19+ Garden Lantern Ideas: Stylish Ways to Brighten Your US Backyard This Summer

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Looking to make your garden feel warm and inviting after dark? Garden lanterns can instantly change the atmosphere, making your outdoor space both beautiful and practical.

A garden at dusk with various lanterns lighting a stone pathway surrounded by plants and flowers.

By adding the right lighting, you can create a cozy setting or improve visibility for evening use. Discover 21 useful ideas to brighten up your garden with simple lantern projects.

1. Solar-Powered Outdoor Lanterns

A garden path at dusk lit by glowing solar-powered lanterns surrounded by flowers and trees.

You can lighten your garden without extra electricity by using solar lanterns. These lights soak up sunlight all day and turn on automatically when it gets dark. They come in many styles, so you can pick the look that fits your outdoor space while being gentle on the environment.

2. Hanging Moroccan Lanterns

Two ornate Moroccan hanging lanterns glowing softly in a garden surrounded by green plants and flowers.

You can hang Moroccan lanterns from tree branches, pergolas, or hooks to create a unique look. Their detailed patterns produce interesting shadows when lit. These lanterns add a gentle, romantic feel, especially if your style leans toward bohemian or vintage.

3. Mason Jar Lanterns with String Lights

Three mason jars hanging in a garden, each filled with glowing fairy lights, surrounded by plants and trees at twilight.

You can use mason jars filled with string lights to add a soft, magical glow to your outdoor space. These lanterns work well on tables, hanging from branches, or along pathways. This simple project brings a natural and cozy touch to your garden or porch.

4. Bamboo Tiki Torches

A garden pathway lined with four lit bamboo tiki torches surrounded by green plants and flowers at dusk.

You can add a natural touch to your garden with bamboo tiki torches. These lights create a cozy glow while helping keep mosquitoes away if you use citronella oil. Their simple design fits well in outdoor spaces like tropical or beach-themed areas.

5. LED Candle Lanterns

A garden at dusk with glowing LED candle lanterns hanging from trees and placed on a wooden table surrounded by plants and flowers.

You can use LED candle lanterns to safely add warm light to your garden. These lanterns create a gentle flicker like real candles without any flames. They run on batteries and resist weather, making them easy to place anywhere outdoors. Their soft glow helps you enjoy relaxed nights outside.

6. Using Paper Lanterns for Outdoor Gatherings

Outdoor garden with colorful illuminated paper lanterns hanging from trees and pergolas during early evening.

You can brighten your outdoor events with paper lanterns that add color and a festive feel. They come in many shapes and sizes, making it easy to hang them on trees or over patios. Although paper lanterns aren’t very strong, they work well for short-term or seasonal decorating.

7. Classic Metal Lanterns for Your Garden

Several vintage metal lanterns displayed in a garden surrounded by plants and flowers with sunlight filtering through trees.

You can add charm to your garden with vintage metal lanterns that feature glass sides. These lanterns fit well with both new and old outdoor styles. Placing them on tables or hanging them helps create a cozy, warm light perfect for relaxing evenings.

8. Making Lanterns from Old Tin Cans

Garden lanterns made from tin cans hanging from tree branches and placed on a wooden table surrounded by plants and flowers.

You can turn old tin cans into unique lanterns by punching patterns into their sides. Placing candles or LED lights inside gives a cozy glow. This project is both budget-friendly and helps reduce waste, making your garden more attractive and eco-friendly.

9. Lanterns with Detailed Laser-Cut Designs

A garden with several glowing lanterns featuring detailed laser-cut patterns hanging among plants and flowers at twilight.

You can use lanterns with laser-cut metal patterns to create beautiful shadow effects. These lanterns work well along garden paths, stairs, or on your patio. They bring a touch of style and elegance to your outdoor space.

10. Wooden Frame Lanterns with Glass Panels

Ten wooden frame lanterns with glass panels arranged in a garden surrounded by plants and flowers.

You can add a natural look to your garden using wooden lanterns with clear glass sides. These lanterns work well with candles or LED lights, offering soft lighting for tables or paths. Their simple materials help them fit smoothly into outdoor spaces.

11. Making Garden Lanterns from Old Wine Bottles

A garden at dusk with old wine bottles repurposed as glowing lanterns hanging from trees and lining a stone pathway.

You can turn empty wine bottles into simple lanterns by placing fairy lights or candles inside. This adds gentle lighting along your pathways or near seating spots. Besides improving your outdoor space, this idea helps reduce waste by reusing materials you already have.

12. Floating Lights for Your Pond or Pool

Multiple floating lanterns glowing softly on a calm pond surrounded by garden plants at night.

You can use floating lanterns to brighten your pond or pool with soft, calming light. Choose between candles or LED lights, both look lovely on the water. These lanterns help create a quiet, relaxing space in your outdoor area.

13. Mounted Lanterns Featuring Edison Bulbs

A row of wall-mounted garden lanterns with glowing Edison bulbs on a wooden fence surrounded by plants and flowers at dusk.

You can add a vintage touch to your outdoor space by installing lanterns with visible Edison bulbs. These lights work well on fences, walls, or garden sheds, offering direct illumination. Their soft, warm light helps create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

14. Natural Fiber Lanterns for Your Garden

A garden with rattan and wicker lanterns glowing softly among plants and shrubs near a wooden bench.

You can use rattan or wicker lanterns to add a warm, natural feel to your outdoor area. Their woven design lets light pass through gently, creating a soft glow. These lanterns are simple to move and look great on tables or hanging from trees to enhance your space.

15. Fire Pit Lanterns with Real Flames

A garden at dusk with 15 fire pit lanterns glowing with open flames among plants and stone pathways.

You can add warmth and light to your outdoor space with fire pit lanterns. These lanterns feature genuine flames that create a cozy atmosphere for cooler nights. Their rugged design makes a strong visual impact in any garden setting.

16. Posts with Lanterns Along Your Garden Walkway

Sixteen lantern posts lining both sides of a garden path surrounded by plants and grass.

You can brighten your garden path by placing lanterns on posts at regular intervals. Using solar or electric lanterns helps keep the area safe while adding an elegant look. This setup fits well in gardens that have a neat and planned design.

17. Sleek Metal Lanterns with Geometric Shapes

Outdoor garden scene with geometric metal lanterns placed on a wooden table and hanging among green plants.

You can add a modern and clean look to your garden with metal lanterns featuring geometric designs. These lanterns stand out because of their sharp lines and metal finish, which looks great near plants. Place them on stairs, tables, or patios to enhance your space with a simple, stylish touch.

18. Weathered Lanterns with a Rustic Look

A group of rustic garden lanterns with worn finishes displayed outdoors among green plants and flowers.

You can add a cozy farmhouse feel to your garden using lanterns with a worn or aged finish. These lanterns fit well alongside natural materials like wood and stone. Their old-fashioned style brings charm and a warm glow to your outdoor space.

19. Bright Stained Glass Lanterns

A garden with colorful stained glass lanterns hanging from trees and placed on stone paths surrounded by green plants and flowers.

You can brighten your garden with stained glass lanterns that show rich colors. When lit, these lanterns create colorful patterns on nearby surfaces. They add a stylish and artistic look, making your outdoor space more inviting and unique.

20. Birdcage Lanterns with String Lights

You can brighten your garden by wrapping birdcage lanterns with string lights. These lanterns give off a gentle, warm glow that feels inviting. They also bring a vintage, playful look that suits outdoor spaces well.

21. Turning Old Teapots into Garden Lanterns

You can give old teapots a new life by turning them into garden lanterns. With simple changes, they can hold candles or LED lights safely. This adds a unique and personal look to your outdoor space. These lanterns not only brighten your garden but also create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Using teapots for lighting is a smart way to recycle while giving your garden a charming and creative touch. It works well with many outdoor styles, from classic to modern.