These giant porch lanterns are one of those simple projects that look surprisingly high-end once the sun goes down. I made mine from basic white plastic laundry baskets, zip ties, and warm white fairy lights, and the finished glow is soft, cozy, and welcoming without being fussy or expensive.
I love projects like this because they give a front porch a big visual impact with very little building skill required. If you want oversized outdoor decor for fall gatherings, winter evenings, parties, or just to make your entry feel a little more special for the family, this is a fun afternoon project that comes together fast.
Materials
Instructions
1. Set out all eight laundry baskets and check that the rims and side openings line up evenly. Pair them into sets of two so each finished lantern has a top and a bottom half.
2. Place two baskets rim-to-rim to form one round lantern shape, then thread zip ties through matching openings around the rims. Tighten 8 to 10 zip ties evenly around the circle so the two baskets hold firmly together.
3. Repeat the same process with the remaining baskets until you have four large lantern forms. Trim the zip tie tails close so the edges look clean and won’t snag when you add the lights.
4. Test the fairy lights before threading them into the baskets. I always do this first because it is much easier to replace a faulty strand before everything is assembled.
5. Start with the first lantern and tuck the light strand inside through one of the basket openings. Weave the lights loosely around the inside, wrapping them through the plastic openings so the glow spreads evenly from top to bottom.
6. Divide the 400 lights as evenly as you can across the four lanterns, aiming for about 100 lights per lantern. Secure a few points with zip ties so the strand stays centered instead of sinking to the bottom.
7. Continue filling each lantern until all four are lit and balanced in brightness. If one lantern looks dimmer, shift a few loops of lights from a brighter one before fastening everything in place.
8. Hide the battery pack or plug connection near the back or bottom inside one lantern, using clear tape or an extra zip tie if needed. Keep the switch accessible so turning them on is easy at the end of the day.
9. Place the finished lanterns on your porch, front steps, or along a walkway under cover. Space them a few inches apart if grouping them together, or separate them for a more scattered glowing effect.
Variations & Tips
For a taller display: Stack the lanterns in pairs near the door with one slightly behind the other. I like this look when I want the porch to feel extra festive without adding more decor.
For picky style preferences: If someone in your house prefers a simpler look, keep all the baskets white and use only warm white lights. If your family likes a little more sparkle, tuck in a few extra twinkle strands without changing the overall soft glow.
For outdoor use: Use lights rated for outdoor or covered outdoor spaces, and keep plug connections protected from direct rain or snow. These lanterns are lightweight, so a sheltered porch is the best spot.
For extra stability: If your porch gets windy, place a small sandbag, brick, or flat paver inside the bottom of each lantern before adding all the lights. That little bit of weight helps a lot.
For a cleaner finish: White zip ties blend in best with white baskets, especially in daylight. Trim every tie closely so the lanterns look more polished up close.
For easy evening use: Add a timer plug so the lanterns turn on automatically at dusk. As a busy parent, anything that makes the house feel cozy without one more thing on my to-do list is a win.