Every autumn I drag out my lanterns, dust them off, and immediately feel the whole house shift into cozy mode. There’s just something about that flicker of light against pumpkins and crunchy leaves that screams “fall is here!” One year I thought lanterns were just for porches, but I was wrong—once I started styling them indoors too, it felt like living inside a Pinterest board. If you’ve ever wanted your home to feel warm and inviting without spending a fortune, fall lantern decor is seriously the way to go. Indoors, outdoors, doesn’t matter—lanterns just do their magic.
Indoor Fall Lantern Decor Ideas
I used to think lanterns were strictly outdoor decor until I tried one on my entryway table. I tucked a battery candle inside, tossed in some dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, and boom—it smelled and looked like fall had moved in. My husband even asked if I had bought some fancy new home fragrance. Nope, just a lantern trick.
On the mantel, I like to pair lanterns with a mix of mini white pumpkins and faux eucalyptus. The mix of soft greens and oranges keeps it from looking too Halloween-y, if you know what I mean. Coffee tables are another underrated spot. I once filled a lantern with pinecones I gathered on a walk (yes, I’m that person) and it was so simple but everyone commented on it. Lesson learned: small touches make a big difference.
This lantern got fancy with a scarecrow locked inside like it’s a harvest-themed snow globe. The big shiny bow on top makes it impossible to take seriously, but that’s why it works. (@lakan7_).
This black lantern got buried under flowers, pumpkins, and dried leaves, like autumn exploded right on top of it. And honestly, that’s exactly the look we’re going for. (@mchomeandco).
This navy lantern dressed up with buffalo plaid and candles like it’s auditioning for a farmhouse magazine cover. Add the giant bow and it’s basically saying, “I came here to outshine your pumpkins.” (@stylemysweets).
A rustic lantern with a pumpkin and fiery leaves—because nothing screams fall like lighting up fake produce. It’s cozy, dramatic, and slightly retro chic. (@emmetts.house).
Another scarecrow hiding in a lantern like it’s part of some country-themed escape room. He’s smiling, but deep down we know he’s silently judging your pumpkin carving skills. (@tx_home_decor).
A lantern that looks like it’s survived three decades in grandma’s attic, now crowned with pumpkins and plaid ribbon. It’s shabby chic but in the best “cozy harvest vibes” way. (@sarahscreationbytheseason).
If you drill a bunch of holes in hollow pumpkins and add candles there you'll get yourself very original lanterns for fall's decor.
Cover several candles with fallen leaves in different colors. You can attach them by simply using twine. Place these candles into vintage lanterns and you got yourself a beautiful Fall centerpiece.
If your lantern is rusty don't worry. It'd look even more nature surrounded by bittersweet twigs.
A little bow of ribbon in popular fall colors would be a great addition to any decor piece you have in mind.
This crisp white lantern paired with a baby pumpkin is giving classy fall vibes, like “yes, I do sip pumpkin spice lattes in cashmere.” Bonus points for the cozy candle glow. (@mydarlinglittlehome).
Pumpkins and burlap is an ultimate autumn's mix that can be used to make a wreath as to stuff a lantern.
You can connect several lanterns in one centerpiece with several twigs with berries.
Outdoor Fall Lantern Decor Ideas
Outdoor lanterns are where you can really go bold. Last fall, I lined my front steps with black metal lanterns and tucked in little pumpkins around them. At night, with the candles glowing, it felt like something straight out of a magazine. I will say, real candles outside are a pain—wind kept blowing mine out—so I switched to solar lanterns and never looked back.
If you’ve got a walkway, try placing lanterns every few feet. It makes the path glow like a runway for trick-or-treaters. Hanging lanterns from shepherd’s hooks in the yard also gives this whimsical vibe, almost like a fairytale garden. My neighbor once hung lanterns in her big maple tree with fairy lights, and I swear it was the most enchanting thing I’ve ever seen in a backyard.
This window box turned into a fall festival with pumpkins, lanterns, and enough orange berries to feed the birds till spring. It’s basically the ultimate curb appeal flex for autumn. (@autumn.coven).
For a more original look make several holes in a pumpkin and put several candles in it. You can use what you've made as a fall centerpiece as it is. Although you can put it in a lantern to make it even more original and protected if you decide to use it outdoors.
To make really beautiful arrangements always use several lanterns in different sizes.
This oversized lantern went all out for fall, stuffing in scarecrows, flowers, and even a mini truck. It’s basically autumn’s entire Pinterest board crammed into one corner. (@araujo.modern.ranch).
It's a great idea to use such simple fall lantern for wedding tables if you plan a fall's wedding.
Battery powered candles controlled by a timer is a modern way to create beautiful glowing arrangements.
It's a quite popular idea to use lanterns with candles for wedding decor. Little bouquets of fall blooms on top of them would be great way to personalize them.
Woven lanterns is a great solution to light up your front porch stairs.
You can stuff lanterns with not only pumpkins but with other products of autumn's harvest, like corncobs.
Mixing small gourds, pumpkins and pinecones is a simple way to stuff your lanterns.
DIY Fall Lantern Projects
This is where I usually get a little messy, but it’s worth it. One of my favorite DIYs was repurposing old mason jars into mini lanterns. I wrapped them with jute twine, popped in tealight candles, and suddenly they looked rustic and expensive (but cost me maybe $5 total). I even painted a few with leaf stencils—super easy if you’re not a crafty person.
I once tried filling a lantern with acorns I collected with the kids. Problem: they had tiny bugs inside (gross). So now I bake them in the oven for a bit before using—learn from my mistakes! Fairy lights are another safe bet. Toss them into any lantern and it instantly looks magical without worrying about open flames.
Cut a bunch of silhouettes and glue them to lanterns to make a great piece of decor for Halloween.
These DIY lanterns are glowing proof that leaves look better taped to candle holders than raked off the lawn. Add a pumpkin beside them, and congratulations—you’ve nailed fall decor. (@littlepinelearners).
Lanterns For Seasonal Celebrations
Lanterns can change their vibe depending on the holiday. For Thanksgiving, I’ll create a centerpiece with a tall lantern surrounded by gourds and cranberry sprigs. It takes five minutes but looks like I hired a decorator. For Halloween, I swap the cozy fillers with black candles and some faux spider webs draped over the sides. Instant spooky factor without being cheesy.
I even used lanterns at a friend’s fall wedding, and they made the space glow in this romantic way. If you’re hosting anything—from a harvest dinner to just a backyard firepit night—lanterns can tie the whole atmosphere together. Add a plaid blanket or two nearby, and it’s perfection.
A garland made of faux autumn's leaves and berries is a really easy way to decorate a lantern and to add a touch of fall here and there.
Spray paint pumpkins and roses with metallic them even more beautiful additions to a lantern centerpiece than they already are.
If you're searching for ideas to decorate your mantel for fall then think about lanterns. Here how cool it would look with a glow from candles in these lanterns.
Styling Tips For A Cohesive Fall Look
Here’s what I’ve learned after a few years of experimenting: size matters. Big lanterns work best outdoors or in entryways, while smaller ones feel more intentional on mantels and shelves. Don’t be afraid to mix styles either. I once combined rustic wood lanterns with sleek black metal ones, and surprisingly, it looked balanced instead of mismatched.
I usually stick to a color palette—think oranges, browns, creams, and a little green—but every now and then I’ll toss in a pop of gold for warmth. Oh, and layer your lighting. A lantern by itself is cute, but when you add string lights across the space, it creates this layered, cozy glow that makes people linger a little longer.
Faux leaves and pumpkins would be better if you decide to use your fall lantern outdoors.
You can use a coat stand to hang a bunch of lanterns on it if the space is at a premium.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s my lantern obsession in a nutshell. I’ve made mistakes (like those buggy acorns), but every year I learn a new trick and fall in love with the look all over again. Lanterns aren’t just decor—they set the tone for how your space feels, whether that’s welcoming guests at the door or curling up on the couch with a book. If you’ve been hesitant to try, just start with one lantern and a candle. You’ll see—it’s addictive.