25 Stunning Fall & Thanksgiving Lantern Decor Ideas You Can DIY
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Fall is the season of cozy evenings, crisp air, and, of course, decorating our homes to match the warmth and beauty outside.
And when it comes to fall decor DIY crafts, lanterns take center stage.
They’re timeless, versatile, and can be dressed up in endless ways.
Whether you want a rustic farmhouse vibe, a classy Thanksgiving table centerpiece, or even a playful touch for fall Halloween crafts, lanterns fit perfectly.
In this guide, I’ll share 25 stunning fall lantern ideas you can DIY right at home.
They’re easy, budget-friendly, and will instantly give your home that autumn glow.
Plus, throughout this post, I’ll share why The Dreamhome Guide is such a game-changer if you want to take your decorating skills to the next level.
Trust me, if you’re serious about making your space beautiful without the overwhelm, this guide will become your favorite resource.
Why Lanterns Make the Perfect Fall Decor
Before we jump into the ideas, let’s talk about why lanterns are such a hit for fall deco.
- They’re versatile: Use them indoors or outdoors.
- They add instant charm: Warm candlelight or fairy lights make any room cozier.
- They’re customizable: You can decorate them with pumpkins, leaves, flowers, ribbons—you name it.
- They’re affordable: Most lantern projects can be done with items you already have at home.
If you love easy fall decor that makes a big statement without too much effort, lanterns are your best friend.
And if you’d like to not just decorate but actually understand how to design a whole room with confidence, check out The Dreamhome Guide.
It teaches you how to bring all your ideas together so your decor feels intentional and stylish.
25 Fall & Thanksgiving Lantern Decor Ideas You Can DIY
1. Classic Pumpkin Lantern
Place mini pumpkins inside a glass lantern. Add a flameless candle in the center for a soft glow. It’s simple, festive, and works as a fall table centerpiece.
2. Leaf-Filled Lantern
Collect colorful fall leaves and place them around a candle inside your lantern. When the light shines through, it creates a magical autumn glow.
3. Rustic Burlap Wrap
Wrap burlap ribbon around your lantern base, tie it with twine, and tuck in a sprig of wheat or faux berries. This rustic look fits perfectly with farmhouse-style autumn decorating.
4. Candle and Pinecones
Nothing says fall quite like pinecones. Fill your lantern with them, add a candle in the middle, and you’ve got an easy fall decor piece in minutes.
5. Thanksgiving Harvest Lantern
Use mini gourds, Indian corn, and a few artificial leaves. Arrange them around a large pillar candle in your lantern to create a Thanksgiving-ready display.
6. Cozy Blanket Lantern
For a different spin, place your lantern on a chunky knit throw blanket. Add candles inside and around the lantern to make your living room feel instantly cozy.
7. Metallic Painted Lantern
Spray paint your lantern in bronze, copper, or gold tones. It instantly elevates your fall decor and looks gorgeous on a mantel or dining table.
8. Lantern With Fairy Lights
Skip the candle and fill your lantern with battery-operated fairy lights. Add in faux leaves or acorns for a whimsical, glowing effect.
9. Farmhouse Crate Lantern Display
Stack a wooden crate, place a lantern on top, and surround it with mini pumpkins and plaid fabric. It makes a great entryway accent.
10. Lantern Centerpiece Trio
Use three different-sized lanterns together as your Thanksgiving table centerpiece. Fill each one with seasonal goodies—pumpkins, berries, and candles.
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11. Lantern With Cinnamon Sticks
Tie cinnamon sticks around your candle with twine before placing it inside the lantern. Not only does it look rustic, but it also smells amazing.
12. Plaid Ribbon Lantern
Wrap plaid ribbon around the top of your lantern and tie it into a bow. It’s a quick DIY that instantly screams fall.
13. Halloween Lantern Faces
Turn your lantern into a jack-o’-lantern by cutting black paper into face shapes and taping them to the glass. Add a candle for a spooky glow. Perfect for fall Halloween crafts.
14. Apple and Lantern Combo
Place real or faux apples inside your lantern. It’s unexpected, seasonal, and perfect for early fall decor.
15. Lantern With Dried Flowers
Fill your lantern with dried sunflowers, hydrangeas, or baby’s breath. It’s a beautiful way to mix fall lantern decor with floral touches.
16. Entryway Lantern Pair
Place two oversized lanterns on either side of your front door. Fill them with pumpkins or fairy lights for a warm autumn welcome.
17. Lantern With Wheat Bundles
Add mini wheat bundles tied with ribbon inside your lantern. It creates a harvest-inspired, farmhouse look.
18. Lantern With Faux Candles
If you don’t want the worry of real flames, use faux candles with timers. They look just as cozy and work well for both indoor and outdoor decorating.
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19. Lantern Mantel Display
Line three lanterns across your mantel, each decorated with different fall items—one with leaves, one with pumpkins, and one with pinecones.
20. Lantern With Acorns and Twinkle Lights
Fill a lantern halfway with acorns, then tuck in some twinkle lights. It’s cozy and playful all at once.
21. Chalkboard Lantern
Paint the glass of your lantern with chalkboard paint and write fun fall messages on it like “Give Thanks” or “Happy Fall.”
22. Lantern in a Basket
Place your lantern inside a wicker basket and surround it with pumpkins, leaves, or pinecones. It gives your fall lantern decor a layered, textured look.
23. Thanksgiving Table Lantern Runner
Instead of one centerpiece, line smaller lanterns down the center of your Thanksgiving table. Fill them with a mix of candles, nuts, and berries.
24. Lantern With Eucalyptus
Mix faux eucalyptus stems with pumpkins inside your lantern. The green tones balance the warm fall colors beautifully.
25. Hanging Lantern Decor
Hang small lanterns from tree branches or shepherd’s hooks in your yard. Add fairy lights inside for a magical outdoor setup.
Tips to Make Your Lantern Decor Last Longer
- Use faux elements when possible: Faux pumpkins, berries, and leaves won’t rot.
- Choose flameless candles: They’re safer and reusable year after year.
- Layer textures: Burlap, ribbon, wood, and greenery make your lantern displays feel richer.
- Switch out decor for the holidays: Add spooky touches for Halloween, then swap in gourds and wheat for Thanksgiving.
If you’d like even more guidance on how to pull your decor together in a way that feels polished and professional, The Dreamhome Guide is the perfect next step.
It even includes a fillable planner so you can map out your projects and stay organized.
Conclusion
Fall lanterns are truly one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to decorate your home this season.
From rustic farmhouse looks to elegant Thanksgiving table centerpieces, there are endless lantern ideas you can try.
The best part? Most of these projects are quick, affordable, and perfect for adding a cozy glow to your space.
But here’s the thing—decorating doesn’t have to be just about the season.
When you learn the basics of design, you can transform your entire home with confidence.
That’s why I recommend grabbing The Dreamhome Guide.
It’s not just about decorating—it’s about making your whole home feel intentional, stylish, and practical.
