DIY Streetlight Posts for Tabletop Decor

I created these cute diy streetlight posts for tabletop decor. Specifically a Mardi Gras tablescape.

I wanted to make something that represented New Orleans and connected with Mardi Gras. Bourbon Street signs came to mind.

When I was walking around Dollar Tree I came up with this diy project.

I absolutely love how they turned out. They totally look like the streetlights you see in New Orleans.

They’re SUPER EASY to make and SUPER CHEAP, too!

Supplies for DIY Streetlight for Tabletop

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Tall taper candle holder
Small plastic lantern
Black spray paint

How to Make New Orleans Street Lights

*Note the candle holder and lantern were from Dollar Tree which is what made these SO cheap to make.

Step 1: Prep items to paint

The first step to making these cute diy streetlight posts for tabletop decor is to remove the ring from the top of the lantern and the LED light from the bottom.

If you get your lanterns from Dollar Tree, you’ll need to gently push the light down and out.

Bottom of plastic lantern removed from DIY Streetlight Posts for Tabletop Decor

After you remove the light, take a small piece of tape and wrap it around the bulb. This will protect it from being painted. Then put it back inside the lantern.

Step 2: Paint the candlestick and lantern

Next spray paint the candlestick and lantern. The candlestick will just need one coat as you want to make sure it is the same black as the lantern.

The lantern will need two coats of paint. Be sure and paint the inside of the lantern too.

DIY Streetlight Posts for Tabletop Decor spray painted

DIY Street light post diy pieces painted

After the paint has completely dried, carefully remove the tape from the lightbulb. It’s a little hard to do, as your fingers will need to reach inside the lantern.

*Note: I learned the hard way to spray paint the lantern with the light inside, instead of painting it separately. Because when you put the light back into the lantern after being painted, the pieces that hold the light in place will remove the black paint as you put it back.

Step 3: Connect the streetlight pieces

Lastly, place the painted lantern on top of the candlestick holder.

DIY Streetlight Posts for Tabletop Decor on its side

See how perfectly it sits on top.

Show how diy street light post is attached

Don’t glue them together. If you do, you won’t be able to turn the light on.

Completed DIY Streetlight Posts for Tabletop Decor

A little extra

If you want to make your streetlight post special, create a sign for it.

Just take some black cardstock and a white marker.

Black paper and white pen to make small sign

Cut about a 1/2″ x 2″ piece of paper and write the street name. Then take a glue dot and attach it to the post. Create a second sign and attach it to the other side.