Modular Hexagonal Tealight Lantern

I designed this for halloween decor, but the design is adaptable. requires no hardware apart from a tealight (40mm base, 21+mm tall). all other pieces are connected with either printed pegs or pieces of filament. you may find it necessary to chase the holes in the parts with a 2mm drill bit, though they should print at 2.1mm diameter.

Print one of each piece, excluding the pegs and panels (6 each, as the filenames indicate).

• I would recommend printing in PETG if you're going to hang it outdoors.
• the indented side of the hanger lock is meant to face down.
• use a translucent filament for the panels. they're only two layers thick, so they'll admit plenty of light, but your choice of fill patterns will affect how they look.
• the panels can be inserted or changed after the lantern is assembled, but it is a fiddly process.
• if you think you may want to disassemble the lantern in future, I recommend using a single long piece of filament to lock the pegs in place. it will be easier to remove.
• the hexagonal ring on the tail is purely decorative. I would advise against hanging anything heavier than a length of ribbon from it.

the current iteration is meant to hang, but a tabletop/standing base will be forthcoming. future additions will come as I think of them, or as requested.

UPDATE: 11/02/2025 - Moved original print files to the “V5 - Indoor” folder (to be clear, the V5 model is probably fine for sheltered outdoor use, but is prone to moisture intrusion if directly exposed to rain/snow). I created a modified version that should be more weather-resistant in the “V6 - Outdoor” folder. the parts are interchangeable. V6 has a broader, shallower roof shape with full overlaps between roof parts, as well as drain holes in the body, base, and tail parts. I also consolidated the six pegs and six panels in V6 into single print files. the pieces are identical otherwise.

UPDATE: 11/04/2025 - uploaded new photo comparing the V5 and V6 roof shapes. also re-uploaded the v6b and v6c files, I had uploaded development versions by mistake. if you are having trouble with the topmost ring of the roof fitting the hanger, re-download the v6b file and reprint it, the tolerance should be better.

UPDATE: 11/12/2025 - uploaded a thematically harmonious hanging bracket for the V5 lantern, with and without #8 sized screw holes. if using screws, use washers and don't use countersinks.