How about an easy DIY modern lantern to cozy up our Fall patio? I’ve always loved lanterns to add ambiance to a space, but I don’t always love the price tag. So, for week 3 of the One Room Challenge, I decided to make my own DIY lantern!
The inspo for my DIY lantern was this simple wood lantern by West Elm (currently listed on sale for $56).
A little back story, I just got home 3 days ago after being away for the past month, so I didn’t have time to get to the store for supplies for this DIY. SO, I decided to wing it and use materials I already had on hand. Have you ever tried to make a project only using things you already have at home? It’s a fun (and slightly stressful) way to stretch your creativity. Also, if you already have the supplies, then I consider that free! Read on to learn how to make your own DIY lantern.
Easy, Modern DIY Wooden Lantern Tutorial
Supplies Needed:
- 2 – 1×2 8ft Wood Boards
- 1 – Small Piece of 1/2″ Plywood or Scrap Wood (for the base)
- Wood Glue
- 12” Leather Strap for the Handle
- 2 – 1/2″ Screws
- Optional – Paint, Stain, Wood Sealer of Choice
Tools Needed:
How to Make a DIY Modern Wooden Lantern with Leather Handle
1. Cut Your Wood Boards to Size
Before cutting the wood for your DIY lantern, you’ll want to determine what size lantern you want to make. I made mine 6.5” square and 17” tall.
For the height, cut 4 pieces to 17” or your total height. These should be cut with straight edges.
For the short between pieces, cut 8 pieces to 5.5” or your total width minus 1 inch. If you are using 1×2 boards, you’ll want to cut these at a 45-degree angle on both ends. For 1×1 boards, you’ll want a straight cut. The most important part here is to make sure all 8 pieces are as close to the same size as possible so you’re lantern is square.
2. Sand the Wood Boards
For my lantern, I wanted a more rustic, organic style, so I only did a light sand with my orbital sander to remove any rough parts and prevent splinters. You may want to do a more thorough sanding if you’re planning to paint or stain your lantern, or if you want a very smooth look. I would recommend first using 80-grit sandpaper, then 120, and finishing with 240-grit sandpaper.
3. Glue Your Modern Wooden Lantern Together
This is slightly more complex than it sounds, only because it needs to be square on top and bottom. It helps to work on a flat surface. I stood the long pieces on end and laid out the sides to make sure they fit properly before gluing.
I found it easiest to glue two long pieces and two sides together first so I had two halves. Then, once the glue was dry, I glued the two halves together. I then flipped it over to glue the other 4 side pieces on.
4. Measure, Cut, and Sand the Plywood for the Base
To do this, place the lantern on top of the plywood and trace the inside. Then use your saw to cut out the plywood along the traced line. Once it’s cut, make sure it fits INSIDE the bottom of the lantern, then sand it down and glue it into the bottom side of the lantern. I found it easiest to lay the lantern on it’s side to glue in the base.
5. Stain, Paint, and/or Seal Your DIY Modern Lantern (Optional)
Once all glue is dry, it’s time to stain, paint, and seal the wood! I chose to keep my lantern natural wood and left it unstained for an organic modern look. I did seal it with polyurethane since it will be outside.
6. Add Your Handle
If you’ve seen my $10 DIY Curtain Rods, then you know I have a thing for combining wood and leather. So naturally, leather was my first choice for the handle on my DIY wooden lantern! I usually order my leather on Amazon (here), but you can also find some at your local craft store, or even use a belt.
This part is really fluid as it’s all about personal preference. My leather is 1-inch wide and 12 inches long. Before attaching the leather, I punctured a hole into each end where the screw would go. I also pre-painted my screw heads so they are gold and pre-drilled a small hole as a guide for the screw so it was easier to screw in straight. Then, all you need to do is screw the leather into the wood.
If you don’t want to use leather, you could also use a metal wire, strap, or rope. You could also make a solid handle out of wood, or choose to not add a handle at all.
That’s it! You can add a sole candle, flameless candles, or even a glass cylinder vase (you can get them at various heights for $1 at Dollar Tree or buy on Amazon).
Find more inspo by the other designers on the One Room Challenge blog!
Pingback: Cozy Patio Makeover Reveal - One Room Challenge Fall 2020 | Dani Koch