10 DIY Garden Lantern Ideas 2025!
Creating a beautiful and inviting garden does not have to be expensive or complicated. Making your own lanterns is a simple way to add charm and light to your evenings.
DIY garden lanterns allow anyone to personalize their outdoor area while saving money.
These homemade projects fit any style, from modern to rustic. They often use items that are easy to find at home or in local stores.
Garden lanterns made by hand bring both atmosphere and function. They make outdoor gatherings more enjoyable and special.
1) Mason Jar Lanterns with Painted Interiors
Mason jar lanterns with painted interiors add color to gardens. Use glass paint to coat the inside of clean jars in your favorite shades.
When the paint is dry, place a tealight or flameless candle inside. These lanterns create a soft, colorful glow for paths or patios.
2) Hypertufa Japanese Garden Lanterns
Hypertufa Japanese garden lanterns add elegance to outdoor spaces. They use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and Portland cement.
This blend creates a lightweight but sturdy structure. Using hypertufa gives a stone-like look without the heavy weight or high cost.
Find detailed instructions on making your own hypertufa Japanese garden lanterns.
3) Leaf-Imprinted Tin Can Lanterns
Leaf-imprinted tin can lanterns bring a natural look to gardens. Clean empty tin cans, trace a leaf design, and punch holes along the outline.
Paint the cans for more color. Place a candle or LED light inside for a soft glow.
See more steps in these garden lantern instructions.
4) Glass Jar Lanterns with Napkin Decoupage
Glass jar lanterns with napkin decoupage use everyday jars and decorative napkins. Apply cut napkin pieces to clean jars using glue or decoupage medium.
After drying, add tea lights or battery candles. This project reuses jars and adds colorful charm to your garden.
For easy steps, watch this decoupage glass jars lantern tutorial.
5) Dollar Tree Candle Lanterns
Dollar Tree candle lanterns are affordable and stylish. Use glass frames, glue, and small candles to make them.
Simple designs with clear glass allow for even light. For more ideas and instructions, try the DIY Candle Lanterns made with Dollar Tree supplies video.
6) Hurricane Lamp Style LED Lanterns
Hurricane lamp style LED lanterns bring a classic touch to any garden. Their traditional shape suits both modern and rustic spaces.
Use glass cylinders or hurricane vases to hold battery-operated LED candles. Display several together for a dramatic look, inspired by creative hurricane lamp ideas.
7) Solar-Powered Mason Jar Lanterns
Solar-powered mason jar lanterns use simple materials for gentle outdoor lighting. Place a small solar light inside a clear or frosted jar.
These lanterns charge during the day and light up at night without wiring. For steps and supply ideas, see this guide on how to make solar mason jar lights.
8) Etched Glass Slide-Out Lanterns
Etched glass slide-out lanterns give a refined look to gardens. Decorate the glass sides with patterns using glass etching cream.
Many lanterns are made so the etched glass slides out for easy cleaning or changing designs. These lanterns work well with candles or battery lights. See more in this crafting guide.
9) Luminara Candle Set DIY Lanterns
Luminara candle sets create a realistic flame effect and are safe to use. These LED candles do not need a real flame, so they are good for indoor and outdoor lanterns.
Use frames or jars from discount stores to build lanterns. When paired with Luminara candles, these lanterns are stylish and easy to maintain. For more ideas, visit this Luminara candle DIY overview.
10) Cardboard Cutout Lanterns
Cardboard cutout lanterns use recycled materials and simple tools. Carefully cut designs into cardboard panels and join them to make a lantern shape.
Light shines through the cutout patterns, creating gentle effects in the garden. For inspiration, see these DIY cardboard lantern tutorials.
Essential Materials and Tools
Having the right materials and tools is important for making sturdy and safe garden lanterns. Knowing what supplies to use helps every lantern project go smoothly.
Recommended Lantern Craft Supplies
Many materials can be used to make garden lanterns. Glass jars, like mason or recycled food jars, are popular for their durability and clear sides.
Metal cans are great for punched-tin lanterns. For lightweight options, milk cartons and sturdy plastic bottles can be upcycled into creative designs.
For safety, use LED candles or battery-powered string lights. Open flames should only be used if the lantern is outdoors and watched at all times.
Basic supplies for decorating include:
- Acrylic paint or tissue paper
- Glue (preferably waterproof)
- Scissors
- Brushes
- String or wire for handles
- Paper towels for cleanup
Some projects, like hypertufa lanterns, need Portland cement, play sand, and perlite.
Safety Tips for DIY Projects
Safety should be a top priority during all DIY lantern projects. When using sharp tools, such as scissors or box cutters—work on a flat, stable surface.
Always cut away from your body. If the project requires power tools or hot glue guns, ensure that adults operate the equipment or closely supervise children.
Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling cement, metal, or glass. Choose battery-powered lights over candles to avoid fire risks.
If lanterns will be left unattended, avoid using candles. When working with paints or adhesives, keep the area well-ventilated.
This helps prevent inhalation of fumes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling glue, paint, or other chemicals.
Store materials out of reach of small children and pets. This helps prevent accidents.
