Outdoor Copper Lanterns: Pros and Cons

An outdoor copper lantern hanging on the side of a building.

Outdoor copper lighting is a beautiful way to highlight the exterior of your home. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, modern, or classic, copper lanterns can provide a unique accent to your outdoor space. 

But before you decide on investing in this type of lighting, it’s important to understand the pros and cons that come with it. 

Let’s take a look at some of them. 

Pros

Durability

Copper is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, which means that it can last for years without needing any major repairs or replacements.

This makes it great for use in all types of weather conditions, including wet climates or areas near saltwater bodies.

Elegance

Copper has an elegant appearance that can add a classic touch to any outdoor area. It also pairs well with other materials, such as wood and stone.

Low Maintenance

Copper does not require much maintenance beyond an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust from its surface.

Additionally, copper does not need to be treated or painted like other metals, so you won’t need to worry about chipping paint or rust buildup over time. 

Versatility

Copper is available in many styles and sizes, so you can find the perfect fixtures for your outdoor space regardless of size or shape requirements.

You can even customize copper pieces by adding colored accents and other decorative touches such as antique finishes or special engravings. 

Safety

Because copper is a naturally non-flammable material, it’s ideal for use in areas where open flames are present such as fire pits.

Additionally, copper lanterns typically don’t emit harmful UV rays like other types of lighting options may do, so they’re safer for people who spend time outdoors in the evenings or early mornings when UV rays are most intense.

Cons

Cost

Outdoor copper lighting fixtures tend to be more expensive than other types of lighting due to the higher cost of raw materials used in their production process as well as their durability and longer lifespan. 

Aesthetics

While some people appreciate the distinctive look of copper fixtures, others may find them too bright or harsh for certain settings.

Visibility

Depending on the type of fixture, copper may be difficult to see during bright days since its reflective surface will reflect sunlight rather than emit light itself.

Weathering

Over time, exposure to rain, snow, wind, and other elements can cause copper fixtures to tarnish if they aren’t properly cared for.

Installation

Installing copper lanterns requires careful planning since they must be positioned correctly so as not to create glare on nearby objects or surfaces while still providing adequate illumination at nighttime hours. 

Types of Outdoor Copper Lanterns

Outdoor copper lanterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small wall-mounted fixtures to large hanging chandeliers. 

Depending on your needs, you can choose from a range of different styles, including traditional colonial-style lanterns, modern contemporary designs, or even vintage-inspired pieces with intricate details and finishes. 

You’ll also find a range of mounting options for your new fixture. Some lanterns can be mounted directly onto walls or posts, while others require stands or poles for installation. 

Copper vs. Other Materials

When choosing an outdoor copper lantern, you might wonder why you should opt for copper over other metals such as brass or stainless steel.

While all three materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, copper is often the most popular choice due to its natural beauty and durability.

Copper is resistant to corrosion and rusting, a common problem with other metals, and its rich color will never fade over time like some painted finishes.

In addition, copper has excellent heat conduction properties, which makes it ideal for lighting fixtures that require high levels of illumination.

​​Safety Precautions

When installing an outdoor copper lantern, it’s important to take safety into consideration as well.

As with any lighting fixture that uses electricity, it’s essential to properly ground the fixture in accordance with local electrical codes and regulations in order to prevent potential hazards such as electric shock or fire.

It’s also important to make sure that the wiring used in your setup is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. If not, the wiring may become damaged by exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures over time.

Finally, be sure that your chosen installation location allows enough clearance so that there is no risk of anyone bumping their head on the light fixture when walking by.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are both pros and cons associated with using outdoor copper lighting fixtures, which should be taken into account before making a decision on what kind of outdoor light will work best for your needs and budget. 

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a timeless yet affordable option with many design possibilities, then outdoor copper lighting from Teton Lighting could be just what you have been searching for! 

With proper care and maintenance, these lights should last long enough that you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon!

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