About Charleston Gas Light

Charleston Gas Light has built a solid reputation for its elegant and historic lantern designs, expert lantern detailing & craftsmanship, and exceptional sales and service. We are proud to continue a long tradition of gas lantern lighting, along with electric lighting as well.

Gas lantern lighting began over 150 years ago. Our company name "Charleston Gas Light" dates back to 1846, when a group of local Charleston business leaders came together to form the Charleston Gas Light Company — offering the new technology to the city and its residents. In the spring of 1848, the first gas streetlights appeared, marking the beginning of the Gas Light Era in Charleston.

The charm and ambiance of that 19th-century Gas Light Era can be yours today with our historically inspired lanterns. Charleston Gas Light's copper lanterns are handcrafted in the USA using high-quality rust-resistant copper and are suitable for both residential and commercial use, and exterior and interior installations. All lanterns can be configured for natural or LP gas, or electric illumination. Each lantern design is a true work of art that will compliment any architectural style.

All of our lanterns come standard with heat-tempered, safety glass. Most lanterns come with a standard Natural Copper finish that will acquire a deep, rich "copper penny" patina that is so desirable to many people. You may also choose optional finishes and add a variety of decorative elements.

Safety and energy efficiency is very important to us. All of our lanterns carry the CSA safety certification and we strongly encourage the use of Energy Star qualified CFLs in our electric lanterns to conserve electricity and to lower energy costs. In addition, all gas lanterns are available with electronic gas safety starters that can be controlled by switch, timer, or photocell for increased energy conservation and efficiency.

Please let us know if we can answer any of your questions. Call us toll-free during regular business hours Monday-Saturday, or email us at mitch@charlestongaslight.com.

Click here to view our company policies.

Here are some links to sites that we think you'll find helpful in "going green."

Green Living Ideas / Lighting Ideas

U.S. Green Building Council

International Dark Sky Association / Lighting

Energy Star / Lighting

Debra McKinley, president of Charleston Gas Light, admires The Drayton lantern [above].

"At Charleston Gas Light, we are inspired by history and green by design," says Debra McKinley, President of Charleston Gas Light, Inc. "We feel that 'being green' means the responsible and accountable use -- and reuse -- of all our natural resources. Environmental awareness, social consciousness and sustainability have always been guiding principles of our company, so we are thrilled to be a partner with Green Living Ideas and the U.S. Green Building Council in providing consumers with valuable information for their green lighting projects."