I love a project that makes an outdoor space feel pulled together without costing a fortune, and these giant patio lanterns do exactly that. By spray-painting inexpensive plastic laundry baskets matte black and pairing them with chunky warm white LED lights, you get the look of oversized designer lanterns with a surprisingly simple build.
This is the kind of weekend DIY I’d recommend to anyone who wants a cozy patio for family dinners, backyard get-togethers, or just a quiet cup of coffee at dusk. I’m especially fond of projects like this because they give a big visual payoff fast, and if you’re working around kids, pets, or a busy household, it’s nice to have something forgiving and easy to repeat.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the laundry baskets with warm soapy water, rinse them well, and let them dry completely so the paint sticks evenly.
2. Wipe each basket down with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any leftover dust, oils, or residue.
3. Set your drop cloth outside in a well-ventilated area and place the baskets upside down with a little space between them for easy spraying.
4. Apply a light first coat of matte black spray paint to all visible sides of the baskets, keeping the can 8 to 12 inches away to avoid drips.
5. Let the first coat dry according to the paint directions, then rotate the baskets and add a second light coat until the plastic is evenly covered.
6. Allow the baskets to dry fully, then inspect for thin spots and touch up any areas where the original color still shows through.
7. Place one warm white LED light inside each basket and center it so the glow will spread evenly through the openings.
8. Thread 3 to 5 black zip ties through the basket openings around each light housing, tightening them enough to hold the light steady without crushing the basket.
9. Trim the excess length from each zip tie so the lanterns look neat and are easier to handle.
10. Test all four lights before placing the lanterns outside, checking that each one glows warmly and sits securely inside its basket.
11. Arrange the finished lanterns on your patio, steps, or along a walkway, keeping cords tucked safely out of traffic if you’re using plug-in lights.
Variations & Tips
For picky-light preferences: If your family is sensitive to bright lighting like mine can be, choose soft warm white LEDs instead of cool white so the patio feels cozy instead of harsh.
Battery-powered option: Battery lights make these lanterns easier to place anywhere, especially if you want to line a path or spread them around the yard without extension cords.
More upscale finish: If you want a higher-end look, use baskets with a cleaner geometric weave and apply three very light coats of paint instead of one heavy coat for a smoother finish.
Weather tip: These hold up best when used in covered outdoor spaces, and I always bring lightweight decor like this in during heavy rain or strong wind to help it last longer.
Size mix idea: Try combining two taller baskets with two shorter ones for a layered lantern arrangement that looks especially pretty around seating areas.
Safety note: Only use cool-to-the-touch LED lights for this project, never candles or hot bulbs, since the baskets are plastic.
Easy entertaining trick: I like grouping the lanterns near a serving table or outdoor dinner spot because that soft glow makes even a simple family meal feel a little more special.