Top 15 Paper Lanterns DIY [Easy To Make]

Are you looking for a creative way to brighten up your home or add a personal touch to your next event? 

Paper lanterns are a fantastic solution! They’re easy to make, customizable, and can bring a charming glow to any space. 

In this article, I’ll share 15 delightful DIY paper lantern ideas that you can easily create to transform your decor.

Paper Lanterns DIY

Here are the best DIY paper lantern ideas that will add a personal touch to your space without breaking the bank.

1. Floral Paper Lanterns

Floral paper lanterns are the perfect way to do just that! You can start with a basic white paper lantern and then adorn it with paper flowers. 

To make the flowers, you can use colored tissue paper or crepe paper. Simply cut out petal shapes, layer them to create a full bloom, and attach them to the lantern with glue. 

This project is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. The result is a beautiful, nature-inspired lantern that brings a splash of color and a breath of fresh air into any room. 

2. Ombre Paper Lanterns

Are you a fan of gradient colors? Ombre paper lanterns are a fun and stylish way to incorporate this trend into your home decor. 

Start with a plain white paper lantern and select three to four shades of paint within the same color family. 

Using a sponge brush, begin painting the lantern from the top with the darkest shade, gradually blending into lighter shades as you move down. 

The key is to blend the colors seamlessly to create that beautiful gradient effect. This project is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to any room. 

3. Watercolor Paper Lanterns

Watercolor paper lanterns are an artistic and relaxing DIY project that can brighten up any space. 

Begin by lightly wetting the surface of the lantern with a damp brush. Then, start applying watercolor paint, letting the colors blend and flow naturally. 

The beauty of this project lies in the unpredictability of watercolor, as no two lanterns will look the same. 

The soft, dreamy colors create a calming ambiance, making these lanterns perfect for a bedroom or a cozy reading nook. 

It’s also a great way to practice your watercolor techniques and create a piece of art that’s functional and beautiful.

4. Geometric Paper Lanterns

If you love modern and minimalist designs, geometric paper lanterns are a fantastic DIY project for you. 

Start with a plain paper lantern and use painter’s tape to create geometric patterns on its surface. 

You can go for triangles, hexagons, or any shape that appeals to you. Once your pattern is taped out, paint over the lantern with your chosen colors. 

After the paint has dried, carefully remove the tape to reveal your geometric design. 

These lanterns add a contemporary touch to any room and are a great way to experiment with shapes and colors. 

They’re perfect for adding a bit of visual interest to your space without overwhelming the decor.

5. Lace Paper Lanterns

For a touch of elegance and romance, lace paper lanterns are an excellent choice.

Cut the lace fabric into pieces that will fit around the lantern, and then carefully glue them onto the lantern’s surface. 

The lace adds a delicate texture and creates beautiful patterns when the lantern is lit. 

These lanterns are perfect for weddings, romantic dinners, or simply adding a bit of vintage charm to your home. 

They look stunning when hung in clusters and can be customized with different lace patterns to suit your taste. 

6. Stenciled Paper Lanterns

Place the stencil on the lantern and use a sponge brush to dab paint over it. Carefully lift the stencil to reveal the design. 

Repeat this process around the lantern until you’re satisfied with the look. You can use different stencils to create a variety of patterns, from floral motifs to abstract designs. 

These lanterns are perfect for adding a personalized touch to your decor, and they make great gifts too. 

7. Glitter Paper Lanterns

Do you love a bit of sparkle and shine? Glitter paper lanterns are a fun and festive way to add some glitz to your space. 

Began with a paper lantern and apply a thin layer of glue over its surface. Then, sprinkle glitter all over the lantern, shaking off the excess. 

You can use one color of glitter for a uniform look or mix different colors for a more dynamic effect. 

These lanterns are perfect for parties, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a bit of sparkle. They catch the light beautifully and create a magical atmosphere. 

8. Paper Cut-Out Lanterns

Draw your design on the lantern with a pencil, then carefully cut out the shapes with the craft knife. 

When the lantern is lit, the cut-out shapes create stunning patterns of light and shadow. 

This project requires a bit of precision, but the results are well worth the effort. 

These lanterns are perfect for adding a bit of artistry to your home and can be customized with any design you like. 

9. Confetti Paper Lanterns

Cut the tissue paper into small confetti-like pieces, then glue them onto the lantern’s surface. 

You can create a random pattern or arrange the confetti in stripes, circles, or any design you like. 

These lanterns are perfect for adding a festive touch to parties, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a bit of color and fun. 

They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite colors to match any theme.

10. Chalkboard Paper Lanterns

Chalkboard paper lanterns are a unique and interactive DIY project that allows you to change the design whenever you like. 

Apply a few coats of paint to the lantern, allowing each coat to dry completely. 

Once the paint is dry, you can use chalk to draw designs, write messages, or create patterns on the lantern. 

These lanterns are perfect for parties, and events, or even as a fun way to leave messages for your family. 

The best part is that you can erase and redraw as many times as you like, making them a versatile and creative addition to your decor.

11. Mosaic Paper Lanterns

Mosaic paper lanterns are easy to make as you’ll need a paper lantern, colored paper, and glue. 

Cut the colored paper into small squares or shapes, then glue them onto the lantern in a mosaic pattern. 

You can create a random design or arrange the pieces to form a picture or pattern. 

These lanterns look beautiful when lit, as the light shines through the colored paper and creates a warm, glowing effect.

It’s a bit more time-consuming than some other projects, but the results are worth it. 

12. Marbled Paper Lanterns

Marbled paper lanterns are a stylish and sophisticated DIY project that adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Fill the container with water, then drip the marbling paint onto the surface. Use a stick to swirl the paint into a marbled pattern, then dip the lantern into the water. 

The paint will transfer to the lantern, creating a beautiful marbled effect. 

You can also customize it with any colors you like. It’s a fun and creative project that results in a truly unique piece of decor.

13. Decoupage Paper Lanterns

Decoupage paper lanterns are fun and easy to make, cut the paper into pieces and use the glue to adhere them to the lantern’s surface. 

You can create a random pattern or arrange the pieces to form a picture or design. Once the glue is dry, apply a final coat of glue over the entire surface to seal it. 

Now your lanterns are ready these are perfect for adding a bit of color and pattern to your decor.

14. Nature-Inspired Paper Lanterns

Gathered a paper lantern, leaves or flowers, and some glue. Press the leaves or flowers to flatten them, then glue them onto the lantern’s surface. 

The natural elements create a beautiful, organic design that looks stunning when the lantern is lit. 

These lanterns are perfect for adding a touch of nature to your home and can be customized with any leaves or flowers you like. 

It’s a simple project that results in a beautiful and unique piece of decor, it’s also a great way to incorporate natural elements into your home creatively.

15. Personalized Paper Lanterns

Personalized paper lanterns are a great way to add a personal touch to your decor. You’ll need a paper lantern, markers or paint, and any other decorations you like. 

Use the markers or paint to write your name, a favorite quote, or a special message on the lantern. 

You can also add other decorations like stickers, gems, or ribbons