Lantern
Lantern emits warm orange light at level fifteen and can be hung from ceilings — the gold standard for compact decorative lighting.
1.21
Description
Lantern is crafted from one torch surrounded by eight iron nuggets in the standard pattern. The block emits warm orange light at level fifteen — the maximum value in Minecraft, identical to a torch but with a much more refined silhouette. Its texture shows an iron cage holding a flame inside, evoking real-world oil lamps.
The defining feature is mounting flexibility. Place it on top of a block and it sits proudly upright; place it under a block and it hangs down on a small chain, perfect for ceiling lighting. This single device replaced sprawling torch arrays in modern building because it occupies almost the same space as a torch but reads as architecture rather than crude survival lighting. Underwater the device works fine and even keeps its glow stable, which made it the new standard for lighting underwater monuments and aquatic builds. Mining returns the device with any tool.
The defining feature is mounting flexibility. Place it on top of a block and it sits proudly upright; place it under a block and it hangs down on a small chain, perfect for ceiling lighting. This single device replaced sprawling torch arrays in modern building because it occupies almost the same space as a torch but reads as architecture rather than crude survival lighting. Underwater the device works fine and even keeps its glow stable, which made it the new standard for lighting underwater monuments and aquatic builds. Mining returns the device with any tool.
Java & Bedrock Guide
How to craft and use a Lantern in Minecraft
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1
Get iron nuggets
Place one iron ingot anywhere in the crafting grid to receive nine iron nuggets — enough for one lantern with one nugget left over. Nuggets also drop from smelting iron tools or armor.
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2
Craft the lantern
Put one torch in the center cell of the 3x3 crafting grid and surround it with eight iron nuggets in the remaining cells to craft one lantern.
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3
Place it standing or hanging
Set the lantern on top of a block and it stands upright on a base; place it on the underside of a block and it hangs down on a short chain — ideal for ceilings.
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4
Extend it with chains
Stack chain blocks below an overhang and attach the lantern to the lowest chain to build a pendant light that drops from high ceilings and tall lampposts.
Light and variants
Lantern emits light level 15, the maximum in Minecraft, and is waterlogged-compatible, so it keeps glowing underwater. The Soul Lantern variant uses a soul torch instead, casts a blue flame at light level 10, and repels piglins.
How to craft this block
Crafting
Lantern
1
Related blocks
Frequently asked questions
How do you craft a Lantern in Minecraft?
Place one torch in the center of the 3x3 crafting grid and surround it with eight iron nuggets to craft one lantern.
What light level does a Lantern emit?
Lantern emits light level 15, the maximum in Minecraft — the same brightness as a torch, glowstone, or sea lantern.
Can a Lantern hang from the ceiling?
Yes. Placed on the underside of a block, a lantern hangs on a short chain, and you can extend it further by attaching it below stacked chain blocks.
Does a Lantern work underwater?
Yes. Lantern is waterloggable since Java Edition 1.16, so it stays lit when submerged and is popular for ocean monuments and aquatic builds.
What is the difference between a Lantern and a Soul Lantern?
A Soul Lantern is crafted with a soul torch, glows with a blue flame at light level 10 instead of 15, and repels piglins in the Nether.
Which version added the Lantern?
Lantern was added in Java Edition 1.14, the Village & Pillage update, and is also available in Bedrock Edition.
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