
Hanging Lanterns & String Lights on a Budget
There’s a quiet magic in soft, ambient light. It warms a room, highlights textures, and invites you to relax. In boho-inspired spaces, lighting isn’t just about seeing—it’s about feeling. And when you bring together the gentle glow of string lights with the old-world charm of lanterns, something special happens.
The good news? You don’t need a designer budget to make it happen. Whether you’re transforming your bedroom, creating an inviting patio nook, or adding warmth to your hallway, it’s entirely possible to get the look you love with affordable home lights. In this guide, we’ll explore clever styling ideas, cost-conscious shopping tips, and practical lantern lighting tips that align perfectly with the effortless style of boho string lights.
Why Lanterns and String Lights Are Boho Staples
The boho aesthetic is rooted in travel, eclecticism, and warmth. Lighting plays a key role in evoking that layered, global feel.
The Charm of Lanterns
Lanterns have a slightly vintage, handcrafted appeal. Whether made of metal, rattan, or glass, they tell a story of faraway places and slower evenings.
- Reflective glass or cut-out patterns cast soft shadows
- Their portability means you can move them from the shelf to the side table
- Solar lanterns extend boho vibes outdoors without added cost
The Versatility of String Lights
Boho string lights are low-maintenance, versatile, and available in so many beautiful shapes:
- Fairy lights for a delicate sparkle
- Globe bulbs for a more defined glow
- Bulb + shade combos for character-rich displays
They can be woven through fabric canopies, draped over mirrors, or hung across doorways for soft visual movement.
Styles and Types of Boho Lights That Work Well Together
A thoughtful blend of lanterns and string lights can elevate any room. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.
Rattan or Bamboo Lanterns
Lightweight and textured, these are perfect for earthy spaces. Look for:
- Hanging pendants with exposed bulbs
- Floor lanterns with LED inserts
Pair with: Warm white micro string lights to enhance texture.
Moroccan-Style Lanterns
With detailed cut-outs and colourful glass, these add richness to a room.
- Try small tabletop versions for ambience
- Look for battery-operated inserts to avoid messy cords
Pair with: Soft yellow fairy lights for a golden, flickering glow.
Glass Jar Lanterns
Repurpose jam jars, hurricane holders, or mason jars.
- Add candles or battery lights inside
- Cluster in groups of three for visual balance
Pair with: Copper string lights wrapped around jars or nearby plants.
For complementary ideas using organic decor, DIY rattan lamp shades for a natural look share inspiration on how to weave texture into lighting features.
Best Places to Use Lanterns and String Lights
Boho lighting works almost anywhere, as long as you lean into softness and subtlety.
Bedroom
- Drape string lights over a curtain rail or above the headboard
- Hang a single lantern pendant from the ceiling or in a corner
- Place a floor lantern near an armchair for wind-down lighting
Living Room
- Layer different light heights: ceiling pendant, string lights, and floor lanterns
- Weave fairy lights through indoor plants or bookshelves
- Frame a mirror or mantle with subtle warm bulbs
Outdoor Spaces
- Hang solar string lights across your balcony, patio or pergola
- Use lanterns with waterproof LED candles for all-weather charm
- Anchor lights to furniture for a dreamy backyard lounge feel
Hanging and Displaying Tips
How you hang your lights can make all the difference between a space that feels thoughtful and one that feels cluttered.
Smart Hanging Ideas:
- Use clear Command hooks or adhesive clips for clean installs with no damage
- Wrap string lights around curtain rods, mirrors or ceiling beams
- Group lanterns in threes for visual rhythm—e.g., high, medium and low
Think in Layers:
- Combine ceiling lighting with lower glow (floor, table or shelf level)
- Use warm-toned bulbs to tie different sources together visually
Avoid over-lighting the space. Boho works best with selective glow that draws your eye gently.
Where to Buy Affordable Home Lights
Boho lighting doesn’t require premium pricing. With a bit of patience and creativity, you can find beautiful options without the markup.
Budget Shopping Spots:
- IKEA, Primark Home, B&M: Inexpensive options with good design
- Second-hand markets: Especially good for vintage lanterns
- Amazon or eBay: Wide range of string lights with bulk or multi-pack options
- Etsy or Not on the High Street: Handmade-style lighting that supports small sellers
Look out for end-of-season discounts or multi-buy bundles for the best deals.
Mixing in Personal Touches
One of the easiest ways to elevate budget lighting is to add a few DIY flourishes.
Personalise Your Set-up:
- Add dried flowers or vines to string lights for an organic twist
- Paint plain lanterns in sage, terracotta, or muted gold
- Attach feathers, beads or small tassels to bulbs for a bespoke boho feel
Want more ideas on handmade details? Our post on using affordable beads, macrame & tassels in decor will guide you in adding character with low-cost craft items.
Safety and Sustainability Tips
Just because it’s beautiful doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be safe.
Be Mindful Of:
- Overloading sockets or daisy-chaining too many strings
- Overheating (especially with older plug-in bulbs)
- Fire safety with candles—opt for LED flameless ones for ease
And when possible, choose:
- Solar-powered lights for outdoor spaces
- Rechargeable battery packs instead of disposables
- LED bulbs for energy savings and cooler surfaces
These choices are not only safer but also better for the planet and your wallet.
Conclusion: Light Up the Boho Way
Lighting is one of the most transformative tools in your decorating toolbox. With just a few well-placed lanterns and strands of lights, you can shift the mood of a room from flat to fabulous. Whether you’re aiming for cosy and grounded or whimsical and airy, boho string lights and carefully chosen lanterns help you get there with style.
The best part? You don’t need to spend much. Just a bit of creativity, some smart shopping, and a willingness to experiment is all it takes to build beautiful, affordable home lights that tell your story. So go ahead—hang those lights, light that lantern, and enjoy your glow.