7. The Faux-Metal Decorative Lantern
Plastic lanterns often look shiny and cheap, but a coat of paint changes everything.
- The Transformation: Take a plastic lantern and spray paint it using a “hammered” or “oil-rubbed bronze” finish. If you want to make it look antique, use a dry-brush technique with a little bit of white or metallic paint to highlight the edges.
- Styling: Place these on your patio or flanking a fireplace. Use a battery-operated pillar candle inside to create a warm, inviting glow that rivals real metal lanterns.