Easy DIY Wooden Lanterns

6 Materials
$15
1 Hour
Easy

The weather is starting to get so pretty here in Alabama & that means I do absolutely everything possible outside.


Last year I transformed our patio into an oasis, perfect for dinning & entertaining.

The only thing missing was the soft glow of candlelight.

And outdoor candles look extra glamorous in lanterns.

Supplies:




  • 1×6
  • 2×2
  • 1×4
  • Finial
  • Moss


Tutorial:

I chose to make my lanterns 12″ tall but you can manipulate the dimensions to whatever size you want!

First, cut (4) 2×2 board to 12” each. These will be the leg pieces

Next, cut (2) 1×6 boards to 6” each.

These will be the bottom & top pieces

Start by assembling the legs to the bottom base piece

Now apply wood glue, then clamp

Screw 1” screws in through the bottom base


Add 1×6 topper to the top using wood glue & finishing nails


Next, add 1×4 accent piece to the top center using wood glue & nails.

Use scrap 1×2 pieces for small leg pieces. Attach using wood glue & nails.

Screw the finial into the accent piece on the top.

Finally, it’s time to paint the lantern! I went with flat white but feel free to get crazy with the paint colors or even stain.

As a finishing touch I added moss to the base using a hot glue gun.

That’s it, Easy DIY wooden lanterns!

They are perfect for our outdoor dinners & give off such a romantic glow.

Plus they were super cheap to make!

These ones fit nicely on our DIY outdoor dinning table, but I think I might make some taller ones next!

Let me know what y’all think & where you are gonna put yours!


You can also find more DIY wooden lantern ideas here!


Resources for this project:
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Lia with Southern Yankee DIY
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Tee Tee on May 17, 2021

    I’m just wondering if candles won’t blow out with wind?

  • Rudy martinez Rudy martinez on May 18, 2021

    Why nail the top and screw the bottom??

  • Noemi Noemi on May 18, 2022

    wouldn't this pose some type of fire hazard? Wood + possibly flammable paint + lit candle???

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2 of 19 comments
  • Pat81934129 Pat81934129 on May 16, 2023

    Nice tools. I love these, I especially love the taller ones for the floor. Just an FYI, I get my wood scraps from Home Depot and they cut all my wood for me. I can do the rest myself. TYFS

  • Taryn Taryn on May 22, 2023

    I actually don’t have a question but wanted to let you k ow these are beautiful and thank you for sharing. Definitely going to make a couple for outside patio areas

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