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Monday, March 10, 2014

The Bell Jar Lantern {Five Easy Pieces}

five easy pieces: the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
Happy Monday, friends! How have you been?

Lately, I've been building a list of classic pieces that--in almost any type of room and in the midst of any style--add something special and have proved to be timeless items worth the investment. These pieces never require too much finagling or effort to work in a space; they're just easy.

That's why all this week, I'm highlighting my favorite classic decorative items in a series I'm calling "Five Easy Pieces". Today it's all about the bell jar lantern.

Are you familiar with bell jar lanterns? You've probably seen them in some of your favorite Pinterest pins, in many of the most beautiful magazine spreads, and in various spaces designed by notable interior designers.

Bell jar lanterns, also called smoke bell lanterns, have their origins in 19th century England and America and were used most commonly in foyers of the period. In the pre-electrical age, the glass cap at the top of the lantern functioned to limit candle smoke from damaging walls and ceilings. 

The blown glass body of the lantern is often etched (frequently with a star design) or opalescent. In Colonial India, this lighting style was known as the hundi lantern and was often created with colored glass, unlike similar English or American lantern designs.

Today, the bell jar lantern has shown its versatility, being used in foyers, bathrooms, hallways, dining rooms and kitchens. Modern interpretations of the style range in price, metallic finish and glass design, but antique pieces can also be found online or via knowledgeable dealers.

But don't take my word for it; see for yourself why the bell jar is one of my "Five Easy Pieces":
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia

Like this timeless, worldly style as much as I do? I've found a few options to recreate the look in your own home:
the bell jar lantern via Meet Me in Philadelphia
(one / two / three)

I recently found my own bell jar lantern while antiquing and I can't wait to hang it in our foyer once a few modifications are made to it! Looking forward to showing it off to you shortly.

What do you think of the bell jar/smoke jar lantern? Is it a look you'd welcome in your home?

Be sure to check back all week and see the rest of my "Five Easy Pieces" list! I'd love to hear your favorite five classic decor pieces, too, so be sure to share them in the comments.

See the rest of the "Five Easy Pieces" installments here:

11 comments:

  1. Love this idea - 5 easy pieces. I really like them in foyers, looking forward to seeing the one you found.

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  2. Love this! I have one in my foyer. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. I try to approach decorating in a similar way - fill the space with long lasting, classic, timeless, pieces. It's easier to change out pillows, fabrics, and art!

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    1. Lucky lady! I'd love to see a picture of yours!!

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  3. A classic for sure! Looking forward to seeing your foyer!

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  4. Wow! I am currently hoarding one of these in my garage and never knew the history behind it. Thanks for sharing this, it's very helpful and inspiring!

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    1. No way! You are so lucky to have one just sitting around!

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  5. I think they're beautiful and I'm loving all things classic lately. Great round up Ashley!

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  6. Completely agree with you on this one!! Wasn't it Tyler Colgan who had one in her kitchen? I remember I fell in love with it when I saw it in her house. I recently bought a lantern pendant for our foyer/entry. My husband thinks it is too big, but I am of the mindset "Go big or go home!" HeeHee. It's not working…..still can't convince him! Might need to relocate it. Can't wait to see your foyer!!

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    1. Fran, you are always so good at remembering past spreads--I'll have to check out Tyler Colgan's kitchen! Thanks for the heads-up!

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  7. How ironic that I took a photo of a Hinkley bell jar fixture in the window of our local lighting store this past weekend. It's beautiful but I need to check on the price. Looking forward to seeing your light!

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I'd love to hear your thoughts!