A white, tiered lantern made from paper doilies hangs outdoors on a black hook, with a blurred garden background featuring green grass and red flowers.

Shabby Chic Doily Lantern in 5 Minutes: A Dollar Tree DIY

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You know those projects that turn out sweeter than you expected? This little paper doily lantern was exactly that. I originally made it for Gigi’s birthday party (because what’s a shabby-chic celebration without twinkly lights?), but it was so darling I decided to hang it in her bedroom afterward. Now it glows above her reading corner like something out of a storybook—and the whole thing cost less than $3 in Dollar Tree supplies.

Turns out, paper doilies make the dreamiest lanterns. They’re delicate enough to feel special but sturdy enough to actually hold up, and that lace-like pattern casts the prettiest shadows when the light shines through. Whether you’re decorating for a wedding, a little girl’s room, or just want to add a touch of magic to your porch, this is one of those easy makes that feels fancier than it should. Let me show you how it came together!

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Supplies for Paper Doily Lantern

  • Paper Doilies
  • Paper Lantern (Preferably White)
  • White Paint (optional)
  • Gorilla Spray Glue
  • Scissors

Paper Doilie Lantern Instructions

  • Cut the Centers of the round doilies out.
  • A package of 32 multipack round doilies is placed on a marble surface. The packaging displays both English and French text, with intricate white paper doilies visible through the plastic.
  • A hand holds a small white paper circle over a table with various sizes of white paper doilies and circular cutouts, with grass visible in the background.
  • My Paper lanterns had graduation designs, so I used some white paint to cover them. I looked for solid white but couldn’t find them.
  • A white paper lantern, a paintbrush, a jar of paint, and decorative paper cutouts are arranged on a white table outdoors, with grass visible in the background.
  • A hand holds a white paper lantern on a table scattered with several lacy white paper doilies. The background hints at an outdoor setting with some greenery visible.
  • I used Gorilla spray glue as I went along and used the different sizes of doilie rings around and around the lantern until it was covered and frilly. I think you could use ModPodge if you prefer that.
  • A gloved hand holds a small white paper lantern decorated with lace, above a table outdoors with lace doilies and grass visible in the background.
  • A hand wearing a blue glove holds a white, ribbed paper lantern with delicate paper doilies attached to its ends. The lantern is being worked on outdoors, with green grass and a table in the background.

A white, ruffled lantern made from layered paper doilies hangs outdoors among green leaves and branches.

I love how cute it turned out!

A white, tiered lantern made from paper doilies hangs outdoors on a black hook, with a blurred garden background featuring green grass and red flowers.

My talented friends over at the Handcrafted Society have been creating the most charming doily crafts—definitely take a peek at their work if you love handmade charm! I’ve linked their projects below for inspiration. (Trust me, you’ll want to try them all.)

A wooden table set with vintage china teacups, saucers, and plates, each displaying different floral patterns, sits atop lace doilies. Linen napkins and the charm of a Hand Crafted Society create an elegant, nostalgic tea setting.
WM Design House
A wicker basket with a lavender ribbon holds white teacups, a saucer, a notecard with flower illustrations, and small purple flowers, set against a decorative white background.
The Crowned Goat
A white, embroidered tissue holder from Hand Crafted Society sits on a marble surface beside a decorative vase, a succulent in a gray pot, and a textured dish holding a beaded bracelet.
South House Designs
A round loaf of bread with a decorative lace pattern baked into the crust sits on a white surface next to a white cloth with red and green floral designs.
Living Large in a Small House
Handcrafted Society Logo
A white-framed, four-pane window is hung on a wall, with each pane displaying a different vintage lace doily or embroidered linen, creating a decorative and nostalgic wall art piece.
White Lilac Farmhouse
Three ornate white frames display hand crafted beige and brown crochet doilies and fabric art, arranged against a light-colored wall for a vintage, elegant look that celebrates timeless artistry in our society.
An Organized Season
A Hand Crafted Society hanging lantern made from layered white paper doilies is displayed outdoors, surrounded by green leaves and branches.
Amy Sadler Designs
A string of fairy lights with pastel-colored paper flower covers in yellow, blue, and pink, hand crafted by Society and arranged on a white surface.
Skylark House

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Welcome! I'm Amy Sadler, your DIY Bestie.
My mission is simple: inspire you with stunning home decor DIYs and expert furniture and cabinet paint finishes, and the best wall paint colors. Plus, you'll see my own home transformations in real-time!
I'm here to provide the tips and tools to make you fall in love with your home, right now!
Let's create homes that embrace our individuality and comfort.

12 Comments

  1. What a fun way to repurpose graduation lanterns, Amy. This is beautiful! I love how the doilies add lots of ruffles and texture too. I know Gigi must have been so excited to have this at her birthday party and now in her room. What a special way to remember the day! Hugs, CoCo

    Reply

    1. Hi CoCo, thank you for your sweet comment! The ruffles really are so fun! XoXo, Amy

      Reply

  2. How cute, Amy! They would be perfect for a little girl’s birthday party, shower, etc.

    Reply

  3. Amy – Such a cute idea! These would be wonderful lanterns at a outdoor wedding or shower. Love how creative you are –

    Reply

    1. Hi Lynn, These would be so cute at an outdoor wedding! Now I am off to make some sourdough!

      Reply

  4. Hi Amy! Your lantern turned out so adorable! Gigi is so lucky to have such a creative mom!! I hope she had a happy birthday! It’s great that you can use these indoors or out! Have a wonderful day!

    Reply

    1. Hi Donna, Gigi is very creative too! We have so much fun together! She has great ideas!

      Reply

  5. Oh that is adorable Amy! I bet Gigi is totally captivated by that in her room. Talk about continuing the story book life!

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    1. Hi Diane, I wish she was captivated enough to keep it clean! LOL She loves spending time in her room though! It’s definitely a cool place to hang out!

      Reply

  6. Amy – We must have been on the same wave length because we both used our doilies for lights! I love how feminine your fluffy doily lantern turned out. A row of them along a path would be so charming! Always fun participating in HCS with you. Pinned!

    Reply

    1. I thought the same thing Anna! Now I am going to make some twinkle lights like yours! They will match! I love seeing your projects!

      Reply

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