How to Make a Lantern in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Craft a lantern with 8 iron nuggets surrounding 1 torch. It gives off light level 15, the brightest craftable light, and can sit on top of blocks or hang below them. Swap the torch for a soul torch to get a soul lantern.

What you need

1 torch (stick + coal or charcoal)
8 iron nuggets (from 1 iron ingot)

Step by step

Craft a torch with 1 stick under 1 coal or charcoal.
Make 8 iron nuggets by placing 1 iron ingot anywhere in the grid (gives 9) or by smelting iron tools and armor.
Open the crafting table.
Place the torch in the center slot.
Fill the 8 surrounding slots with iron nuggets.
Take the lantern.
Place it on top of a block or hang it underneath; chains above a hanging lantern look great.

Java vs Bedrock

The lantern recipe is the same in Java and Bedrock and was added in 1.14. Lanterns emit light level 15, matching glowstone and sea lanterns, and melt snow. For a dimmer teal light, craft a soul lantern with a soul torch instead (light level 10, repels piglins). Lanterns also generate in snowy village houses and bastion remnants.

Versions: javabedrock

Frequently asked questions

How much light does a lantern give in Minecraft?

Light level 15, the maximum, same as glowstone, sea lanterns, and torches of soul lanterns aside. A soul lantern only gives light level 10.

How do you make a soul lantern?

Same recipe with a soul torch in the center instead of a normal torch: 8 iron nuggets around it. Soul torches use soul soil or soul sand under the stick and coal.

Lantern vs torch: which is better?

Lanterns give the same light as torches but look better, hang from ceilings, and can sit on tables. They cost iron, so torches win early game and lanterns win for finished builds.

Can lanterns hang from chains?

Yes. A lantern placed under a chain connects visually to it, making clean ceiling lights for halls and bridges.