Someone Dim the Lights

We’re always looking for ways to lend a cocktail vibe to a summer patio party or a Tuesday night at home (anything to bust up the routine). Ambient lighting from candles, lamps and lanterns instantly creates a cool mood, plus it’s the at-home version of the film industry’s soft-focus effects — everyone looks a little hotter, younger and skinnier when life is dark and slightly blurred.

Here, our six picks for stylishly creating a little ambiance.

World-inspired metal lanterns. You provide the candles, they provide the ambient lighting. Tall hurricane shape, perfect for walkways, deck corners and side tables. notNeutral, $45.

Hanging tea lights. Even wax can’t escape the chic vibe of Scandinavian design. Suspend these from stakes, umbrellas, trees, whatever for a “did I drink too much champagne or is that candle suspended in the air” look. Rakuten, $27

Shabby-chic jars. We love these votive holders for sunset picnics and beach blanket ambiance. Insert bonfire, champagne and a cast of characters. Kerr, $30.

Rechargeable glow. Fake like you’ve got candles with these instant mood makers. We love that they’re packable, mess-free and chic enough to double as a centerpiece. OXO, $69.

Funky-shaped lamps. These definitely have an alien-like cone-head appeal. They’re inconspicuous but unexpected. Available in several styles from rocks to cubes to flat ovals. Smart Green Eggs, $89.

Volcanic inspiration. Danish designer Pernille Vea created these to imitate lava on the dark-gray outside and hot orange and yellow magma on the inside. Pernille Vea, $79.