Beautiful paper lantern ideas for home decor, Chinese New Year, and summer parties. These DIY paper lantern ideas are simple, fun, and affordable!
Why Make Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns are one of those magical crafts that somehow make any room feel cosy, festive, or just a little bit fancier. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of sparkle to your home decor, celebrate Chinese New Year in style, or throw the summer party of the century, DIY paper lanterns are the way to go. They’re affordable and easy to make, and you probably already have everything you need around the house (hello, recycled materials!).
From pretty paper lanterns to twinkling party lights, these fun paper lantern crafts will light up your life (literally) and give your space a gorgeous glow. And trust me, once you start, you’ll want to make them for every occasion – winter cosiness, Chinese lanterns for festive vibes, or just because they look ridiculously cool.
The Best Paper Lantern Crafts
Light up your home with DIY paper lanterns! These easy and fun paper lantern crafts are perfect for parties, decor, and Chinese New Year celebrations.
How To Make Beautiful Paper Lanterns for Festive Occasions
Create elegant paper lanterns using upcycled materials like old book pages, maps, or patterned paper. This step-by-step guide shows you how to craft lanterns adorned with decorative tassels, perfect for festive occasions or adding a touch of charm to your home decor.
DIY Tea Light Lanterns With Pretty Images
Turn your old jam jar lids and some vellum paper into charming mini tea light lanterns. You can create customizable lanterns that suit any season or mood by printing vintage images onto the vellum and assembling them with the lids. This easy and affordable craft adds a warm glow to your space.
DIY Paper Lanterns with Beautiful 3D Flowers Design
Download free templates for these stunning paper-cut lanterns, perfect for cutting by hand or using a cutting machine.
Free Colourful Chinese Printable Paper Lantern Templates
Transform small glass jars into charming tea light lanterns using free printable Chinese paper lantern templates. This eco-friendly craft repurposes mini yoghurt jars and features vibrant designs inspired by 19th-century Chinese ornaments. Adorned with washi tape and illuminated by remote-controlled LED candles, these lanterns add a festive glow to your home decor.
Easy DIY Paper Lantern Luminary Bags With Old Maps
Illuminate your space with handcrafted luminary bags made from upcycled vintage maps. This DIY project guides you through creating paper lanterns that cast a warm, ambient glow, perfect for cosy evenings or special occasions. Repurposing old maps adds a personalized, eco-friendly touch to your decor, blending nostalgia with functionality.
DIY Paper Lanterns Decor
Create stunning DIY paper lanterns that look like high-end metal decor using cardstock and spray paint. This budget-friendly project guides you through crafting sturdy lanterns with a professional finish, perfect for adding a warm glow to any room. Customize them with your favourite colours and designs to match your home decor.
Easy Colourful Paper Lanterns
Get ready to light up your space with these fun and festive paper lanterns – perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year or adding a pop of colour to your home! All you need are two sheets of A4 paper, a little creativity, and voilà – you've got a bright, cheerful lantern with plenty of personality. It's an easy and satisfying craft that's great for kids and adults, bringing a festive vibe in no time!
DIY: Paper House Luminaries
These charming mini paper house lanterns make a delightful addition to your mantle decor year-round. The tutorial includes free downloadable templates to print and create your own!
How to Create Whimsical DIY Paper Lanterns with Nature
Combine paper mache with natural materials to craft beautiful hanging summer lanterns. Press leaves, flowers, or twigs into the paper mache for a unique texture and design that reflects the beauty of the outdoors. These lanterns add a warm, whimsical glow to summer evenings and make a fun, creative project that brings a touch of nature into your decor. They're perfect for garden parties or cosy patio nights!
Tissue paper lanterns
Turn your empty yoghurt tubs into vibrant, colourful lanterns with tissue paper and some homemade Mod Podge. It’s a super easy craft that’s fun to make and adds a lovely pop of colour to any space. Just pop in an LED tealight, and voilà – you have a cute, glowing light that is perfect. It’s a great way to upcycle and get creative with simple materials!
Thumb Tack Paper Lanterns
Transform simple cardstock into enchanting paper lanterns with just a thumbtack and some creativity! You can craft personalised lanterns that cast beautiful patterns when illuminated by sketching your favourite designs and carefully punching holes along the lines.
Cut Out Paper lanterns with lights
Transform empty plastic bottles into stunning paper lanterns with this fun and creative DIY project! You’ll cut and wrap decorative paper around plastic bottles using free printable templates to create elegant, glowing lanterns. This easy, eco-friendly craft is a great way to upcycle household waste and brighten your home with just a few simple materials!
Illuminate Your Home with More DIY Magic
Paper lantern crafts are one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to add charm to your home, garden, or next big celebration. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional beauty of Chinese lanterns or love upcycling for that perfect home decor piece, there’s a DIY paper lantern idea for you.
If you want to add even more glowing touches to your decor, check out some of my other illuminating crafts! Try these Stamp Tea Light Jars for a unique spin on tea lights, light up your Valentine’s Day with this Neon Light Heart, or bring festive vibes into your home with these Illuminated Christmas Bottles.
Why not add a personal touch to your festive string lights by crafting them with Shrinky Dinks? Try creating Valentine’s heart lights or Christmas cookie-cutter designs for a unique, handmade glow. There’s something genuinely magical about designing your lights – let your creativity shine bright!