---
title: "What is a lantern? And the difference between a lantern and a tealight\n – dims studio"
description: "When the dark evenings arrive, candlelight is what makes a home feel cosy. But what's the actual difference between a lantern, a tealight holder and an ordinary candlestick? Here's an overview to help you pick the right mood-maker. What is a lantern? A lantern is a closed or partly closed light that protects the flame "
url: "https://dimsstudio.dk/blogs/inspiration/what-is-a-lantern"
source: "https://dimsstudio.dk/en/blogs/inspiration/what-is-a-lantern"
---
# What is a lantern? And the difference between a lantern and a tealight holder

![Lanterne og glaslysestager med levende lys på et aftenbord](//dimsstudio.dk/cdn/shop/articles/blogcover_4_1780054771966.png?crop=center&height=195&v=1780054789&width=375)

When the dark evenings arrive, candlelight is what makes a home feel cosy. But what's the actual difference between a lantern, a tealight holder and an ordinary candlestick? Here's an overview to help you pick the right mood-maker.

## What is a lantern?

A lantern is a closed or partly closed light that protects the flame behind glass or a metal grille. Lanterns were originally used outdoors, where the wind would otherwise blow the flame out. Today they're used just as much indoors as a decorative element — and they're ideal on the terrace and balcony, precisely because the flame is shielded.

## What is a tealight holder?

[![Candy lysestage i keramik fra Kersten](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1695/4841/products/KAL-2938-164753.jpg?v=1706105982)](/en/products/candy-lysestage-rosa-og-bla)

A tealight holder is a small holder designed for a tealight. It's low and compact, and the light stands free. Tealight holders are perfect to collect several of — arrange them on the dining table, in the windowsill or on the [shelf](/en/collections/lysestager) for a soft, flickering light.

## And the ordinary candlestick?

[![Glas lysestage fra EJA](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1695/4841/products/ImageHandler_2-887643.jpg?v=1706106912)](/en/products/glas-lysestage-stovet-petrol)

The classic [candlestick](/en/collections/lysestager) is designed for a dinner candle or a wax candle. It comes in everything from [glass](/en/collections/glas-lysestager) to [ceramic](/en/collections/keramik-lysestager) and gives the table height and elegance. A pair of candlesticks in different heights creates a beautiful, dynamic look.

## When do you use what?

Choose the **lantern** for shielded light outdoors and indoors, the **tealight holder** for cosy clusters of tealights, and the **candlestick** for the laid table. Often the combination is the most beautiful. See the full range of [candles and candlesticks](/en/collections/lys) at dims studio.