19+ Creative DIY Lanterns and Candle Holders for Fall
As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting glow of candlelight to make your home feel cozy. Fall is the perfect season to get crafty and create your own beautiful lanterns and candle holders. These DIY projects not only add a touch of seasonal charm but also make for wonderful handmade decorations or heartfelt gifts. Let’s explore over 19 creative ideas to illuminate your autumn evenings.
1. Mason Jar Autumn Leaf Lanterns
A mason jar covered in pressed orange and red leaves, sealed with mod podge. A tea light inside makes the leaves glow, with jute twine tied around the neck.
2. Birch Bark Wrapped Votive Holder
Strips of real birch bark wrapped around a glass votive holder. The natural texture creates a beautiful, dappled light pattern when the candle is lit.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte Jar Candles
A glass jar painted a creamy beige color with a brown paper “sleeve.” The top is filled with white wax to resemble whipped cream and a candle.
4. Burlap and Twine Lantern
A simple glass lantern wrapped in natural burlap fabric, secured with a large jute twine bow. The coarse material casts soft, textured shadows.
5. Black Candle Holder with Dried Florals
A matte black painted vase or jar holding a chunky candle. The base is surrounded by a ring of dried pampas grass, wheat stalks, and cinnamon sticks.
6. Etched Mercury Glass Votive
A glass votive holder with a frosted, etched pattern mimicking antique mercury glass. It holds a single white votive candle, creating a soft, hazy glow.
7. Hollowed-Out Mini Pumpkin Tealight Holders
Small sugar pumpkins with the tops cut off and interiors hollowed out. A tea light candle is placed inside, making the pumpkin skin glow warmly.
8. Fall Garland Jar Lantern
A clear glass jar with a battery-operated string of fairy lights coiled inside. The outside is wrapped with a thin garland of faux autumn leaves and berries.
9. Wood Slice Candle Plate
A rustic, natural wood slice serving as a base for a pillar candle. The candle is surrounded by a few loose acorns, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks.
10. Upcycled Tin Can Luminary
A cleaned tin can punched with a hammer and nail to create a pattern of small holes (like stars or leaves). A candle inside projects light through the holes.
11. Cranberry Glass Candle Centerpiece
A clear glass vase or bowl filled with fresh red cranberries and water. A floating candle rests on top, surrounded by the vibrant red berries.
12. Copper Wire-Wrapped Bottle
An elegant glass bottle, like a wine or olive oil bottle, intricately wrapped with thin, shiny copper wire. A tapered candle is inserted into the neck.
13. Gilded Acorn Candle Holders
Small glass votives with real or faux acorns hot-glued around the base. The acorn caps are carefully painted with a touch of metallic gold paint.
14. Autumn Spice Jar Candles
Small jars filled with layered spices like whole cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. A votive candle is nestled into the top of the fragrant spices.
15. Log Pillar Candle Holder
A short section of a thick log with a hole drilled centrally into the top to securely hold a standard-sized pillar candle. The bark is left on for a rustic look.
16. Pressed Flower Luminary
A cylindrical glass votive with delicate pressed flowers and ferns adhered to the outside with decoupage glue. The floral patterns glow when illuminated from within.
17. Autumn Wreath Candle Ring
A battery-operated pillar candle sitting on a plate, surrounded by a small wreath made of fall foliage, berries, and miniature pinecones.
18. Painted Ombre Votive Holders
Short glass votive holders painted on the outside with an ombre fade from deep orange at the bottom to soft yellow at the top. The paint is translucent to allow light through.
19. Geometric Copper Pipe Candleholder
Modern minimalist candleholder constructed from copper plumbing pipes and joints, forming a cube or triangle. A small glass votive cup sits inside the structure.
Final Thoughts
Each of these DIY projects captures the essence of fall, offering a unique way to add warmth and ambiance to your home. The best part is that most require just a few simple materials, many of which you might already have. So, gather your supplies, embrace the cozy spirit of the season, and enjoy the beautiful glow of your handmade creations.
