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15 Lantern and Light Decor Ideas for a Spring Porch

Lighting can fill any space with an atmosphere of coziness and comfort, give it a new sound and mood. And spring is the time when you want to transform the porch into a pleasant place where you can spend time in the cool evenings and enjoy the fresh air. Lanterns and lighting can help transform your space and highlight interesting accents. In this article, we will take a closer look at 15 lantern and light decor ideas for a spring porch  that are easy to implement.

To safely use lamps and candles in lanterns with decorative items such as cotton, burlap or artificial flowers, choose only LED candles or garlands that do not get hot and eliminate the risk of fire. 

How to use lanterns to create a cozy spring porch

Lanterns are not only a functional element that gives light, but also an important part of the decor. They create an atmosphere and set the mood for the whole space. Here’s how to use them to best decorate your porch.

Mix styles. Use different styles of lanterns, they can be wooden, metal or glass with patterns. Combining different designs gives depth and personality to your porch.

Play with height. Think about how to arrange the lanterns at different levels. You can arrange them on the steps, you can hang them from hooks or place them on small tables. Multilevel lighting is visually interesting, it creates different islands of light, in one place – soft diffused light, in another – directional, which make the space more lively.

Layered lighting. Combine candles, garlands and small LEDs for a soft and warm light that will delight in the evening. Such lighting is important aesthetically and adds depth to the space, creating a mood.

Tip. Choose flameless candles with a timer function for convenience and safety.

3 DIY Black and White Lantern Decor Ideas for Spring 2025

The black and white palette, as we know, is a timeless classic. It’s always elegant and modern and is generally great for spring decor that will add a stylish contrast to your space. Here are three ideas that I think will unrecognizably transform your porch

1. Modern monochromatic lanterns

Modern monochromatic lanterns

Minimalism and strictness of lines come to the forefront here. This will definitely appeal to lovers of modern style. 

Materials.  Wooden lanterns, matte black paint (such as acrylic or spray paint), white candles (LED), black stones or white pebbles.

Instructions:

  • Clean the surface of the wooden lanterns from dust and dirt. If the lanterns are already painted, lightly sand them to make the paint more even.
  • Paint the lanterns in two coats of matte black paint, allowing each coat to dry.
  • Once dry, place LED lights inside for contrast.
  • Place black rocks or white pebbles at the bottom of the lantern to add aesthetic appeal and complete the look.

Tip. You can use stones with a glossy surface for extra shine.

2. Lanterns with chalk signs

Lanterns with chalk signs

And this project combines practicality and decoration. Chalk signs allow you to change the decor depending on the mood or season.

Materials. Lanterns (any color, preferably black), chalk signs or stickers, white chalk or chalk marker, strong cord or thin chain.

Instructions:

  • Attach the chalk decals to the lanterns using cord, chain, or glue. If no signs are available, use small wooden planks and coat them with special chalk paint.
  • Write spring phrases such as “Spring is on the doorstep!” or “Flowers are blooming!” on the signs.
  • Place lanterns along railings, on steps, or in groups in the corner of the porch. This will create an interesting accent. 

Tip. It is better to use a chalk marker, then the inscription will be clearer and more durable. 

3. Black metal lanterns with white flowers

Black metal lanterns with white flowers

Let’s add a little softness to the strict palette. Flowers come to the rescue, which will bring a natural balance and make the composition more lively.

Materials. Black metal lanterns, white flowers (live or artificial, such as tulips, daisies or roses), white satin ribbon.

Instructions: 

  • If using fresh flowers, trim their stems to fit the length. For longer use, you can choose good quality artificial flowers.
  • Tie a small bouquet to the handle of the lantern using white satin ribbon. Make sure that the flowers are attached tightly and neatly.
  • You can add LED lights inside the lantern to complete the look.

Tip. If you do want to use fresh flowers, choose sustainable varieties such as tulips or carnations. To make them stay fresh longer, put them in small tubes with water, hidden inside the composition.

All these are easy to make with your own hands, and they will look very modern on your porch.

5 Outdoor Spring Porch Lighting Ideas for Early Evenings

Proper lighting for any space is very important. Here for you, I’ve picked 5 outdoor spring porch lighting ideas  that will transform it and make it a premier evening relaxation spot.

1. Solar powered lanterns

Solar powered lanterns

Eco-friendly and easy to use, solar lanterns don’t require a power connection. They are charged by sunlight during the day and automatically turn on at night, creating soft, cozy lighting.

How to choose lanterns

  • For a rustic style, go for wooden or wrought iron lanterns with frosted glass.
  • For a modern design, choose lanterns made of metal with a chrome finish or minimalist models made of plastic.

Placement Ideas:

  • Place lanterns along paths leading to the veranda so they light the way for guests.
  • The lanterns themselves can be placed in pots of flowers, a combination of function and decoration.

Tip. Pay attention to models with the function of changing the color temperature: from warm white to cool light. You can find a wide range of solar-powered lanterns on Amazon, including classic and modern models.

2. Hanging lanterns on hooks

Hanging lanterns on hooks

Hanging lanterns give your porch a special lightness.

Materials. Use metal lanterns with chains or cords for hanging. Choose models with LED lamps

How to Place:

  • Install several hooks along steps, railings or under the roof of the porch.
  • Hang the lanterns at different heights to create a dynamic visual effect.
  • Place garlands with warm light inside the lanterns. Shimmering garlands will give an original effect.  

Tip. Use pendant lanterns with transparent glass, where you can decorate the inside with some elements, such as moss or small flowers.

3. Lanterns for path lighting

Lanterns for path lighting

Your garden path deserves to become not only a functional but also a decorative element at the same time. So let’s get to work on its lighting as well.

Types of lanterns: 

  • Small portable solar-powered lanterns that can be easily moved from place to place.
  • Stationary lanterns that are fixed in the ground and can withstand all weather conditions.

Location:

  • Place lanterns at regular intervals along the entire walkway.
  • Using different sized lanterns creates a smooth lighting accent. 

Tip. Amazon has great sets of lanterns for walkways with different brightnesses and designs

4. Garlands in lanterns

Garlands in lanterns

Garlands can be easily adapted to any task. They look special inside the lanterns.

How to make. Take large lanterns with transparent walls and place battery operated garlands with soft warm light inside. Fasten the garlands inside so that the wires don’t catch the eye.

Ideas for use. Place these lanterns on tables or along railings. Create a composition of several lanterns of different sizes to add dynamics.

Tip. Choose battery garlands for use in lanterns in pastel colors, and you can also with decorative elements, for example, in the form of flowers.

5. Jar Lanterns

Jar Lanterns

It’s quite creative to use glass jars to create original lanterns for your porch.

How to make. Take ordinary glass jars (for example, from under jam). Place LEDs or garlands inside. Decorate the jars with lace, twine or paint them with acrylic paints.

Placement. Arrange the jars along steps or in groups on tables. You can also hang the jars with a strong rope.  Now we have our hanging lanterns!

5 Cute Lantern Arrangements with Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are inseparable and they are the must-have elements of spring decor. They are the ones that add a natural charm to your space. In my opinion, here are 5 cute lantern arrangements with flowers and greenery to decorate your porch.

1. Lantern Terrarium

Lantern Terrarium

An option for lovers of miniature gardens. Lantern terrariums create a cozy corner of nature right on your porch.

How to make:

  • Take a glass lantern with an open frame or door.
  • Place mini pots of succulents, moss, and small rocks inside. Use decorative sand or small shells to add texture.
  • Complete the arrangement with small figures, such as birds or butterflies.

Tip. Glass lanterns and terrarium kits can be purchased on Amazon.Look for lanterns with enough ventilation to keep the plants inside from fogging up.

2. Lantern with a floral “explosion”

Lantern with a floral “explosion”

This arrangement creates a stunning effect. See for yourself! 

How to make:

  • Choose a lantern with an open frame or large glass panels.
  • Fill it with artificial flowers such as wisteria, roses or peonies. Let them “pour” out of the lantern like a stream.
  • Place a battery-operated garland inside for added effect.

Tip. Use artificial flowers for durability and ease of care. High quality artificial flowers can be found on Amazon.

3. Greenery wrapping

Greenery wrapping

A simple and elegant way to decorate lanterns. 

How to make:

  • Take branches of eucalyptus, ivy or other green plants. Both fresh and artificial ones will do.
  • Wrap the greenery around the outer frame of the lantern, securing it with wire or twine.
  • To create an accent, you can add small flower buds to the composition.

Tip. If you use fresh greenery, spray it regularly with water to keep it looking fresh longer. Bundles of artificial eucalyptus and greenery are available on Amazon.

4. Floral decorations for the lantern top

Floral decorations for the lantern top

Let’s try to cope with this task and decorate the top of the lantern in an original way.

How to make.

  • Choose a small bouquet of live or artificial flowers such as tulips, daisies or roses.
  • Attach the bouquet to the top of the lantern with wire or satin ribbon.
  • Change fresh flowers regularly depending on the season.

Tip. Satin ribbon and decorative flower kits can be found on Amazon. Combine ribbons of different colors to create a layered effect.

5. Lanterns with dried flowers

Lanterns with dried flowers

I really love using dried flowers for decorating as they are a stylish decor element. They add a touch of rustic charm to your space.

How to make:

  • Fill the lantern with dried flowers such as lavender, immortelle or wheat ears.
  • Use moss or decorative stones for a basic base.
  • If you place a garland in the arrangement, it will emphasize the texture of the dried flowers.

Tip. Choose natural colors to make the composition look harmonious. Dried flowers and decorative moss sets are available on Amazon.

2 rustic lanterns for centerpiece decor on tables

2 rustic lanterns for centerpiece decor on table

Rustic style is always a win-win for spring porch centerpieces. Here are two great options for centerpiece decor: 

1. Wooden lantern with bouquets in jars

  • Place a wooden lantern in the center of the table.
  • Inside the lantern, place a glass jar with spring flowers such as tulips, daisies or snowdrops.
  • Decorate the jar with moss, small pinecones or decorative stones.

2. Metal lantern with burlap accents

  • Use a scuffed metal lantern.
  • Fill it with cotton branches, burlap ribbon and a flickering candle. Add miniature nests or eggs around the base.

These centerpieces will create a cozy feel and enhance the rustic aesthetic of your porch.

Tip. Complement the decor with small wooden figurines. Scuffed metal lanterns as well as cotton branches and LED candles can be found on Amazon

Each of these 15 lantern and light decor ideas for a spring porch will help you make it a special place you’ll want to return to again and again. Which idea did you like the most? Share your opinion in the comments.

Author

  • Kaylee Vaughn

    Kaylee is the Founder of Rootedrevival.com. She has set up and run two homesteads, a one-acre in Idaho, and her current two-acre dream homestead in the Pacific North West. Her qualifications include a Permaculture Design Certification from Oregon State University, and she is a Gardenary Certified Garden Coach. Kaylee currently produces at least 80% of her own food. She contributes to our site through articles, training and coaching to our clients. You can read more about her at rootedrevival.com/kaylee-vaughn

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