How To Make Lanterns To Decorate Exteriors

Would you like to learn how to make beautiful lanterns to decorate outdoors? The lighting in these areas of the home is very important. Although it is usually favored by natural daylight, it is good to add other sources of light at night.

The best of all is that it is not strictly necessary to purchase lamps or lanterns from those sold in the market. With a little creativity they can be made at home from recyclable materials. This time we will give you some interesting ideas. Take aim!

Lanterns to decorate outdoors: 5 ways to make them

The popularity of lanterns to decorate exteriors has increased in recent years due to the need to increase lighting in spaces such as the terrace or garden. These areas of the home have become a family and social meeting point, especially on special occasions.

For this reason, many have looked for different alternatives to illuminate at night and, incidentally, add a decorative touch. Although the options are very varied, there are those who prefer to opt for the simple and romantic. Let’s look at some options below.

1. Craft tin lanterns

To make these beautiful lanterns to decorate outdoors you will only need a few cans of food products such as fried tomato. Ideally, they should be a bit wide, both for lighting and aesthetics. Make sure you clean them well and start shaping them.

How to do it?

• First, give the cans a hand of paint for a better finish.
• Then use a stencil to trace a design onto its surface.
• Then, use nails and a hammer to drill the lantern holes all the way around the design. If you can, make them with a drill, it’s quicker and easier.
• Also, poke a couple of holes in the top, in case you want a hanging lantern. Once you have them ready, put a thin rope or wire on it and place it in the area you want.

• To finish, put candles inside or install a system with small bulbs.

2. Lanterns with paper bags

The downside of paper bag lanterns is that they are more disposable than those made from other materials. However, it is a good option to light up quickly on a special occasion. They add harmony and romance to the environment.

How to do it?

• You can buy bags of the ones they sell made in the market. However, if you prefer, you can make them yourself.
• To do this, buy recycled paper bags, sand, scissors, pencil and some LED candles. Then draw a design with the pencil on the surface of the bag.

• Cut it off, but making sure to leave room at the bottom to fill it with sand.
• Finally, introduce the LED candles and place the lantern where you prefer.

3. Lanterns with glass jars

Another recyclable material that we find very useful when making lanterns to decorate exteriors are glass jars. This item, which usually stores certain foods, looks elegant and romantic when a few details are added. Does the idea sound familiar to you? Let’s do it!

How to do it?

• Clean the glass jars well and put a handful of pebbles or gravel inside them. If you want, you can also fill them with salt, lentils or any other grain.
• Next, put a candle inside them, preferably one of the anti-mosquitoes.

• To finish you can incorporate several details: you can paint them or add lace borders. You can also use rope to transform them into hanging lanterns.

4. Wooden lanterns

With some wood waste you can make beautiful lanterns to decorate exteriors. In fact, due to the versatility of the material, they can be given different shapes : square, rectangular, triangular, among others. It all depends on your creativity.

How to do it?

• Gather several pieces of wood, whatever thickness you prefer. You can even cut a board into several pieces.
• Shape the lantern and secure it with nails or fine glue.
• Cover their outdoor areas with colored cloth or paper. Keep in mind that the paper will last less.

• When you have it ready, insert a candle or light bulb.

5. Lanterns with glass fish tanks

Do you want more elegant and original lanterns? Then do not hesitate to put this idea into practice with glass fish tanks. Due to their shape and size, they are perfect for adding more lighting in certain areas of the garden.

How to do it?

• Decorate the surface of the fish tanks to your liking.
• Then, put pebbles, gravel, salt or any other similar element inside.
• To finish, put the candle inside and give them a location.

If you notice that your garden or terrace looks very dark when night falls, do not hesitate to incorporate these beautiful lanterns into your decoration. As you can see, they are easy to do and add a very special touch to these spaces.