Finally! My new dining room lantern is here!
One look at the pictures will show I picked a different lantern than I first considered, and I absolutely adore it.
Not long ago I was given a gift card by Apartment Guide to makeover a corner of our home. Getting to shop for the house with that gift card felt like a dream—especially as a parent on a tight budget. It was a rare opportunity to choose something that would reflect our family and make our daily life feel more like “us.”
A view from another angle
Even though I wasn’t spending my own money, I wanted to make a thoughtful choice. This lantern would become part of our everyday experience, so I wanted something I truly loved.
I’ve had a long-standing affection for lanterns with character. They’ve been a common thread in every home I’ve lived in, and they help create that sense of comfort and history I hope for in our spaces. Do you have items like that that just make you feel at home?
About 650 of you helped me decide between two options, and your comments were full of helpful ideas and perspectives. While ultimately I needed to follow my own taste, your feedback sparked a lot of good thoughts and “aha” moments, and I’m so grateful for the time you took to weigh in.
And now, a view with the lights off so you’re not blinded by the bulbs.
Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions. Your input made the decision process richer and more informed, even if I finally trusted my gut to pick the final piece.
Good-bye, old light.
My compromises during a decision like this usually revolve around cost, using what we already have, choosing something both my husband and I will enjoy, and balancing practical needs with style. There’s also the recurring question of whether to buy something new or restore something old—another conversation entirely.
Spending a gift card felt different than spending my own money; it should have been easier, but it still carried pressure. When you care about your home, you want something you really love, and that can make the choice surprisingly difficult.
A view of the lantern with more of the still-unfinished room
I took photos while it was snowing outside—cozy and moody, just the way I like winter in the house.
I tried to find a secondhand lantern first, searching local ReStores and other vintage lighting sources, but this time the right vintage option didn’t turn up. I’ve had great luck with antiques before, but this pick had to be new.
And now, a view from below—don’t we all show ten photos of the same light?
One of the original choices quickly went out of stock after so many readers showed interest, so that option was off the table. I also reconsidered a Pottery Barn bell lantern I’ve admired for years after reading comments about potential issues like insects collecting in the glass. Those practical concerns steered me away from that particular model.
That led to another round of searching for the “right” lantern. If obsessing over a dining room light sounds familiar, you’re not alone—I had a few sleepless nights over it, truth be told.
And one final look back from this angle.
After researching many lanterns within my gift card budget, consulting my husband, checking sizes to ensure the fixture fit the room and table, and confirming availability to avoid long waits, I settled on a gorgeous choice that felt just right for our space.
Yesterday my husband and I climbed up on our ladders and installed this Pottery Barn beauty in its new home. The lantern immediately moved the dining room forward toward the character and warmth I was aiming for in this small space.
FINALLY. More old-house character in our new house!
If a pair of his-and-hers ladders side by side doesn’t warm your heart, I don’t know what will.
One practical note: this lantern isn’t very bright on its own. If you need a lot of light for tasks, you may want additional lighting sources. I have large windows and a couple of extra lamps, so it works well for my needs, but it’s something to consider when selecting a fixture.
For reference, the light I chose is a Pottery Barn pendant. Some readers mentioned it can be hard to find online, so you may need to call to check availability:
Item # 07-2293991
I discovered this is the same lantern a friend has, though hers is a different finish, so we each get a slightly unique look.
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I’m grateful to Apartment Guide for inviting me to participate in the New Year New Space Challenge and for the opportunity to shop for a piece that helped shape the room. The project pushed me to think about how a single fixture can bring personality and cohesion to a small dining area, and I’m thrilled with the result.
Disclosure: Apartment Guide partnered with bloggers for this challenge, and I received compensation. They did not dictate the purchases or the opinions I shared.