Timeless Table Lamps from Wayfair
- Flush Mount vs Semi Flush Lighting: When to Use Each
- How to Properly Light a Bathroom for Function and Design
- Recessed Lighting Guide: Layout, Spacing & Design
- The Best Fence Post Solar Lights for a Classic Look
- How to Layer Lighting Like a Designer
- How to Choose the Best Picture Light for Your Artwork
- How to Make Any Wired Lamp Cordless with Designer Approved Bulbs
Sometimes the smallest updates make the biggest difference, and this is one of those inexpensive tricks I love sharing. You don’t need an actual gas lantern to create a charming, flickering glow outside your home. Just remember that the glass matters just as much as the bulb! If you’ve been wanting to give your exterior more character, this is such an easy place to start. I’d love to hear if you’ve tried flickering flame bulbs or have a favorite of your own? Feel free to share in the comments!