How to Hang Outdoor Lanterns | Branch to Bracket

Hanging an outdoor lantern takes one of two routes: non-electrical (plug-in, battery, solar) or hardwired electrical.

Stake a solar lantern into the ground or hang a plug-in model from a tree branch with heavy-duty twine. For a hardwired light, cut power at the breaker, verify it’s dead with a voltmeter, and wire black-to-black, white-to-white, and ground-to-ground inside a rated outlet box. The right route depends on your lantern type and location.

Hanging Plug-In, Battery, and Solar Lanterns

Non-electrical outdoor lanterns have five or six common mounting methods, none requiring wiring. Pick the one matching your surface.

• Tree branches. Use heavy-duty fishing line or twine. Tie a loop around a branch at least 8–10 feet high and slide the lantern onto the loop. Add a small weight (e.g., sandbag) on the bottom loop to keep it stable in wind.
• Cable system for long spans. Install eye hooks at house wall and distant tree. Run a cable through a turnbuckle, crimp it tight, then crank the turnbuckle “as tight as humanly possible” to prevent sag. Attach each lantern with a zip tie through its eye hole.
• Ceiling hooks and wall brackets. For covered patios and pergolas, screw a ceiling hook into a beam or joist. Use a wall bracket rated for the lantern’s weight where a hook won’t work.
• Ground stakes. Push a metal stake into soil and hang a solar or battery lantern from its hook. Works for pathways, garden beds, and seating areas without hard surfaces.
• Brick and stone surfaces. Drill into mortar between bricks (not into brick, which cracks). For no-drill options, use detachable brick clips or strong mounting tape.
• Paper lanterns. String wire through the top opening and knot securely. For trees, use a double-knot with a hook noose from both bottom and top so wind doesn’t undo it.

If shopping, our roundup of the best hanging outdoor lanterns covers durable, weather-rated picks for every mounting style.

Wiring a Hardwired Outdoor Lantern

Hardwired lanterns are permanent fixtures connecting to your home’s electrical system. They require more tools and strict safety steps but are straightforward.

1. Cut power at the breaker. Flip the switch controlling the light circuit. Confirm it’s off with a voltmeter before touching wires.
2. Select the right outlet box. A plastic outlet box is acceptable for lightweight fixtures. For heavy lanterns, a metal outlet box is required to prevent pulling loose. Verify the box’s weight capacity supports the total lantern weight.
3. Install a mounting strap if the outlet box lacks a center stud. Secure it firmly for a stable mounting point.
4. Assemble the fixture per manufacturer’s schematics before wiring. Attach the escutcheon plate to dangling wires.
5. Wire the connections. Strip wire ends and connect with wire connectors: black (fixture) to black (box), white to white, and ground to ground screw or ground wire. Wrap each connection with electrical tape and confirm no loose strands.
6. Screw the fixture in place flush against wall or ceiling. Restore power and test for steady operation with no flickering. If flickering, kill power and inspect connections.
7. Seal against moisture. Apply a bead of silicone or Dynaflex around the lamp base where it meets the house.

Tools and Cost Breakdown

Common Mistakes That Cause Trouble Later

A few avoidable errors cause most sagging, cracking, and electrical problems. Skip plastic outlet boxes for heavy fixtures—use metal. Tighten turnbuckles until the cable won’t deflect under its own weight. On brick, drill into mortar only; drilling into brick invites cracks. Always verify power is off with a voltmeter before wiring; breaker labels aren’t reliable enough.