20+ Creative Ideas for How to Make Unique DIY Lanterns

If you are looking for creative ideas for how to make unique DIY lanterns then I have a treat for you. No matter what your style you can learn how to make a lantern. From wooden lanterns to DIY paper lanterns there is an abundance of great ideas in here. Have you considered upcycled DIY lanterns from old frames or mason jars?

Disclosure: This DIY lanterns post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here for my full disclosure policy.

Creative Ideas for Making Your Own DIY Lanterns

Making your own DIY lanterns are a great way to add a little character to your home both inside and out. Create tin can lanterns for your garden or scrap wood to style your own DIY wooden lanterns. Whatever you fancy there is an abundance of projects for DIY lanterns from my fellow DIY creatives to inspire you. Please make sure to PIN the main post or from each source post and not individual images in this post. Enjoy.

DIY Wooden Lanterns

Why purchase wooden lanterns when you can make your own. Use scrap wood to make rustic lanterns, or break out the scroll saw and pick a lantern pattern to create a unique wooden lantern.

How to Make a DIY Lantern with a Scroll Saw

DIY Wooden Lantern from H20 Bungalow

Turn One Board into Two Rustic Lanterns from Prodigal Pieces

Fixer Upper Style DIY Hanging Lanterns from Worthington Court

How to Make DIY Wooden Lanterns with Barnwood from the DIY Village

DIY Wooden Lanterns made with Scrap Wood from the Diva of DIY

Wooden Candle Lantern from H20 Bungalow

DIY Paper Lanterns

Chinese paper lanterns don’t necessarily fit into one tight category anymore. You can make your own beautiful DIY paper lanterns in so many different styles. Paper lantern decorations can be patriotic or quite simple. Add a few pretty flowers to your homemade lantern for an elegant touch.

Japanese Paper Lanterns with Spring Flowers from Jennifer Maker

Floral DIY Paper Lanterns from Make Life Lovely

DIY Solar Paper Lanterns from Finding Home Farms

Glass and DIY Mason Jar Lanterns

Glass bottles and mason jars are great and easy ways to make a lantern. Mason jar lanterns are also affordable and can be used for indoor lantern centerpieces or unique hanging lanterns.

DIY Sea Glass Rope Lantern from a wonderful thought

Solar DIY Mason Jar Lanterns from North Country Nest

DIY Mermaid Mason Jar Lantern from Red Ted Art

Easy Painted Mason Jar Lanterns from Suburble

Upcycle and Repurposed & Decorative Lanterns

When your DIY lanterns don’t fit into any of the above categories you create a new one. Easy tin can lanterns are great outdoor lanterns in the yard or garden while a cute fairy lantern would be perfect for a child.

Recycled Tin Can Lantern from Small Home Soul