How To Craft And Use Lanterns In Minecraft In June 2025

If you’re wondering how to make lanterns in Minecraft, you’re in the right place. Lanterns are one of the best light sources and decorative blocks in the game, combining function and style. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just starting on your Minecraft adventure, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crafting, finding and using lanterns in the game.

From creating your first lantern to decorating your builds with unique lighting designs, we’ve got you covered. Let’s light up your Minecraft world in style!

What is a Lantern in Minecraft?

In Minecraft the decorative lantern functions simultaneously as a bright lighting block because of its impressive 15 light level output. Average torches emit less light than the lantern which produces a light level of 15. The functional purpose of a lantern protects from mobs while simultaneously becoming an attractive element for any structure. A lantern finds its place either on the ground level or attach from ceilings by using chains or fences.

Minecraft offers two types of lanterns:

Regular Lanterns

Provide a bright, warm light.

Soul Lanterns

Emit a dimmer, cooler blue light with a light level of 10, great for creating eerie or thematic builds like Nether bases.

Materials Needed to Craft a Lantern

Before you can craft a lantern, you’ll need to gather the following materials:

Torch (or Soul Torch):

A basic torch can be crafted using 1 stick and 1 piece of coal or charcoal.
To make a Soul Torch, combine 1 stick, 1 piece of coal or charcoal, and 1 Soul Sand or Soul Soil.

Iron Nuggets:

Iron nuggets can be crafted by placing 1 iron ingot in the crafting table, which yields 9 iron nuggets.

Glowstone Dust (Optional):

For alternative lighting options, though not required for lantern crafting.

How to Make a Lantern in Minecraft (Step-by-Step)

Gather Your Materials

In Survival Mode collect iron by mining iron ore and smelting it in a furnace to create iron ingots, which you can turn into nuggets. Gather coal or charcoal and sticks for crafting torches.

In Creative Mode search for “iron nuggets” and “torch” in your inventory.

Open Your Crafting Table

Access the crafting table interface to begin the lantern-making process. You’ll need a 3×3 grid to complete crafting.

Craft a Lantern

Place a torch (or Soul Torch) in the center of the crafting grid.
Surround the torch with 8 iron nuggets in all slots around it.

This will create:

1 Regular Lantern if you used a standard torch.
1 Soul Lantern if you used a Soul Torch.

Move the Lantern to Your Inventory

Once crafted, drag the lantern into your inventory. Lanterns are stackable (up to 64), making them easy to store for large-scale builds.

Where to Find Lanterns Without Crafting

If you’d rather find lanterns than craft them, here are a few places you can search:

Natural Generation

Villages (decorating pathways and buildings).
Bastions in the Nether.
Ancient Cities in the Deep Dark biome.

Trading with Villagers

Librarian villagers often trade lanterns in exchange for emeralds.

Looting Structures

Explore dungeons, temples, and other naturally spawning structures to find lanterns as loot.

Different Ways to Use Lanterns in Minecraft

Light Up Your Base and Paths

Lanterns provide a high light level of 15 to keep hostile mobs away. Place them along pathways or around your base for optimal protection and aesthetics.

Decoration Tips for Buildings

Hanging Lanterns: Place lanterns on chains to add depth to ceilings or archways.
Standing Lanterns: Stand them on fences, walls, or other decorative blocks for a rustic vibe.

Lighting Workspaces and Farms

Efficiently lighting workspaces and farms prevents hostile mob spawning while adding a clean design to your builds.

Creative Building Ideas with Lanterns

Use Soul Lanterns for spooky-themed builds like haunted houses, crypts, or Nether hubs.
Combine lanterns with stained glass for colorful lighting effects.
Create cozy cottages or grand castles with warm glow lighting.

Lantern Technical Details (For Advanced Players)

Light Level, Hardness, and Blast Resistance

Light Level: 15 for regular lanterns, 10 for Soul Lanterns.
Hardness: 3.5.
Blast Resistance: 3.5, making it resistant to small explosions.

Flammability and Interaction with Lava

Lanterns are non-flammable and won’t burn despite being wooden-themed.
They are safe to use near lava or other heat sources.

Renewable and Stackable Properties

Lanterns are renewable, stackable, and perfect for large building projects, making them a favorite among survival builders.

Lantern IDs, Block States, and Give Commands

Java Edition

ID: minecraft:lantern
Give Command Example: /give @p minecraft:lantern 64

Bedrock Editions (PE, Xbox, PS, Switch, Windows 10, Education)

ID Variations: minecraft:soul_lantern, minecraft:fence_hanging_lantern.
Commands: Adjust for your chosen platform, such as /give @p lantern 64.

Fun Facts and Trivia About Lanterns

Lanterns were introduced in Minecraft 1.14 as part of the Village & Pillage update.
Soul Lanterns were added to complement the addition of the Nether Update in Minecraft 1.16.
The Minecraft community loves using lanterns for creative decoration, combining them with chains, fences, and even underwater builds.

Common Issues and Tips

Why Lanterns Break in Water

Lanterns can’t be submerged. Protect them from water flows with creative designs.

Tips to Protect Lanterns

Place lanterns on raised or enclosed structures to avoid accidental breaking.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make lanterns in Minecraft, you can light up your builds with both practicality and style. Whether you’re crafting peaceful cottages, eerie underworld lairs, or bustling medieval towns, lanterns are the perfect addition to your designs.

Want to explore more creative Minecraft tips? Stay tuned for more guides to take your crafting skills to the next level!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A regular lantern emits a light level of 15, making it one of the brightest light sources in the game. This is ideal for keeping areas well-lit and preventing hostile mobs from spawning nearby.

Yes, you can hang a lantern from a chain! Your builds will gain decorative elements through this feature which enhances both aesthetic appeal and immersive quality of the environment.

The key difference between a regular Lantern and a Soul Lantern lies in their light level and effect. A standard Lantern produces light with a level of 15 which makes it suitable for normal build illumination. The dim light level of 10 from a Soul Lantern produces a captivating blue illumination best suited for dark and unsettling decorative uses in builds. Soul Lanterns act as a tool to defend against piglins while offering the advantage of providing illumination in the Nether.

How to Craft, Find and Use Lanterns in Minecraft (Complete Guide)

What is a Lantern in Minecraft?

Materials Needed to Craft a Lantern