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28 DIY Garden Lantern Ideas to Illuminate your Outdoor Area

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By Victoria Carter • Updated on 2023-11-10


If you need some extra light in your yard but don’t want to pay for expensive permanent lighting fixtures, DIY garden lanterns are a great alternative. With simple tools and easy to find materials, you can create everything from rustic wooden candle holders to delicate, twinkling tea light chandeliers.

Key Takeaways

  • DIY garden lanterns are a cost-effective and customizable alternative to expensive permanent lighting.
  • They are suitable for different yard sizes and lighting needs.
  • Projects vary based on available materials and desired brightness levels.
  • Use fire-safe materials for open flames, like glass jars for candles and wood for non-flame light sources.
  • Our DIY garden lantern ideas cater to various styles and crafting skill levels.

How do you make a garden lantern?

Hanging garden lanterns

Image credit: © vladdeep

Making an outdoor lantern is a delightful and creative project that can add a touch of magic to your outdoor spaces. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started with your very own lantern!

Tools You Need

  • A glass jar (like a mason jar)
  • Wire (for creating a handle)
  • Wire cutter
  • Pliers
  • Paint or markers (optional, for decoration)
  • Tea light candle or LED candle

Steps for Making Your Garden Lantern

  1. Clean Your Jar: Begin by thoroughly cleaning your glass jar. Ensure it’s free of labels and residue for a clear, beautiful finish.
  2. Decorate the Jar (Optional):
    • Use paint or markers to decorate the jar. You might want to draw patterns, write words, or simply add some colorful designs.
    • Let the paint or markers dry completely before proceeding.
  3. Prepare the Wire Handle: Cut a length of wire long enough to form a handle over the top of the jar. Using pliers, twist each end of the wire to form small loops.
  4. Attach the Handle: Secure the wire around the neck of the jar, ensuring the loops you created are positioned on opposite sides of the jar. Adjust the wire so it sits snugly, but be gentle to avoid breaking the glass.
  5. Insert the Light Source: Place a tea light candle or an LED candle inside the jar. If using a real candle, ensure there’s enough ventilation to prevent the glass from overheating.
  6. Final Touches: Hang your lantern in a safe, visible spot outdoors. If using a real candle, ensure it’s out of reach of flammable materials. Light up your lantern at dusk to enjoy a warm, inviting glow!

What can you fill a DIY garden lantern with?

Candles in DIY garden lantern

Image credit: © Hans Malm

These are some of the most popular fillers for DIY outdoor lanterns, each with its unique charm

  • Candles: The classic choice. Candles in lanterns create a warm, flickering light that adds a cozy and inviting atmosphere to any outdoor setting.
  • Fairy Lights: A modern twist. These tiny, sparkling lights provide a magical and whimsical touch, perfect for enchanting evening gatherings.
  • LED Candles: The safe alternative. They offer the candlelit ambiance without the fire hazard, ideal for homes with kids and pets.
  • Colored Glass or Stones: For a splash of color. These materials catch and reflect light, adding a vibrant and decorative element to your lantern.
  • Natural Elements: Think pine cones, twigs, or seashells. They bring a piece of nature into your décor, creating a rustic and earthy feel.
  • Seasonal Decorations: Like mini pumpkins for autumn or ornaments for Christmas. They make your lanterns festive and timely, celebrating the spirit of the season.
  • Solar Lights: Eco-friendly and effortless. These harness the power of the sun, eliminating the need for batteries or electricity, and are perfect for eco-conscious decorators.

Each of these options brings its unique flavor to your outdoor space, allowing you to tailor the ambiance to your personal taste and occasion.


Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Garden Lanterns

How do you make a jar lantern?

To make a jar lantern, you simply need a clean glass jar, some wire for the handle, a tealight or small LED light, and optional decorations like paint or ribbons. Wrap the wire around the neck of the jar to create a handle, place the light inside, and decorate as desired for a charming, homemade lantern.

How do you make a waterproof lantern?

For a waterproof lantern, start with a plastic or glass jar that has a tight-sealing lid. Use LED lights as they are waterproof and long-lasting. Seal any holes for wires with silicone sealant, ensuring all entry points are fully waterproof to protect the light inside.

How do you make fairy mason jar lanterns?

Fairy mason jar lanterns are whimsical and easy to create. Place a string of battery-operated fairy lights inside a mason jar, and decorate the outside with translucent paper or glitter for a magical glow. These lanterns are perfect for adding a touch of enchantment to any space.

What is the best material for outdoor lanterns?

The best material for outdoor lanterns is typically metal, such as stainless steel or wrought iron, due to its durability and resistance to weather conditions. Metals are also versatile in design, allowing for both traditional and modern styles, and they can withstand various environmental factors while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.

28 Simple DIY Garden Lantern Ideas for Your Next Outdoor Party

1. Hanging Twine Mesh Candle Holders

Hanging Twine Mesh Candle Holders

DIY Project Details: marthastewart.com

2. Simple DIY Rustic Wooden Lanterns

Simple DIY Rustic Wooden Lanterns

DIY Project Details: 100things2do.ca

3. Glass Jewel DIY Mason Jar Luminaries

Glass Jewel DIY Mason Jar Luminaries

DIY Project Details: diycraftstips.org

5. Easy Recycled Tin Can Lanterns

Easy Recycled Tin Can Lanterns

DIY Project Details: ohbestdayever.com

6. Fun Paper Cutout DIY Magical Fairy Lantern

Fun Paper Cutout DIY Magical Fairy Lantern

DIY Project Details: facebook.com

7. Pressed Flower and Leaf Wax Paper Lanterns

Pressed Flower and Leaf Wax Paper Lanterns

DIY Project Details: apracticalwedding.com

8. Nautical DIY Rope Candle Holder

Nautical DIY Rope Candle Holder

DIY Project Details: madeinaday.com

9. Homemade Star Shaped Paper Lanterns

Homemade Star Shaped Paper Lanterns

DIY Project Details: meandmydiy.com

10. Tissue Paper and Wooden Bead Project

Tissue Paper and Wooden Bead Project

DIY Project Details: buggyandbuddy.com

11. Fairy Lights in a Decorative Bottle

Fairy Lights in a Decorative Bottle

DIY Project Details: gardeners.com

12. Sweet and Simple DIY Paper Lighting

Sweet and Simple DIY Paper Lighting

DIY Project Details: designdazzle.com

13. Decorative Laser Cut DIY Metal Lanterns

Decorative Laser Cut DIY Metal Lanterns

DIY Project Details: vivint.com

14. Polka Dot Summertime Hanging Light

Polka Dot Summertime Hanging Light

DIY Project Details: acultivatednest.com

15. Hanging Jam Jar and Tea Light

Hanging Jam Jar and Tea Light

DIY Project Details: jennifersmentionables.com

16. Beach Themed Mason Jar Candle Holders

Beach Themed Mason Jar Candle Holders

DIY Project Details: aloandbeholdlife.com

17. Upcycled Punch Pattern Tin Can Lanterns

Upcycled Punch Pattern Tin Can Lanterns

DIY Project Details: brendid.com

18. Rustic DIY Wooden Hurricane Lanterns

Rustic DIY Wooden Hurricane Lanterns

DIY Project Details: addicted2diy.com

19. Naturalistic Stick and Paper Lanterns

Naturalistic Stick and Paper Lanterns

DIY Project Details: ehow.com

20. Creative DIY Fabric Covered Lantern

Creative DIY Fabric Covered Lantern

DIY Project Details: onestylishbride.com

21. Modern and Colorful Candle Holder Cubes

Modern and Colorful Candle Holder Cubes

DIY Project Details: homedit.com

22. Colored Frozen Ice Lanterns for Winter

Colored Frozen Ice Lanterns for Winter

DIY Project Details: craftiments.com

24. Outdoor DIY Tea Light Chandelier

Outdoor DIY Tea Light Chandelier

DIY Project Details: decoracion2.com

25. Simple Handmade Mason Jar Torches

Simple Handmade Mason Jar Torches

DIY Project Details: thefrugalhomemaker.com

26. DIY Woodland Fairy Silhouette Lantern

DIY Woodland Fairy Silhouette Lantern

DIY Project Details: ehow.com

27. Milk Carton Fall Leaf Lantern

Milk Carton Fall Leaf Lantern

DIY Project Details: projectsinparenting.com

28. Recycled Scrap Wood Candle Display

Recycled Scrap Wood Candle Display

DIY Project Details: divaofdiy.com

DIY Garden Lantern Ideas

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