Copper vs Brass Lanterns: Which Is Right for Your Home?
When choosing a handcrafted lantern, one of the most important decisions is whether to select copper or brass. Both metals offer traditional beauty, durability, and distinctive character, but they differ in appearance and how they age over time.
At Shelburne Lighting & Metal Crafts, we handcraft copper and brass lanterns in our family-owned workshop in Shelburne, New Hampshire.
Whether you're restoring a colonial home, lighting a farmhouse entrance, or adding character to a modern property, understanding these differences can help you choose the right lantern.
Copper Lanterns: Warmth and Natural Character
Copper has a distinctive reddish-brown appearance when new. Over time, exposure to the elements naturally changes its color.
As copper ages, it generally develops deeper brown tones and may eventually acquire the familiar green patina associated with historic copper roofs and architectural details.
The exact appearance depends on environmental conditions, exposure, and the finish applied.
Copper lanterns are particularly well suited to traditional New England homes, colonial architecture, farmhouses, and rustic settings.
Brass Lanterns: A Classic Golden Appearance
Brass offers a warmer golden-yellow appearance that differs from copper's reddish tones.
Brass generally retains its golden color longer before gradually developing darker brown tones as it ages.
Its traditional appearance complements colonial homes, historic buildings, and entrances where a warmer golden finish is desired.
Like copper, brass changes naturally over time, and its final appearance depends on environmental exposure and the selected finish.
Natural or Antique Finishes
At Shelburne Lighting, many of our lantern designs are available in copper or brass, with natural and antique finish options.
A natural finish allows the metal's original appearance and subsequent aging to become part of the lantern's character.
An antique finish provides a darker, more established appearance from the beginning.
Review the finish choices available on each product page when ordering.
Copper
Antique Copper
Brass
Antique Brass
Whether you prefer the rich character of copper or the classic golden appearance of brass, Shelburne Lighting offers handcrafted lanterns to complement your home.
Explore our Post Lanterns and Wall Lanterns collections to discover available designs, sizes, and finishes. Each lantern is handcrafted in our Shelburne, New Hampshire workshop.