It wouldn’t feel like summer here in Greece without a nautical touch. In this project I’ll show you how to transform the top half of an old grill cover into a charming DIY nautical lantern. It’s an easy repurpose that brings beachy style to a balcony or patio and uses simple, inexpensive supplies.
What I Used:
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- The upper half of the saucer-shaped grill cover
- Chalk-style or matte paint in a soft coastal color (I used leftover paint from a previous project)
- Slim nautical rope for decorative detail
- Cardboard egg cartons (torn up to use as lightweight filler)
- Beach pebbles or decorative stones
- A small plastic container to add height in the center
- A small decorative lantern (to sit on top)
- Tea lights (real or battery-operated)
This was the upper half of the grill’s saucer. The lower half was turned into a planter in another project, and I even used another piece to make a hanging tealight saucer. Repurposing parts of the same item into multiple projects is a great way to maximize materials and keep a consistent aesthetic.
The How To:
1. Prepare and paint the grill cover. The first step was covering the original black finish with a soft, summery color. I applied two coats of chalk-style paint to achieve even coverage and a matte, coastal look. Painting makes a dramatic difference—black can feel heavy, while a pale blue or sea-glass color reads much more summery and nautical.
2. Add rope detail. The grill cover had subtle indentations along the top edge. I threaded a slim decorative rope through those indentations and allowed it to hang loosely for a casual, maritime feel. The rope gives the piece instant nautical character.
3. Fill and stabilize the interior. The saucer had several holes in the bottom that needed covering and some bulk to support the display. I tore up cardboard egg cartons and distributed them across the base. Egg carton pieces are lightweight, inexpensive, and fill volume without adding much weight.
4. Add pebbles for texture and driftwood charm. Around the perimeter I placed beach pebbles on top of the egg carton filler. Pebbles instantly create a coastal vibe and are an affordable way to add weight and texture to the piece without covering the entire interior.
5. Create a center riser. For height in the middle—enough to sit a decorative lantern on and allow the door to open—I wedged a small plastic container into the center. This keeps the center elevated without adding heavy weight, since the pebbles around the edge supply stability.
6. Place the lantern and lights. Set your small lantern on the plastic riser so it sits above the pebbles and can be opened easily. Then tuck three tea lights among the pebbles around the lantern. Battery-operated tea lights are a safe alternative if you plan to leave the lantern unattended.
Details such as the looped rope and the scattered pebbles turn a simple repurposed grill cover into a decorative focal point. The finished lantern looks especially lovely at dusk when the tea lights glow and cast soft reflections across the pebbles.
I placed the lantern on my balcony atop a small milk crate table. At night it adds just the right ambiance—a soft, coastal glow that complements outdoor evenings. This easy DIY is perfect for anyone who loves beachy decor and repurposing old items.
And that’s it—my nautical lantern made from a grill cover. It’s an affordable, upcycled decor piece that captures summer seaside style. If you want alternatives to pebbles, consider sea glass, glass beads, small driftwood pieces, or white sand mixed with larger shells for a different texture and color palette.
If you enjoyed this project, consider trying your own variation and making it part of a coordinated set of outdoor accents. Repurposing items like a grill cover is an easy way to create unique decor while keeping costs low and the look authentic.
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