Solar-Powered DIY Lanterns for Indoor & Outdoor Use

There’s something undeniably cosy about the soft glow of lantern light—especially when it’s created using renewable energy. Whether you’re styling a balcony, hosting a backyard gathering, or adding a gentle ambience to a reading nook, DIY solar lanterns are a brilliant way to combine creativity with sustainability.

These simple, beautiful projects provide the perfect intersection of form and function. With just a few affordable materials, you can create customised lanterns that offer charm by day and sustainable lighting by night. Better still, they’re wireless, energy-efficient, and endlessly customisable.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your own solar home decor from scratch (or upcycled materials), offer ideas for placement and styling, and provide tips for long-lasting performance both indoors and out.

Why Choose Solar-Powered Lanterns?

Solar lighting has come a long way—and it’s not just for garden paths anymore. Compact, stylish solar panels now make it easier than ever to create lighting solutions that are:

• Energy-efficient and off-grid
• Cost-effective over time (no wiring or electricity bills)
• Low maintenance, automatically charging during the day
• Portable and weather-resistant
• Eco-friendly, contributing to greener living spaces

By incorporating sustainable lighting into your decor, you reduce your environmental impact while adding a soft, atmospheric glow to any space.

What You’ll Need to Make DIY Solar Lanterns

Creating your own solar lanterns is easier than it looks. Most components are available online or at hardware and craft stores.

Basic Materials:

• Solar-powered LED light lids (commonly used for mason jars) or mini solar garden lights
• Glass jars, vases, or metal lanterns
• Decorative elements: stones, shells, dried flowers, paint, or stencils
• Wire or twine (for handles or hanging loops)
• Strong adhesive or silicone sealant (if modifying pieces)

You can also repurpose old lanterns, jars, or tin cans—making this an excellent project for low-waste creatives.

Making Your Own Solar Lanterns

Here’s how to build a basic lantern using upcycled jars and a solar light insert.

1: Gather and Clean Your Container

Start with a clear or frosted glass jar, bottle, or vase. Clean it thoroughly to remove any stickers, dust, or oil that may affect adhesion or appearance.

2: Insert the Solar Light

If using a mason jar solar lid, it should fit directly into the jar’s opening. For other jar types, detach the top of a solar garden stake and use adhesive to secure the panel and light into the lid or opening.

Test the light first to make sure it charges and works correctly before sealing it in place.

3: Add Decorative Touches

Get creative with your interior:

• Fill the bottom with river stones, coloured sand, or moss
• Line the inside with pressed leaves or lace for a filtered effect
• Paint the outside with frosted glass paint or stencil patterns

Ensure any decoration doesn’t block the light or the solar panel.

4: Add Handles or Hanging Loops (Optional)

Wrap the wire around the neck of the jar and form a loop for hanging. Use twine or jute rope for a rustic, natural look.

5: Charge & Display

Place your lanterns in a sunny spot for 6–8 hours to fully charge. They’ll illuminate automatically when the sun goes down—no switches or fuss required.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use: What to Consider

DIY solar lanterns are incredibly versatile, but some care is needed when using them indoors or outdoors.

Indoor Use:

• Place lanterns near windowsills or areas with good sunlight exposure
• Use lighter or frosted jars to diffuse light gently
• Great for bedrooms, bathrooms, or entryways as soft night lighting
• Charge outdoors during the day if needed, then bring inside at night

Outdoor Use:

• Choose containers that are weather-resistant (glass, metal, or plastic)
• Seal gaps with waterproof silicone if exposed to rain or moisture
• Hang from tree branches, fences, or pergolas
• Place on outdoor tables, garden walls, or balcony railings
• Store indoors during extreme weather to prolong life

Creative Styles for Solar Home Decor

Looking to match your lanterns with your existing decor? Try these styling themes:

Boho-Chic

Use cut-glass jars, fringe, tassels, and painted mandala designs. Hang in clusters for a dreamy outdoor effect.

Scandinavian Minimalist

Stick to clear glass, neutral tones, and soft white LED lights. Use frosted finishes and keep embellishments simple.

Coastal Vibe

Fill jars with seashells or sand, wrap with rope, and add blue-tinted glass for a beachy, relaxed aesthetic.

Vintage & Rustic

Use antique tins, old tea light holders, or weathered metal cups. Combine with Edison-style solar bulbs for an aged effect.

Garden Fairy Lights

Add artificial moss, mini fairy figures, and pastel pebbles inside small lanterns to create magical table centrepieces.

Sustainable Lighting Beyond the Lantern

Incorporating solar home decor is just one way to embrace energy-efficient living. If you’re looking to expand your efforts:

• Install solar string lights for patios or pergolas
• Use motion-activated solar lights for pathways or porches
• Replace nightlights and accent lighting with small solar options
• Gift DIY lanterns as eco-conscious presents

Every small solar-powered addition contributes to a greener, more self-sufficient home.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Lanterns

To get the most out of your DIY project:

• Clean the solar panel monthly with a damp cloth to remove dust
• Store lanterns indoors during storms or heavy winter months
• Replace rechargeable batteries every 1–2 years for optimal brightness
• Avoid dropping or overloading jars to prevent cracks

With a little care, your solar lanterns can last for years while reducing your reliance on plug-in lighting.

Final Thoughts: Style That Shines—Naturally

DIY solar lanterns prove that sustainable choices can be stylish, simple, and deeply satisfying. Whether lighting up a balcony dinner or crafting an indoor glow for rainy evenings, these lanterns bring beauty and function to your space—with zero electricity bills.

By combining your creativity with smart materials and renewable energy, you’ll turn ordinary items into standout pieces of solar home decor. It’s design that makes a difference—one soft, solar-powered light at a time.