Looking for a stylish way to light up your Minecraft builds? Lanterns are one of the most elegant light sources in the game, offering a warm glow and decorative look. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to craft both regular and soul lanterns – with visual references straight from the crafting process.
🪔 What Are Lanterns in Minecraft?
Lanterns are decorative light blocks that emit strong light (level 15). They’re more visually appealing than torches and can be hung or placed on top of blocks. You can also craft Soul Lanterns, which emit a cold, blue light (level 10) and repel piglins.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Lanterns
✅ Step 1: Make a Torch
- Ingredients:
- 1 Stick
- 1 Coal or Charcoal
- Crafting:
- Place 1 stick below 1 coal in your crafting grid.
- 🔍 Tip: Coal is found in surface caves. If you don’t have coal, smelt wood logs to get charcoal.
✅ Step 2: Get Iron Nuggets
- Method:
- Place 1 Iron Ingot in your crafting grid. You will get 9 Iron Nuggets.
- Required: 8 nuggets per lantern
✅ Step 3: Craft the Lantern 🔴
- Crafting Pattern:
- Place the torch in the center of the 3×3 crafting table.
- Surround it with 8 iron nuggets.
- Result: 1 Lantern 🔴
🔹 Want a Blue Glow? Make a Soul Lantern 🔵
Soul Lanterns emit a ghostly blue light and also repel Piglins in the Nether.
♻ Step 1: Make a Soul Torch
- Ingredients:
- 1 Stick
- 1 Soul Soil or Soul Sand
- 1 Coal or Charcoal
- Found: Soul Soil/Soul Sand is found in the Nether (near blue flames).
♻ Step 2: Craft a Soul Lantern 🔵
- Same recipe as regular lanterns but use the Soul Torch instead.
- Result: 1 Soul Lantern with blue light (light level 10) 🔵
🧱 Where and How to Place Lanterns
- ✅ Place on top of blocks (acts like a torch)
- ✅ Hang below blocks (hangs downward)
- ✅ Combine with Chains to hang from higher places and ceilings
💡 Comparison Table: Lantern vs Soul Lantern
| Feature | Lantern 🔴 | Soul Lantern 🔵 |
|---|---|---|
| Light Level | 15 | 10 |
| Color | Warm Glow | Blue Glow |
| Repels Piglins? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Aesthetic | Rustic/Village style | Nether/Spooky builds |
✨ Final Thoughts
Lanterns are one of the best upgrades from torches in Minecraft. They’re affordable to craft, look fantastic, and help set the mood whether you’re building a cozy village house or a spooky Nether base.
Start with regular lanterns, and once you venture into the Nether, consider crafting soul lanterns for added utility and atmosphere!
