Creative Ideas to Make Beautiful Lantern Decor

Easy ways to style lantern decor inside and outside of your home.

Do you want to add a touch of instant magic and sparkle to your home decor? A great way to add color and interest to any space is to use lanterns. Whether you’re looking to give your living room a cozy atmosphere or add some drama to a bedroom, lanterns come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to express your personal style in any room.

Explore creative and fun ways to make lanterns the center of attention in your home decor. From counter top displays to unique centerpieces and outdoor decoration, we’ll cover all the ways you can use lanterns to enhance your home exterior and interior. So get ready to be inspired and learn how to establish a romantic and dreamy atmosphere to your home decor with lanterns.

Types of Decorative Lanterns

There are plenty of options for lanterns. Take a look at the various types to consider using in your home decorations.

• Glass lantern - usually all glass sides
• Colorful lanterns
• Outdoor lanterns or indoor lanterns
• Fairy light lanterns with a mason jar
• Candle lantern - with a battery candle or tea light
• Combine large lanterns with a small lantern
• Floor lanterns or table top options
• Metal lanterns - can be more modern in style
• Rustic lanterns
• Paper lanterns for outdoor use

Shop some of my favorite Target lanterns here.

Fun Ways to Use Lantern Decor

The traditional sense of using lanterns is heavily focused on light and candles. This is a fabulous tradition, but don't forget that lanterns can be utilized for so much more in your home decorating. Let's talk about some fun ways to use lanterns in your decor!

Standard Light Display

First up, let's go over the standard option for lantern usage. I really love this classic look with a white candle or tea light inside the lantern. You can even throw in a strand of fairy lights for additional sparkle or switch over to using a led candle. Enjoy this timeless way of decorating with a lit lantern that is even better in the evening.

For outside lanterns I like to use metal because they seem to hold up better against the weather.  View similar metal lanterns here. If your winters aren't too harsh, you might be able to be more flexible with your material choices.

View other items in this picture here: 

Lantern Decor With Vases and Plants

To add color, take lanterns and fill them with flowers. You can use different sizes or styles because each one will give you a different look.  A taller lantern like this one will be able to fit a variety of plants and flowers as well as a vase.

And don't forget that you can also use faux greens or flowers as a home decor staple, instead of real ones. They will last longer for you.

Shop this picture here: Striped rug, real touch tulips,  pillow cover.

Centerpiece Lantern Decor

Lanterns even work great as a table centerpiece on a coffee table, console table or dining table. Notice how I added peonies to the inside of the lantern to tie it in to the whole tablescape. What better way to use fresh flowers? The wood and metal mix are some of my most favorite lantern ideas.  View similar ones here.

It is also fun to have multiple lanterns and alternate the size of the lantern for a simple centerpiece. If you don't want too much color then you can add a little greenery to the inside for a simple idea. It helps to pull the whole look together in this living room.

Shop this picture here: 

They work great as a single lantern too if you don't want to use multiple items. This one is a little larger so it is a perfect space filler on this side table in our front entry. Putting a lantern on a table in your outdoor space is another great option.

Seasonal Lantern Decor Fillers

Looking to switch up your lantern decor for a special occasion? These are perfect to use during the holiday season, from fall decor to jolly Christmas vibes. For a fall lantern, use seasonal materials like colorful leaves, tree branches or pumpkins and squash.

For a Christmas lantern, try adding pine cones or holiday ornaments. This is the perfect way to add color to your decor. Look how lovey these can turn out for your Christmas porch. And these can easily be for outdoor use or interior.

Lanterns by Room

Theme your lantern decor by the choice of room. My daughter's Boho room is more of a modern design so we opted for lanterns with more modern textures like brass, wicker and wood.

My kitchen lantern is both stylish and logical because it is filled with limes. You can also opt for lemons or another type of fruit.

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Exterior Lanterns

When it comes to utilizing lanterns outside, your main concern will be the natural elements. Pick lanterns that you don't mind if they show some wear and tear. A lantern is the perfect accessory to decorate your front porch and can add light if necessary.

But don't forget about your back patio! Spice up that back porch area with a few additional lantern designs too. Keep in mind that even if your outdoor space is small, different heights will add needed dimension to your space.

Additional Options for Lantern Decor Ideas

• Line a walkway or steps to your home with a lantern
• Use on a mantel
• Put on display at a shower or party
• Fill with treats for a holiday or party
• Use in a garden for a small potted plant
• Hanging lanterns or table lanterns for outside light

DIY Wood Lantern

Looking for an easy DIY project? You can even create your own DIY wood lantern with this simple tutorial. I used pine wood, but you can easily do this with whatever wood you have on hand.

Shop More Lanterns

See these additional styles here.

Lanterns are the perfect accent to add a cozy touch to your home decor. They come in many different styles, sizes, and materials to appease any decor from modern to rustic. Use lanterns in a variety of ways both indoors and outside to create a dramatic focal point or subtle soft lighting.

Whether you want to light up your outdoor space for a romantic evening, bring a touch of rustic charm to your living room, or want to add a unique holiday centerpiece to your dining room table, there are plenty of fun ways to use lanterns in your decor. Let your creativity shine, and find the perfect lanterns to bring even more warmth and personality to your home!

Happy Decorating!

Brooke