Have you ever wanted a charming gas-style wall lantern to cast flickering candlelight on your front porch? Me too. Those lanterns are beautiful, but I created a simpler, more affordable DIY porch lantern that gives the same warm, flickering glow without electricity or gas. After sharing our battery-operated window candle tradition in our new home, I thought I’d offer another cozy idea perfect for fall and winter.
You might remember the wall lantern we had on the front porch of our last house — we even brought it to this home. It’s ideal for seasonal decorating, and paired with my new favorite flickering battery candle, it creates the same mood as a gas lantern without any wiring.
In the past I used standard battery-operated candles in the lantern, but the newer flickering candles I’ve been using for our windows inspired this lantern idea. Their realistic bulb and movement give a convincing, cozy glow that pairs beautifully with a wall lantern.
If you love the look of flickering gas lanterns, using a realistic battery candle inside a decorative lantern gives you the same atmosphere with none of the fire risk. You can style the lantern for the season and still enjoy safe, worry-free flicker.
Or, if you prefer a simple look, just place the candle inside the lantern and you’re done.
How to make your own flickering lantern:
- Hang a tall wall lantern. Mine is an indoor-style lantern used under a covered porch, but any lantern designed to hang on a wall will work. You can also use a free-standing lantern and place it on a table, bench, or porch. If hanging, choose a sturdy hook and make sure the lantern is tall enough to fit the candle and its bulb.
- Decorate the interior around the candle. I used preserved moss this time, but you can use evergreen sprigs, eucalyptus, seasonal ornaments, or leave it plain. Arrange the material so it frames the candle without blocking the light.
- Set the candle to turn on at dusk before placing it inside. Choose a realistic flickering battery candle with an automatic dusk-to-dawn setting for convenience. Position the candle so the bulb sits naturally where a real sconce flame would be for the best effect.
Ta da — instant curb appeal!
See more styling ideas:
Seasonal display lantern: A seasonal display lantern is a great way to change your porch look throughout the year and embrace imperfection while decorating.
Light a dark corner: Another trick is to use a wall sconce or lantern with a battery-operated candle to light a dark corner—no wiring needed.