DIY Stylish Pendant Lanterns To Light Up Your Patio With A Simple Basket Hack

While indoor lighting can certainly be eye-catching if you opt for the right product, achieving the same dazzling look for your outdoor area can be a completely different ball game — not to mention if you've never styled it before. However, rather than adding something plain to your patio space, you could instead try implementing a simple basket hack shown by @ninaanngelina on TikTok, who illustrates how this one simple addition can completely transform the look of your outdoor lighting — what more could you ask for? Simply add some lights to your basket to illuminate your space. 

On top of being able to achieve a stylish look when you design your patio, it's also a great option if you're on a budget, as a basket should be relatively cheap, depending on which store you purchase it from. If you're looking to upgrade your outdoor lighting game, then this could be the perfect solution if you don't want to splash your hard-earned cash on high-end or store-bought options that either cost considerably more or are more difficult to install. You can also create as many lights as you want, so it's perfect if you have a larger area that you want to light up, whether it's around the border or more central. Either way, you should end up with a look you will be proud of.

First, you'll need to select the baskets that you want to use for your shades, which are available from a local Home Goods store, or grab some from Etsy for $76. Likewise, you could also experiment with different shapes and sizes, such as these two square ones from Home Depot for $49.88 or some colorful baskets for $21.99 from Amazon, which are perfect if you want something cheaper while adding a dash of vibrancy. In addition, you will also need some string, adhesive puck lights, such as these battery-operated wireless ones from Amazon for $22.99, and adhesive hooks, which you can snatch from Amazon for $9.99 — now you should be good to go.

To craft your DIY pendant lanterns, simply take your product of choice and insert a puck light on the inside base, ensuring that they stick securely and that the lights are working correctly before attaching your string to the outside, knotting it to create a secure loop at the top. Just make sure you measure the string beforehand. Now, you can decide where you want your lights to hang, which can either be off a wall or a ceiling (make sure you have the correct hooks for the job). Simply stick them on and slip your DIY pendant lantern onto the hook, and you should be left with some rather stylish outdoor lighting.

While using a plain basket can look fantastic, sometimes, you may want to add your own touch to suit your patio space. For example, you could paint it blue, gray, pink, white, or purple, sprinkle some glitter on there, or even swap out the puck lights for some LED fairy lights to create a more magical look — providing they are waterproof and safe to use outside. When it comes to the string, you can experiment with different colors of twine. You could braid them together, pair them with a colorful option, or leave them plain if you feel like it. Making these changes can help you transform your outdoor patio into what you desire — while still maintaining the quirky look of this DIY basket.

The reason this hack works so well is the wicker design essentially acts as a light shade, making a statement, especially during the darker times of the day when you need outdoor lighting, making it perfect for both group settings or if you're alone. It will also help to fill the space with light. However, you will need to make sure that your adhesive lights will function outdoors before using them — otherwise, they could break and ruin your whole DIY as they will be ineffective.