iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Playing with friends? Godlike.Host runs hosted Minecraft Java servers from 10 data-center locations, with free DDoS protection.
To make a regular lantern in Minecraft, use a crafting table with one torch in the center and eight iron nuggets in every surrounding slot. Replace the regular torch with a soul torch to make a soul lantern. Regular lanterns provide the strongest lantern light; soul lanterns glow blue, are dimmer, and are useful around snow, ice, and piglins.
You can place either type on top of a block or hang it beneath a block. Lanterns also generate naturally in snowy tundra villages and bastion remnants, while the Copper Age announcement describes a copper version whose exact availability depends on the Minecraft edition and release you are playing.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How to craft a lantern
Both established lantern recipes use the same eight-iron-nugget frame. The only ingredient that changes is the torch in the center.
Regular lantern recipe
- Open a crafting table so the full 3×3 grid is available.
- Put one regular torch in the center slot.
- Fill all eight surrounding slots with iron nuggets, leaving no gaps.
- Take the lantern from the result slot.
This arrangement produces one regular lantern. The torch must occupy the center; placing it elsewhere does not produce the recipe shown in Minecraft’s crafting system.
#1 Best Overall
- 【16 RGB Pixelated Lantern LED Night Light】Use the included remote control to freely switch between 16 stunning light colors. From comfortable warm tones to game style neon effects, this pixel lantern instantly changes your space
- 【 Multi functional design 】 The size is 7 "long x 3.55" wide x 3.55 "high, which can be perfectly used as a bedside night light, desktop decorative light, wall decorative light or handheld lantern. It is an interesting upgrade for bedrooms, game rooms, gaming devices and study areas.
- 【 USB rechargeable&remote control&hanging chain 】 Equipped with a remote control, it is easy to change the lighting color and mode adjustment, and the hanging chain makes the night light more retro atmosphere. Charging through Type-C cable, the built-in rechargeable battery eliminates the hassle of replacement. A complete USB charging can provide 6-8 hours of continuous lighting, which is both environmentally friendly and convenient. The dual setting of detachable modules allows for placement on a table or installation on a wall.
- 【Gentle eye friendly glow】 The soft diffuse LED light provides easy illumination, suitable for reading before bedtime, playing late night games, or relaxing before bedtime.
- 【Fun gifts suitable for all age groups】A cool pixel style desk lamp loved by gamers, children, teenagers, and retro video design fans. The ideal gift choice for Christmas, birthday, Halloween decoration or room setup upgrades.
Soul lantern recipe
- Open a crafting table.
- Put one soul torch in the center slot.
- Surround it with eight iron nuggets in the same ring pattern.
- Collect the soul lantern from the result slot.
A soul lantern is not made by recoloring an existing lantern. It is a separate recipe that requires a soul torch from the start.
Recipe troubleshooting
- No result appears: confirm that you are using a crafting table rather than a smaller personal crafting grid, and check that all eight outer slots contain iron nuggets.
- The result is the wrong type: inspect the center ingredient. A regular torch makes a regular lantern; a soul torch makes a soul lantern.
- One slot is empty: the iron-nugget ring must be complete. A missing nugget prevents the recipe.
- The recipe is unavailable in the recipe book: enter the ingredients manually. Recipe-book visibility can depend on what your character has previously obtained and on the edition or version in use.
Lantern light levels and behavior
Lanterns are compact light sources that can illuminate a build without the exposed-stick appearance of a torch. Their exact strengths are:
Recommended Free Tools
| Type | Light level | Color and behavior | Source qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular lantern | 15 | Warm orange flame; general-purpose illumination | Minecraft’s official Taking Inventory: Lantern article, published in the 2020-era coverage of the block |
| Soul lantern | 10 | Blue flame; repels piglins; less likely to melt snow and ice | Minecraft’s official article and Nether Update reference, current at the cited access |
| Copper lantern | Not stated in the Copper Age announcement | The announcement describes a copper construction using copper and a copper torch; color and behavior are not established there | Minecraft Copper Age announcement |
The regular lantern’s listed level is the maximum-strength value described by Minecraft’s official editorial, which compares it with other top-level light sources. The soul lantern’s lower value is still described by that editorial as sufficient to prevent monster spawning, while being less likely to melt snow and ice. Treat the statement as guidance for the game rules and edition covered by the source; spawning checks and environmental behavior can change between editions and updates.
Do lanterns stop mobs from spawning?
Lighting an area with lanterns can stop hostile monsters from spawning where the applicable light requirement is met. A regular lantern gives the strongest lantern illumination, while a soul lantern supplies the lower level described above. A single light source does not automatically secure an entire room, cave, bridge, or courtyard: blocks, corners, height differences, and the spacing between lights still determine whether every spawnable surface receives enough light.
Rank #2
- VERSATILE LIGHTING: Features 16 different color options that can be changed to match your mood or gaming setup ambiance
- DUAL PLACEMENT: Can be used as both a hanging lantern or tabletop lamp, offering flexible placement options for various settings
- RECHARGEABLE DESIGN: Built-in battery eliminates the need for constant battery replacement while providing portable illumination
- AMBIENT LIGHTING: Perfect for creating atmospheric lighting in gaming rooms, bedrooms, or as decorative accent lighting
- LED TECHNOLOGY: Energy-efficient LED lights provide long-lasting illumination while remaining cool to the touch
For a practical check, walk the whole build after placing lanterns rather than judging only the center. Inspect floors beneath balconies, behind walls, under stairs, and along roof edges. If a dark patch remains, add another lantern or use another light source. In a Nether build, soul lanterns also provide the thematic advantage of repelling piglins, so they can serve both an atmosphere and a defensive purpose.
Where lanterns generate naturally
You do not have to craft every lantern. Regular lanterns generate naturally in snowy tundra villages and in bastion remnants. These are different environments: snowy tundra villages are Overworld settlements, while bastion remnants are Nether structures.
Natural generation is especially useful when you want a small number of lanterns early in a world and have not accumulated enough iron nuggets or torches for a larger lighting project. Harvesting generated lanterns changes the lighting of the structure you found, so bring replacements if you want to preserve the original layout.
How to place and hang lanterns
A lantern has two useful orientations: sitting on a supporting block or hanging from the underside of a block. The hanging state is documented for both Java and Bedrock editions in the lantern block-state documentation.
Rank #3
- Pixel World: the unique pixel shape of the pixelated lantern night light combined with 16 interchangeable light colors allows you to instantly enter the pixel world
- Multi-Scene Use: pixelated lantern night light is made of high-quality abs material. the included chain and wall bracket allow it to be converted into a bedside lamp, handheld lantern or wall-mounted lamp. pixelated lantern night light is not only a lamp, but can also be used as a wall decoration or cosplay props
- Usb Charging: the pixelated lantern night light adopts usb charging design, which can be easily charged anytime and anywhere, making it more convenient to use. the pixelated lantern night light takes about 3.5 hours to be fully charged and can last for 6-8 hours
- Touch & Remote Control Dual Mode, 16 Colors Can Be Changed: the pixelated lantern night light has a touch switch at the bottom. touch to switch the colorful light effects, and long press to turn off the light. equipped with a remote control, more precise control can be achieved, such as adjusting the brightness, switching between multiple lighting modes, and more flexible operation. the pixelated lantern night light also offers 16 color options, which can be easily switched according to mood or needs, making it very suitable for creating different atmospheres in the room.
- Pixelated Lantern Night Light Is An Ideal Gift For Gamers And Teenagers Who Love Pixel Art And Video Games
Place a lantern on a block
- Hold the lantern in your hotbar and select it.
- Target the top face of a full block, such as a floor tile, wall cap, fence-compatible support, table-like surface, or beam.
- Use the place/interact control for your edition.
- Check that the lantern is supported and that its light reaches the area you intend to illuminate.
This orientation works well for shelves, counters, bridge posts, stair landings, and short fence or wall pillars.
Hang a lantern beneath a block
- Build or identify a solid overhead support: a ceiling, roof beam, bridge beam, arch, or chain-supported point.
- Hold the lantern and target the underside of that support.
- Use the place/interact control. The lantern should appear in its hanging state.
- Walk below it to confirm that the clearance, visual alignment, and light coverage suit the build.
For a hanging line, place lanterns beneath regularly spaced beams or connect the overhead supports with chains before attaching the lanterns. If a lantern refuses to attach, retarget the underside of a full supporting block rather than the side of a partial decoration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsJava and Bedrock considerations
The block-state documentation identifies the hanging form in both editions, but controls and interaction keys differ by platform. Use the normal place-block action for your device and target the face you want to attach to. A tutorial recorded for one edition may show different menus or controls even though the block has the same two basic orientations.
Regular lantern, soul lantern and copper lantern compared
| Decision factor | Regular lantern | Soul lantern | Copper lantern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center ingredient | Regular torch | Soul torch | Copper torch, according to the Copper Age announcement |
| Frame ingredient | Eight iron nuggets | Eight iron nuggets | Copper and a copper torch are described; the announcement does not establish every crafting-grid detail |
| Light | 15 | 10 | Not stated |
| Flame appearance | Warm orange | Blue | Not stated |
| Best fit | Bright general illumination, entrances, streets and interiors | Nether themes, piglin-sensitive areas, snow and ice builds | Use only when your edition and release expose the announced recipe and block |
| Naturally generated | Snowy tundra villages and bastion remnants | Not stated in the cited generation information | Not stated |
The choice between the two established lanterns is therefore functional as well as visual. Pick regular lanterns when maximum brightness and a warm palette matter most. Pick soul lanterns when the blue flame, piglin-repelling behavior, or reduced effect on snow and ice matters more than maximum output.
Rank #4
- 【Retro Pixel Game Atmosphere】 This Pixelated Lantern Night Light is designed for gamers, pixel art enthusiasts, teens, and adults who enjoy creative room decor. Combining a retro pixel-style lantern design with RGB LED lighting, this retro pixel lamp brings a nostalgic gaming vibe to any space. Pixel decor light shape adds personality to gaming desks, bedrooms, dorm rooms, bookshelves, bedside tables, or outdoor spaces while providing soft ambient lighting for movie nights, bedtime reading, or relaxing evenings.
- 【Newly Upgraded Timer Function】 This versatile lantern night light features a newly added timer function that automatically turns the light off after a preset period, offering convenient lighting control for bedtime, relaxation, or nighttime use. As a mood lamp, pixel night light provides 16 vivid RGB colors, 3 adjustable brightness levels from soft ambient glow to brighter illumination, and 4 lighting modes (flash, strobe, fade in/out, and smooth), allowing users to easily customize colorful lighting and brightness to suit different moods, spaces, and everyday lighting needs.
- 【Touch and Remote Control】 This convenient pixel lantern lamp supports both touch and remote control for simple and convenient operation. The touch switch on the bottom allows quick color changes with a short press and turns the light off with a long press. The included remote control lets you change colors, adjust brightness, switch lighting modes, and activate the timer function from a distance, making it easy to control the pixel lantern light anytime from your bed, sofa, or desk.
- 【Rechargeable & Portable Design】 Equipped with a 500mAh rechargeable battery and USB-C charging port, the light fully charges in about 3.5 hours and provides 6–8 hours of illumination depending on brightness level. The cordless design supports hanging, handheld, or tabletop placement, allowing it to function as a decorative hanging night light or portable lantern for bedrooms, gaming rooms, outdoor patios, hallways, or study spaces. Perfect for adding lighting to bedrooms or enhancing gaming setup decor without worrying about cables.
- 【Ideal Gifts for Pixel Fans】 Made from durable ABS material and packaged in a gift-ready color box, this creative kids lantern works as both a decorative room decor light and a practical bedside lamp. The package includes the lantern light, hanging chain, nano foam adhesive pad, scratch-resistant protective bag, user manual, and charging cable. Combining decoration and practicality, it makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or a unique gaming room decor gift for friends and family.
Are copper lanterns in the latest Minecraft update?
Minecraft’s Copper Age announcement describes a copper lantern made in a way similar to the regular lantern, using copper and a copper torch. That announcement is evidence that the variant was being presented, not a universal guarantee that every current Java or Bedrock installation contains it.
Check the release notes and the in-game recipe book for your exact edition and version. If the block or copper-torch recipe does not appear, do not substitute a regular torch and assume the feature is present. Version-specific behavior should be confirmed against the update installed on your world, because announcement timing, snapshots, previews, and full releases can differ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Lantern decoration ideas that scale from small builds to cities
Frame an entrance
Hang a pair of regular lanterns over a doorway, leaving one or two blocks between them. The repeated pair makes the entrance legible from a distance without washing the entire facade in light. Match the supports to the building: dark wood and deepslate produce a strong contrast, while copper or warm stone makes the lanterns feel integrated.
Build a consistent path rhythm
For paths and bridges, alternate lantern posts with fences, walls, or stripped logs. Keep the support height and interval consistent across the route. A repeating post-lantern-post pattern reads as deliberate infrastructure; irregular heights tend to look like temporary lighting even when the materials are expensive.
Best Value
- Enter the Pixel World: The hanging pxielated lantern night light boasts 16 ambient lighting colors. Easily switch to the perfect lighting mode for your space in seconds, immersing you in a vibrant atmosphere. It's more than just a night light; it's a versatile RGB color changing mood light, perfect for creating the perfect ambiance
- Touch and remote control: The bottom of the pixel lantern LED light has a touch switch: short press to switch between different colors, long press to turn off the night light. This pixel light also comes with a remote control, which has more functions and timing settings. Let you control the night light as you please
- USB charging: The pixel lantern night light is equipped with a rechargeable battery, making USB charging convenient and allowing you to charge anytime, anywhere, decorating your room. It takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge, and the battery life is approximately 6-8 hours (depending on the brightness setting). Say goodbye to disposable batteries and enjoy reliable wireless lighting every night
- Multi functional lantern light: The pixel night light is made of high-quality ABS material, which is durable, lightweight and portable. It can be flexibly placed on walls or tabletops and can be transformed into wall mounted lights, bedside lamps, or portable lanterns. It is very suitable for bedrooms, children's rooms, game rooms, camping, and travel
- Unique Gift: This beautifully designed pixel lantern night light is the perfect themed gift for couples, family, children, friends, and teenagers. It seamlessly blends light, color, and imagination. This is a surprise graduation gift, birthday gift, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, New Year gift
Light a market street
Suspend lanterns from chains between roof beams or fence posts over a market lane. Use the same chain length across each stall row, then vary the stall materials underneath. The overhead rhythm ties separate buildings together and leaves the walking surface open for carts, signs, and villagers.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchUse soul lanterns in snow and ice builds
Snowy villages, ice roads, frozen docks, and blue-gray interiors benefit from the soul lantern’s color and lower heat profile. Place them against packed ice, snow, blue-gray stone, or other cool materials so the blue flame looks intentional rather than like an isolated special effect.
Create a Nether palette
In basalt, blackstone, or crimson interiors, soul lanterns reinforce the Nether setting immediately. Hang them from dark beams, frame a portal approach, or repeat them along a fortress corridor. Their piglin-repelling behavior gives the choice a gameplay reason as well as a color reason.
Add controlled interior accents
One lantern on a table, shelf, or ceiling beam can define a room’s focal point. Repeat the same mounting height in adjacent rooms so the building feels planned. A few deliberate fixtures usually look better than placing a lantern on every available surface.
Match materials instead of mixing randomly
Regular lanterns pair naturally with warm wood, copper, stone, and deepslate. Soul lanterns fit blue-gray blocks, basalt, warped wood, and ice. If a build uses both types, assign each a clear role—for example, regular lanterns for public entrances and soul lanterns for a cold storage wing—so the color change communicates a change in function.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Planning lantern coverage before you build
Start with the places where players actually move: entrances, stairs, bridges, work areas, storage aisles, and turns in a path. Mark support points with temporary blocks, then replace them with the final posts, beams, or chains after you are satisfied with the pattern.
- Check the floor: look for dark squares beneath hanging fixtures and around corners.
- Check vertical surfaces: a balcony or retaining wall can leave a shadowed strip even when the main path is bright.
- Check sightlines: a lantern hidden behind a beam may illuminate the block but contribute little to the view from the path.
- Check repetition: equal heights and intervals make a street or hall feel intentional.
- Check the palette: use regular lanterns for warmth and maximum brightness, and soul lanterns where the blue flame or snow-and-ice compatibility is part of the design.
Quick reference
| Need | Use |
|---|---|
| Bright everyday lighting | Regular lantern with a regular torch and eight iron nuggets |
| Blue lighting or a Nether theme | Soul lantern with a soul torch and eight iron nuggets |
| Snow or ice decoration | Soul lanterns, whose cited behavior makes them less likely to melt snow and ice |
| Piglin-sensitive Nether area | Soul lanterns, which the cited sources describe as repelling piglins |
| Natural lantern supply | Search snowy tundra villages and bastion remnants for regular lanterns |
| Copper-themed variant | Verify that your exact edition and release include the Copper Age lantern and copper torch before planning a build around it |
The Bottom Line
Craft regular lanterns with a centered torch and an eight-nugget iron ring; substitute a soul torch for the blue, dimmer soul version. Place them on blocks or hang them beneath supports, then choose the type whose light, color, and environmental behavior match the build.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
