How to make a wooden lantern with glass panel sides

Making a wooden lantern with glass panel sides is a fun and rewarding woodworking project that combines craftsmanship with creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful lantern with wooden frame and glass panels.

Materials Needed:

• Wooden boards (1/4” to 1/2” thick for the frame, depending on the lantern’s size)
• Glass panels (cut to fit the sides of the lantern)
• Wood glue
• Nails or small screws
• Wood finish or paint (optional, for finishing the wood)
• Saw (for cutting the wood)
• Miter box or miter saw (for angled cuts)
• Measuring tape and ruler
• Sandpaper or sander
• Drill
• Hammer
• Candle holder (or LED light, depending on your preference)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Plan Your Lantern Design

• Determine the size and shape of your lantern. A typical design could be a square or rectangular lantern with four sides of glass.
• The size of the glass panels should be measured according to the dimensions of the frame you want to create.
• You can design the top of the lantern as a flat piece of wood, or you can create a more intricate slanted or peaked roof.

Step 2: Cut the Wooden Pieces for the Frame

• Frame sides: Cut the wood for the four vertical sides of the lantern. The height of each side will be determined by the lantern’s overall height.
• Top and bottom pieces: Cut two pieces to serve as the top and bottom of the lantern. These should be the same width and length as the sides.
• Glass holders: Cut additional pieces (optional) that will help hold the glass in place on the sides. These can be narrow strips that will create a “frame” for the glass on each side.

Step 3: Prepare the Glass Panels

• If you’re using glass, measure the exact dimensions of the spaces where the glass will fit.
• Get the glass panels cut to size by a professional or use glass-cutting tools. Be sure to handle the glass carefully to avoid injury.

Step 4: Assemble the Frame

• Start by gluing and nailing the four side pieces of the frame together. Use wood glue along the edges where the pieces meet, then secure with nails or small screws.
• For added stability, you can use corner brackets or dowels at the joints.
• Attach the top and bottom pieces to the sides, ensuring the frame is square. Again, glue and secure the pieces with nails.

Step 5: Install the Glass Panels

• Once the frame is assembled and the glue has dried, insert the glass panels into the spaces in the sides of the lantern.
• If you’ve created glass holders with wood strips, glue them into place on top of the glass to secure it.
• For a cleaner look, consider adding a small bead of wood glue around the glass before securing the glass holders.

Step 6: Finish the Lantern

• Sand the entire lantern to remove rough edges, splinters, and any excess glue.
• You can leave the wood natural or apply a finish of your choice. A wood stain or clear varnish will enhance the natural grain of the wood, while paint can give it a more polished or decorative look.
• Make sure all surfaces are smooth and the wood is sealed to prevent moisture damage.

Step 7: Install the Candle or Light

• For a candle, place a candle holder (such as a metal holder or a small platform) at the bottom of the lantern. Be sure the candle is stable and has enough space around it for safety.
• For an LED light, you can install a battery-operated light inside the lantern. Make sure it fits comfortably without overheating.

Step 8: Add Decorative Details (Optional)

• You can add small decorative touches like handles on the top, a decorative finial, or wood carvings to enhance the aesthetic of your lantern.
• For a more rustic look, you can distress the wood using sandpaper or by applying a paint-washing technique.

Step 9: Test Your Lantern

• Place a candle or LED light inside the lantern to ensure it works well. Check for any safety concerns, especially with real candles, and ensure the glass is securely in place.

Final Thoughts

Once your lantern is finished, you can use it as a beautiful decorative piece for your home, patio, or as part of a table centerpiece. Wooden lanterns with glass panels make excellent gifts and can add a charming, warm ambiance to any space. Enjoy the process and get creative with your design!

For more woodworking projects and inspiration, check out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking.