How to Decorate Lanterns for Fall

It’s that time of year again when pumpkins abound and leaves begin to cascade from the trees, gracing doorways and porches with autumnal tones. And as temperatures cool down so does the light outside— meaning we need more moody illumination!

How to Decorate Lanterns for Fall

If you’re looking for an easy way to evoke fall vibes indoors, crafting some decorative lanterns may be just what you need. With a few supplies from your local craft store and a bit of creativity, you can decorate these votives into works of art. Keep reading to find out how to decorate lanterns for fall!

12 Best Wonderful Ways on How to Decorate Lanterns for Fall

1. Add Faux Leaves:

Adding faux leaves to your lanterns is an easy way to make them look more festive for the season. Start by using a hot glue gun to attach the leaves around the edges of the lantern, then spray paint them in fall colors like burnt orange, burgundy, or golden yellow. Many of these leaves are already color-dipped and ready to go, so you can easily move them around and change the look in a few minutes.

2. Add Fall Foliage:

If you don’t have any faux leaves lying around, opt for real foliage instead! With some craft wire or twine, attach small branches of fall foliage around the lantern. You can also add eucalypti and other greenery, such as wheat stalks or pine cones, to give your lanterns a more natural look. Foliage can also be sprayed in colors to create interesting effects.

3. Paint The Lanterns:

If you want a more minimalistic look for your lanterns, paint them in fall colors like deep orange and burgundy. More intricate patterns such as chevron stripes or polka dots can add texture and pattern to the lights. Don’t forget to use tape and use plastic wrap beforehand to protect the rest of your lantern from getting any paint on it.

Use Plastic Wrap

4. Add Glitter And Glue:

Glam up your lanterns with glitter and glue! You can buy special mod podge glues, which are perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to your lanterns. Simply brush the glue on in a random pattern and sprinkle it with glitter for an easy way to make your lanterns look festive. Glitter and glue are also great for making intricate patterns on the lanterns.

5. Decorate With Ribbons And Beads:

A ribbon is always a great decoration for any project, especially this time of year. Get creative with wide ribbons in autumnal colors like deep red, mustard yellow, and burnt orange. You can also string beads or feathers around the lanterns for an extra touch of texture and color. Decorating with ribs and beads gives you an opportunity to make the lanterns into unique works of art.

6. Stick On Decorative Stickers:

Using stickers to decorate your lanterns is one of the easiest ways to make them look more festive. Choose from a variety of fall-themed stickers like pumpkins, leaves, acorns, and more. Once you’ve stuck them on the lanterns, spray paint them in your desired color to give them a unique look. Sticking on decorative stickers is a great way to get creative with your lanterns and make them look as unique as possible.

Using Stickers to Decorate

7. Use Leaves As Decorative Accents:

If you’re looking for a more natural approach to decorations, opt for real leaves from around your neighborhood. This is the perfect way to bring nature inside! Gather the leaves from outside and attach them to the lanterns using craft wire or twine. You can also spray-paint the leaves for a more vibrant look.

8. Make a Glowing Garland:

If you have multiple lanterns lying around, turn them into a glowing garland! Tie jute twine around the lanterns and hang them from the ceiling for a unique display. For an extra touch of autumnal vibes, add small gourds or fall foliage to the garland. This method used to make a glowing garland is sure to add warmth and charm to any room.

9. Hang String Lights Inside The Lanterns:

If you want your lanterns to be more than just a decoration, put some string lights inside them. String lights come in all kinds of colors and styles, so you can choose one that best fits your design scheme. You could also add battery-powered paper star ornaments for an extra twinkle effect.

10. Wrap With Yarn:

If you’re looking for a more rustic way to decorate your lanterns, wrapping them in the yarn is definitely the way to go. Yarn comes in so many colors and textures, you can’t go wrong with this look. Simply start at one end of the lantern and wrap it around until you reach the other side.

11. Embellish with Pumpkins:

Add some pumpkins to your lantern decorations! Whether you’re using real or faux pumpkins, they make a great addition to any lantern display. You can also use colorful gourds and squashes for a more unique look. Arrange the pumpkins around your lanterns for an eye-catching design.

12. Add Fairy Lights:

Fairy lights are a must-have when it comes to decorating lanterns. They give the display a soft, twinkling glow that will make your lanterns look truly magical. You can get battery-powered fairy lights or solar-powered ones for added convenience.

With the twelve decorating ideas listed above, you’re sure to find the perfect way to make your lanterns look festive for fall. Whether you want something simple or intricate, you can use these tips and tricks to create a stunning display that will light up any room. Happy decorating!

Additional Tips and Tricks to Decorate Lanterns for Fall

Use Fall-inspired Fabrics
  1. Use fall-inspired fabrics to create a festive lantern. Choose muted autumnal tones, such as burnt orange and deep red, for a classic look, or go bold with bright pumpkin oranges, forest greens, and harvest yellows that represent the natural beauty of the season. Simply cut out fabric pieces in your desired shapes and glue them onto your lantern base.
  2. Create a unique fall-inspired design by using scraps of felt, construction paper, and other materials. For example, you could cut out leaves in various autumnal colors and glue them to the sides of the lantern for an eye-catching piece that’s sure to be admired.
  3. Add texture to your lanterns by using natural elements such as twigs, pine cones, and acorns. Attach them with a hot glue gun for a rustic look that’s perfect for fall decorating.
  4. Paint your lantern in any color or combination of colors you choose to add a unique touch to your fall decor. With the help of stencils, you could also create a festive design such as a cornucopia or a pumpkin patch.
  5. Adorn your lantern with ribbons and bows for an extra bit of holiday cheer. Choose seasonal colors like deep red, orange, yellow, and green to really make your lantern stand out.
  6. Create a unique light display with your lanterns by filling them with LED candles or fairy lights for a cozy and festive atmosphere in any room. You could even hang the lanterns from tree branches to add an extra bit of ambiance to your fall decor.
  7. For a more elegant look, use metallic paints and accents on your lanterns. You could paint the lantern in gold or silver, or add elements such as pewter leaves or copper acorns for a luxurious look that’s sure to turn heads.

By following these tips, you can easily create beautiful lanterns that will add a festive touch of fall to any home. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, classic, or elegant look, there are plenty of ways to make your lanterns truly special for the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Materials Can I Use to Decorate My Lanterns? 

You can use a variety of materials when decorating your lanterns, such as fabrics, felt, construction paper, twigs, pine cones, acorns, ribbons, and bows. Additionally, you may choose to paint your lantern in any color or combination of colors you desire.

Can I Use LED Candles or Fairy Lights to Illuminate My Lanterns? 

Yes, LED candles and fairy lights are perfect for illuminating your lanterns. You can place the lights inside of the lantern for a cozy and festive atmosphere or hang them from tree branches for an extra bit of ambiance.

Led Candles and Fairy Lights

Do I Need to Seal My Lanterns After Decorating? 

Depending on the materials you’ve used, it may be a good idea to seal your lanterns with a sealant or varnish. This will help protect the pieces from moisture and keep them looking their best for longer. However, if you are using materials that are already waterproof or weatherproof, you may not need to use a sealant.

Conclusion

With the outlined above you can learn how to decorate lanterns for fall easily. You can use a variety of materials, such as fabrics, felt, and natural elements like twigs and pine cones. Additionally, you can add LED candles or fairy lights to create a cozy atmosphere for your home.

Finally, it’s important to seal your lanterns with a sealant or varnish if necessary to keep them looking their best. With these tips, you can create beautiful lanterns that will add a festive touch of fall to any room.

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