Old railroad lanterns make for great farmhouse decor, right? But rarely would one ever actually use one. In trying to figure out a way to make them more functional, I came up with a very simple hack to upcycle a vintage lantern into a candle holder.
It involves a special secret that will blow your mind because it’s SO quick and easy!
Note: This post contains affiliate links for [the same or similar] products used to complete the project discussed. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my website, since I receive a small compensation whenever you click on a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you. See my full disclosurehere.
So What’s the Problem?
You might be thinking, “So what’s the big deal?” Just pop a candle into the middle of your lantern and call it done! But in fact, the center of most lanterns is obstructed.
As you can see in this photo, there’s a bump where the wick comes up from the oil reservoir, and so a candle won’t sit flat. But I really wanted to turn this lantern into a cool rustic candle holder.
So I put on my thinking cap and imagined how I might be able to overcome this problem. Perhaps something could be put over that bump to create a flat surface for a candle. But what?
The Solution: A Tuna Fish Can
Interestingly, one of my first thoughts was a tuna fish can. So in that moment, I decided to have tuna for lunch!
I made a sandwich, washed the can, and placed it over the wick; it turned out to be the perfect fit for my Dietz Monarch lantern.
How to Age the Can to Match the Lantern: FAIL
The next problem I faced was how to make the exterior of the can look old and rusty, to match the lantern. I looked online and read several articles that said to apply peroxide and salt to the can and leave it over night.
In the photo above you see what the can looked like after sitting for 24 hours with this mixture. Clearly, it had no effect. But as it turns out, I came up with a method that works great and is fairly easy to accomplish.
Materials to Convert the Lantern to a Candle Holder
Aging the Tuna Can to Match the Upcycled Vintage Lantern
To age the can, I gave it a coat of “Cinnamon” spray paint and allowed it to dry. Then I lightly spritzed on some black spray paint, being sure to allow some of the Cinnamon “rust” to show through.
Note: You may have noticed that I’ve shown two different cans of black paint in my photos. I used the satin version since glossy would have been too shiny. Flat would work well, too.
The end result is pretty darn close to the same color as my lantern. Depending upon how rusty your lantern is, you’ll want to apply more or less of the black paint to create a good match.
I come across old rusty lanterns like this one fairly often at sales and they are usually pretty cheap since most people think of them as junk.
Mine was a $3 flea market find–a bit more than I’ve paid for others, but well worth it because it turned out so nicely with the “tuna can fix.”
Add a Pillar Candle
A typical 4″ pillar candle fits absolutely perfectly on the can!
What If Your Lantern Is a Different Color?
This project works with any color lantern since you can paint the tuna fish can any color you want and then [if it’s rusty] apply spritzes of cinnamon and/or black as needed to match your lantern.
Decorating with the Upcycled Vintage Lantern
Decorating your candle holder is completely optional. As you can see in this photo, mine works well with some of my rattan covered bottles in this early fall display in my kitchen, even though it has no additional embellishments.
The first decoration I used was a sweet berry wreath that I hung from a small smooth wire prong on the lantern. Now things are beginning to look festive!
I should add then when I bought the lantern, the surface was dry and chalky (see earlier photos), so I cleaned it up using all the tricks I’ve laid out in my post about cleaning and caring for rusty metal.
The surface looks more appealing now and none of the rust will flake off or leave marks on furniture.
The beauty of this antique lantern is that it can be accessorized to celebrate an assortment of holidays.
I think it looks striking with a red candle and pine pick, perfect for Christmas. You could add an Easter pick with a bunny or a Valentine’s Day pick with hearts and it would look so cute.
How would you use it for other holidays throughout the year??
Since all the parts on these antique Monarch lanterns are metal and they were created to contain fire, I can safely light the candle. It creates a soft mellow glow in the kitchen at night that is just lovely.
Other Articles I You’ll Enjoy
Light Fixture to Lantern
Shop Light to Votive
Lantern to Diorama
Conclusion
I hope this article sparked your creative juices and that you have a new vision for any old lanterns you have hanging around. Happy crafting!
Update
I now sell one or more of these upcycled candle holders at the Shaker Holiday Show in my area every year for $28. I wrote an article that contains 30 Christmas projects to make and sell that includes a vase I turned into a lantern that sells for $15 that you might also be interested in.
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39 Comments
Nothing makes me happier than when two unrelated pieces fit together perfectly. It’s like that tuna fish can was made for that lantern. They just needed you to bring them together. š
Iām mentally kicking myself right now because I saw one of these lanterns last week at an estate sale and didnāt get it š I really love this idea, but I would use a battery operated candle instead of having an open flame. I appreciate all your wonderful ideas!
Well, I just gave away two lanterns!! But what a good idea. The only thing I would change is I would use a candle with battery. Why? Our home burned down (not from a candle) but I just can no longer burn real candles. I definitely will use how to make rusty. I never knew, but now I do!!
I prefer real candles when it is safe to use them. I would trade out for a battery candle and drape the lantern with fake spider webs for Halloween, maybe with some potion bottles nearby! Will have to keep an eye out for these lanterns now! Great job!
You always have such great ideas Kathy–that’s your super power!! Love your Halloween idea to bits. Thanks for sharing it with us and good luck finding a lantern or two for yourself š
I am so wanting one of those old lanterns, Diana! I especially love the way you did it up for the holidays. So pretty. I gotta find a flea market! Thanks for sharing your innovative “up-cycle.”
In addition to the cinnamon paint color, you can actually sprinkle real cinnamon on the wet paint to get a faux rust finish. Just brush off any excess to get your desired look. You get added texture and the benefit of the spicy scent!
Hi, Diana…great fix, I’m sure you used the satin/matte finish black as the shiny cap black would have been glossy. Such a fun and simple idea. I don’t see why you couldn’t sponge acrylic on this also! Have a great week.
Ha ha, good detective work, Sandi š Glad you liked the project. The can had a weird slippery service and acrylic paint would have slid right off. It was much easier [for me] to give it a couple of coats with spray paint…
Diana…love all of your fall ideas, easy and look great. Wanted to send you a bit about your Mother…I hope you have a great hospice experience, it can be soooo good! I will keep you Mom in my prayers for a peaceful ending. And a hug for you in this troubled time….we wil all still be here! Emily
I love the look of this lantern turned Christmas decoration, Diana! I for sure are going to keep my eye peeled for one when I am thrift/treasure shopping. Thanks for the idea!
Well – I see this post has been around a little while…nonetheless, so glad I found it as I have a vintage lantern or two – maybe three – that I will definately try this on this weekend! Thanks for the great idea! Now…off to have a tuna fish sandwich! š
Note: This post contains affiliate links for [the same or similar] products used to complete the project discussed. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my website, since I receive a small compensation whenever you click on a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you. See my full disclosure here.
You might be thinking, “So what’s the big deal?” Just pop a candle into the middle of your lantern and call it done! But in fact, the center of most lanterns is obstructed.
Interestingly, one of my first thoughts was a tuna fish can. So in that moment, I decided to have tuna for lunch!
I made a sandwich, washed the can, and placed it over the wick; it turned out to be the perfect fit for my Dietz Monarch lantern.
The next problem I faced was how to make the exterior of the can look old and rusty, to match the lantern. I looked online and read several articles that said to apply peroxide and salt to the can and leave it over night.
In the photo above you see what the can looked like after sitting for 24 hours with this mixture. Clearly, it had no effect. But as it turns out, I came up with a method that works great and is fairly easy to accomplish.
Materials:
To age the can, I gave it a coat of “Cinnamon” spray paint and allowed it to dry. Then I lightly spritzed on some black spray paint, being sure to allow some of the Cinnamon “rust” to show through.
Note: You may have noticed that I’ve shown two different cans of black paint in my photos. I used the satin version since glossy would have been too shiny. Flat would work well, too.
The end result is pretty darn close to the same color as my lantern. Depending upon how rusty your lantern is, you’ll want to apply more or less of the black paint to create a good match.
I come across old rusty lanterns like this one fairly often at sales and they are usually pretty cheap since most people think of them as junk.
Mine was a $3 flea market find–a bit more than I’ve paid for others, but well worth it because it turned out so nicely with the “tuna can fix.”
A typical 4″ pillar candle fits absolutely perfectly on the can!
Decorating your candle holder is completely optional. As you can see in this photo, mine works well with some of my rattan covered bottles in this early fall display in my kitchen, even though it has no additional embellishments.
The first decoration I used was a sweet berry wreath that I hung from a small smooth wire prong on the lantern. Now things are beginning to look festive!
The beauty of this antique lantern is that it can be accessorized to celebrate an assortment of holidays.
I think it looks striking with a red candle and pine pick, perfect for Christmas. You could add an Easter pick with a bunny or a Valentine’s Day pick with hearts and it would look so cute.
How would you use it for other holidays throughout the year??
You might be thinking, “So what’s the big deal?” Just pop a candle into the middle of your lantern and call it done! But in fact, the center of most lanterns is obstructed.
As you can see in this photo, there’s a bump where the wick comes up from the oil reservoir, and so a candle won’t sit flat. But I really wanted to turn this lantern into a cool rustic candle holder.
So I put on my thinking cap and imagined how I might be able to overcome this problem. Perhaps something could be put over that bump to create a flat surface for a candle. But what?
Interestingly, one of my first thoughts was a tuna fish can. So in that moment, I decided to have tuna for lunch!
I made a sandwich, washed the can, and placed it over the wick; it turned out to be the perfect fit for my Dietz Monarch lantern.
The next problem I faced was how to make the exterior of the can look old and rusty, to match the lantern. I looked online and read several articles that said to apply peroxide and salt to the can and leave it over night.
In the photo above you see what the can looked like after sitting for 24 hours with this mixture. Clearly, it had no effect. But as it turns out, I came up with a method that works great and is fairly easy to accomplish.
Materials:
To age the can, I gave it a coat of “Cinnamon” spray paint and allowed it to dry. Then I lightly spritzed on some black spray paint, being sure to allow some of the Cinnamon “rust” to show through.
Note: You may have noticed that I’ve shown two different cans of black paint in my photos. I used the satin version since glossy would have been too shiny. Flat would work well, too.
The end result is pretty darn close to the same color as my lantern. Depending upon how rusty your lantern is, you’ll want to apply more or less of the black paint to create a good match.
I come across old rusty lanterns like this one fairly often at sales and they are usually pretty cheap since most people think of them as junk.
Mine was a $3 flea market find–a bit more than I’ve paid for others, but well worth it because it turned out so nicely with the “tuna can fix.”
A typical 4″ pillar candle fits absolutely perfectly on the can!
Decorating your candle holder is completely optional. As you can see in this photo, mine works well with some of my rattan covered bottles in this early fall display in my kitchen, even though it has no additional embellishments.
The first decoration I used was a sweet berry wreath that I hung from a small smooth wire prong on the lantern. Now things are beginning to look festive!
I should add then when I bought the lantern, the surface was dry and chalky (see earlier photos), so I cleaned it up using all the tricks I’ve laid out in my post about cleaning and caring for rusty metal.
The surface looks more appealing now and none of the rust will flake off or leave marks on furniture.
The beauty of this antique lantern is that it can be accessorized to celebrate an assortment of holidays.
I think it looks striking with a red candle and pine pick, perfect for Christmas. You could add an Easter pick with a bunny or a Valentine’s Day pick with hearts and it would look so cute.
How would you use it for other holidays throughout the year??
Since all the parts on these antique Monarch lanterns are metal and they were created to contain fire, I can safely light the candle. It creates a soft mellow glow in the kitchen at night that is just lovely.
Nothing makes me happier than when two unrelated pieces fit together perfectly. It’s like that tuna fish can was made for that lantern. They just needed you to bring them together. š
Ha ha, me too, Lisa!! I’m so blessed to be the one to introduce them to each other, LOL š
Iām mentally kicking myself right now because I saw one of these lanterns last week at an estate sale and didnāt get it š I really love this idea, but I would use a battery operated candle instead of having an open flame. I appreciate all your wonderful ideas!
Bummer Cecilia! I bet another one will turn up soon š A battery operated candle would work just fine! Thanks for the kind words–
Diana, you are just full of great ideas!! I love the lantern styled both ways but the Christmas absolutely made me giddy!! Thanks for sharing!
Aww, thanks Janna! I’m kinda partial to the Christmas version as well š
Very clever! Thanks for the can and spray paint tip.
Thank you, and you’re welcome Rhonda!!
Well, I just gave away two lanterns!! But what a good idea. The only thing I would change is I would use a candle with battery. Why? Our home burned down (not from a candle) but I just can no longer burn real candles. I definitely will use how to make rusty. I never knew, but now I do!!
Aww, bummer, Sharon š Hope you find one soon so you can make one of your own š
Hi. Was there glass to remove on lantern? Thanks
There wasn’t but the glass shades are removable, Suzanne š
Clever and beautiful!
Thank you Krista!!
I prefer real candles when it is safe to use them. I would trade out for a battery candle and drape the lantern with fake spider webs for Halloween, maybe with some potion bottles nearby! Will have to keep an eye out for these lanterns now! Great job!
You always have such great ideas Kathy–that’s your super power!! Love your Halloween idea to bits. Thanks for sharing it with us and good luck finding a lantern or two for yourself š
Hey Diana, I love how you see things. An old lantern? A tuna can? Farmhouse chic! Thanks for sharing!!
Gee thanks, that’s such a huge compliment š Thank you and you’re welcome!
Hey Diana, I love your vision. An old lantern? A tuna can? Farmhouse chic!! Thanks for sharing! I hope this is only being submitted once…..
I am so wanting one of those old lanterns, Diana! I especially love the way you did it up for the holidays. So pretty. I gotta find a flea market! Thanks for sharing your innovative “up-cycle.”
I hope you find one friend! I’m so glad you liked the project, and I hope your week is going well š
In addition to the cinnamon paint color, you can actually sprinkle real cinnamon on the wet paint to get a faux rust finish. Just brush off any excess to get your desired look. You get added texture and the benefit of the spicy scent!
Great idea Kathryn–thanks for sharing!
Hi, Diana…great fix, I’m sure you used the satin/matte finish black as the shiny cap black would have been glossy. Such a fun and simple idea. I don’t see why you couldn’t sponge acrylic on this also! Have a great week.
Ha ha, good detective work, Sandi š Glad you liked the project. The can had a weird slippery service and acrylic paint would have slid right off. It was much easier [for me] to give it a couple of coats with spray paint…
I love this idea! I know I have passed up on some in the past but I will be on the lookout for them now. Thanks for Sharing such great ideas!
I’m so glad Allison! Here’s hoping you find one (and you’re very welcome) š
Great project. pinned
Thanks so much Anita!
….so many ideas…..so little time….because Iām always out on the prowl for more š±…..
Ha ha…aren’t we all???
Very clever, Diana. At first glance, I didn’t even notice the added piece. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. Pinning!
Truly amazing, appreciate the tips!
Diana…love all of your fall ideas, easy and look great. Wanted to send you a bit about your Mother…I hope you have a great hospice experience, it can be soooo good! I will keep you Mom in my prayers for a peaceful ending. And a hug for you in this troubled time….we wil all still be here! Emily
So far the experience has been very good Emily–thank you SO much for your prayers and encouragement. They mean the world.
I love the look of this lantern turned Christmas decoration, Diana! I for sure are going to keep my eye peeled for one when I am thrift/treasure shopping. Thanks for the idea!
You’re welcome Naomi! I sell one or two every year, depending on how many I come across during the year.
Well – I see this post has been around a little while…nonetheless, so glad I found it as I have a vintage lantern or two – maybe three – that I will definately try this on this weekend! Thanks for the great idea! Now…off to have a tuna fish sandwich! š
Ha! So glad you enjoyed the project Dawn! Would love to see yours when you’re done š