Outdoor lighting can completely transform the look and feel of your garden, patio, or backyard. It sets a mood, highlights features, and makes your outdoor space usable after dark. However, buying professional outdoor lighting can be expensive, especially if you want multiple lights or decorative options. Fortunately, dollar stores provide an affordable and creative alternative. With a little imagination, everyday items such as mason jars, string lights, plastic containers, and solar stakes can be repurposed into stylish lighting solutions. Not only do these ideas save money, but they also allow you to customize your outdoor lighting to match your personal taste and the season. In this guide, we will share ten easy and affordable DIY outdoor lighting ideas using items you can find at your local dollar store. Each idea is simple to create, requires minimal tools, and adds charm and functionality to your outdoor space. Whether you want cozy garden lanterns, bright pathway lights, or decorative hanging lights, these DIY solutions can enhance your outdoor area without breaking the budget.
1. Mason Jar Lanterns
Mason jars are versatile and inexpensive. They can be turned into charming lanterns using battery-operated tea lights or solar LED tealights. Start by cleaning the jars and removing any labels. You can decorate the jars with paint, twine, or stickers from the dollar store. Place the lights inside and either set them on tables or hang them using wire or hooks. The glow through the glass creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. For added effect, you can use frosted glass spray to diffuse the light evenly. Mason jar lanterns work well for garden paths, porches, or patio tables. They are weather-resistant if placed under a covered area or treated with a protective coating. You can make multiple jars in different sizes for a layered lighting effect. This project is beginner-friendly, requiring no special skills, and allows for personal creativity in decoration. Mason jar lanterns are not only budget-friendly but also reusable for future projects.
2. Solar-Powered Pathway Lights
Dollar stores often carry small solar lights designed for gardens or pathways. You can enhance them with DIY modifications for a unique look. One idea is to place the lights inside painted tin cans or frosted plastic containers to create colored glows. Simply punch holes in the cans or containers for ventilation and light diffusion. These solar-powered lights charge during the day and illuminate your paths at night, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective. You can place them along garden borders, driveway edges, or walkways. Mixing different shapes or colors adds visual interest. Solar pathway lights are low-maintenance since they don’t require wiring, and the solar cells ensure energy efficiency. With a little creativity, these basic lights can be transformed into decorative pieces that enhance the ambiance of your outdoor area. This project is quick, simple, and suitable for any outdoor space, even for renters who cannot install permanent fixtures.
3. String Light Bottles
Glass bottles are perfect for creating unique hanging lights. You can repurpose wine or soda bottles with dollar store string lights. Start by inserting the light string through the bottle opening. To secure, you can use a cork or drill a small hole in the bottle neck to feed the lights through. Hang the bottles from trees, pergolas, or hooks for a magical twinkling effect. Painting the bottles with glass paint or adding glitter gives them a festive look. These lights are ideal for evening parties, cozy patios, or decorative garden corners. The DIY string light bottles are durable and can be reused for different events or seasons. This project is inexpensive, visually striking, and requires minimal tools, mostly scissors, and a bottle opener. Using LED string lights keeps the setup safe and energy-efficient.
4. Tin Can Lanterns
Tin cans are easy to transform into outdoor lanterns. Clean the cans and remove labels, then use a hammer and nail to punch decorative holes in patterns. Place tea lights or small LED candles inside. The light will shine through the holes, creating charming patterns on the surrounding area. You can hang the cans with wire or place them on tables and along pathways. Spray painting the cans with weather-resistant paint adds durability and a polished look. These lanterns are perfect for garden parties, patios, or balconies. They are also a fun project for kids under supervision. Tin can lanterns are practical, low-cost, and provide customizable lighting options. You can vary the size and hole pattern for a dynamic lighting effect.
5. Plastic Cup Fairy Lights
Plastic cups from the dollar store can be transformed into mini lanterns. Cut small holes in the bottom of each cup for ventilation, then poke a string light through the cup’s base. Hang the cups upside down along a fence, tree, or pergola. The cups diffuse the light, giving a soft glow perfect for outdoor gatherings. You can decorate the cups with markers, paint, or stickers for added flair. This DIY project is very budget-friendly, safe, and weather-resistant. It allows you to create long, illuminated garlands without spending much. These cup fairy lights are ideal for decorating parties, patios, or balconies, and you can change the decorations seasonally. The project is simple, quick, and suitable for beginners.
6. Paper Lanterns with LED Candles
Dollar stores often sell paper lanterns that can be repurposed for outdoor use. Insert battery-operated LED candles inside instead of real flames for safety. You can decorate the lanterns with paint, ribbons, or stencils to match your outdoor décor. Hang them from tree branches, pergolas, or hooks along a walkway. Paper lanterns create soft, ambient lighting and are very lightweight, making them easy to move around. This DIY is ideal for seasonal or event-based decoration. With careful placement away from wind and moisture, they can last for weeks of use. Paper lanterns are inexpensive, visually appealing, and safe for families and pets. They provide an easy way to add elegance and charm to any outdoor space without complicated installation.
7. Bottle Cap String Lights
Collect metal or plastic bottle caps from the dollar store or your home. Poke holes in the center and thread small LED string lights through them. Each cap acts as a mini lampshade, giving a subtle twinkle effect. Hang the string lights along fences, patios, or trees for a creative and whimsical look. You can paint the caps in bright colors or leave them natural for a rustic style. Bottle cap string lights are lightweight, durable, and reusable. They offer a fun craft project and are perfect for parties or casual outdoor lighting. This project is environmentally friendly if you reuse caps, easy to assemble, and very affordable. It’s a creative solution for adding personality and charm to your garden or backyard without spending a lot.
8. Hanging Tin Can Chandelier
You can create a rustic chandelier using several tin cans. Punch holes in decorative patterns on each can. Attach the cans at varying lengths to a sturdy frame or a circular base made from a dollar store embroidery hoop or metal ring. Place LED candles inside the cans for a safe glow. Hang the chandelier from a tree branch or porch ceiling for a dramatic effect. This project provides ambient lighting while serving as a statement piece for outdoor gatherings. Painting or decorating the cans adds a personal touch. Hanging tin can chandeliers are surprisingly durable and can be customized for different events. This DIY combines creativity with practicality and remains cost-effective.
9. Solar Jar Lights
Combine solar garden lights and mason jars for self-charging lanterns. Remove the solar lights from their stakes and place them inside jars with frosted glass or painted designs. The lights will charge during the day and illuminate your outdoor area at night without wires. These solar jar lights are ideal for patios, pathways, or garden beds. They provide eco-friendly lighting and can be arranged in groups for maximum effect. This DIY requires minimal tools and creates reusable, sustainable outdoor lighting. Solar jar lights are also weather-resistant, making them a long-lasting addition to your garden décor. You can adjust the design seasonally or for special occasions, keeping your outdoor lighting fresh and unique.
10. PVC Pipe Glow Lights
Dollar stores often sell small PVC pipes or plastic tubing that can be transformed into standing glow lights. Cut the pipes into desired lengths, insert battery-operated LED lights inside, and place them along pathways or in garden beds. You can paint the pipes with bright or pastel colors to match your outdoor theme. The pipes diffuse the light, creating soft vertical beams. This DIY is sturdy, low-cost, and suitable for marking paths or creating visual interest in a garden. PVC pipe glow lights are easy to assemble, customizable, and reusable for multiple occasions. They are safe, weather-resistant, and provide a modern, minimalist look while brightening your outdoor space effectively.
