Any of these DIY outdoor lantern ideas will spruce up your garden design so check them all out now! With the outdoor seasons in full swing, you will want to spend more and more time outdoors, especially this summer. These DIY outdoor lantern ideas for your garden will make your stays even more relaxing without the expense. Whether you want DIY outdoor lighting without electricity or outdoor hanging tree lanterns, we have it here. Beautifully illuminate your yard with DIY outdoor lantern ideas in summer and all year-round!
DIY Outdoor Lantern Ideas To Light Up Your Yard
1. Mason Jar Prism Light

Create a stunning lighting effect with this mason jar prism light. Make a few of these mason jar crafts and place them around your yard to enjoy magical star-like effect they give off when illuminated.
2. Writable Mason Jar Light

Get some lighting you can also write on. This writable mason jar light is an easy and simple mason jar lighting project, you can write a poem, special note, or funny phrase to keep your spirits high. It’s a really cool lantern to display outdoors.
3. Mason Jar Oil Lamp

Want something practical and pretty? This DIY mason jar oil lamp will give you both, as an added bonus, you can also add fragrance oil to make it smell amazing.
4. Tin Lantern

Here’s something that definitely won’t break the bank. You can use either a tin bucket or upcycle a coffee can – so many options. This beautiful tin lantern is not only kid-friendly but also perfect as a centerpiece, garden decor, and even as gifts.
5. Easy DIY Mason Jar Lanterns
These easy DIY mason jar lanterns are easy as one-two-three. You just need a mason jar, a few wires, and a tealight candle. You can make it in minutes, then hang it to light your home or use it to light your summer outdoor party.
6. DIY Mason Jar Solar Lights

Your nights will be brighter with these easy DIY mason jar solar lights. Create this mason jar craft and have a whimsical lighting for your garden or patio with little to no cost at all.
7. Outdoor Tuna Can Lantern
Ever considered making a lighting project out of a tuna can? Well, the end result is pretty amazing and enough reason to recreate this outdoor tuna can lantern for your yard.
8. DIY Firefly Lantern
Make your gathering magical with these DIY firefly lanterns. You won’t believe how easy it is to make: it requires 3 basic crafting supplies and will take only 15 minutes to put together. Then, you'll be reliving the joy of catching fireflies in a jar.
9. DIY Solar Lanterns
Make a garland with these adorable DIY solar lanterns. Try to make it as colorful as you like to display the summer's beautiful vibrant colors.
10. Macrame Outdoor Lantern
Check out how to make a macrame patterned holder for your candle lantern. It’s not as hard as you think, so gather your crafting supplies and have fun making your own macrame outdoor lantern and let the summer festivities begin!
11. DIY Outdoor Cube Lantern
An outdoor lantern that can also double as a DIY centerpiece. I bet this DIY outdoor cube lantern will find the perfect spot in your garden. I so love it!
12. DIY String Lantern
A DIY lantern made of string and string lights? How cool is that? Add a bit of a rustic glow in your outdoor light with this DIY string lantern project!
13. Ice Lanterns
You’ll need some space in your freezer for these cool DIY ice lanterns. You can also add some flowers or fruits before freezing to make it more colorful.
14. Soda Can Lanterns
Looking for cheap backyard lighting ideas? Here's an idea: Repurpose your soda cans into this remarkable soda can lantern. Turn it into any color you want with spray paint and enjoy a wonderful craft you'll be proud of.
15. DIY Paper Star Lantern
Create a starry night with amazing this DIY paper star lantern. I'm sure your entire neighborhood will be mesmerized once they see this whimsical lantern glowing in your patio or yard.
16. DIY Winter Solstice Lantern
If you enjoy winter solstice, make these winter solstice lanterns on any season of the year and honor this special day. What's great about this project? It's nature-inspired to give you a lovely glow through the night.
17. Pottery Barn Inspired Hyannis Lanterns
Are you forever coveting something from the Pottery Barn? Well here’s your chance to make a knock-off Hyannis Lantern without the steep price. Super cool, huh!
18. DIY Moroccan Mason Jar Lantern
Want to have something straight out of a Genie movie? Here’s a DIY Moroccan lantern you should try. It showcases Moroccan vibrant hues perfect to light up the warm summer nights.
19. DIY Cloud Lights
These DIY cloud lights won’t be your everyday lantern, but this would be great for a special summer event with a heavenly theme. So if you’re planning for a summer party, delight your guests with wonderful lights sure to give them glowing smiles.
20. DIY Floral Lantern
Assemble this DIY floral lantern and add string lights for the perfect outdoor lighting. It's great for a summer garden party or wedding. You can easily customize the colors of the flower and lantern to go with your theme.
21. Wax Paper Lantern
Try your hand at fl0wer pressing with this beautiful DIY wax paper lantern. It's simply gorgeous and a very easy project to add a dramatic effect to a summer party or wedding.
Still got time for one more DIY outdoor lantern idea? Check out this video from DIY Creators:
Next time you need outdoor lighting ideas for patios, backyard, or for a party, you know now what to do. You only need to pick any of these DIY lantern ideas and have fun with the designs and display. Put your bright ideas into action and have a well-lighted garden in summer and all year round without breaking the bank!
Which of these DIY outdoor lantern ideas is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below!
Up Next: 15 Ingenious DIY Mood Lighting Ideas
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 26, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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