Over the years, Minecraft has continually evolved and been equipped with new features. One thing many players consistently wish for is new light sources. While there used to be only torches, glowstone, and lava, now you can choose from dozens of blocks! The right lighting not only provides clear visibility but also keeps monsters away. There are many interesting ways to incorporate light sources into your world.
Understanding the Basics of Light in Minecraft
First, let’s give you a quick crash course on light in Minecraft, as this will help you better understand the following recommendations. One of the biggest light sources is, of course, the sun, shining down from above. During the day, it consistently emits a light level of 15. This is also the maximum level that can be emitted by some other blocks. When it’s completely dark, the level is 0. In Java, you can check the light level in your F3 menu.
While the sun shines consistently and illuminates all blocks, light sources work differently. They always emit a certain level (with a few exceptions), but the strength decreases with each block distance. So if you stand 16 blocks away, the light level of a block with a level of 15 will be back to 0.
You should also be familiar with some blocks that let light pass through. Glass is, of course, the first candidate, but carpets are also practical for covering light sources. Leaves, water, ice, slime blocks, and honey blocks also let light through. Paintings also let light through.
Choosing the Best Light Sources for Creative Projects
Now let’s take a look at some of the different blocks and items that emit light and make your Minecraft world appear brighter. We can’t list them all, but we’ve picked out the best light sources you can use for your building projects. We divide the blocks into different categories based on how much light they emit since sometimes less light can also create a beautiful and pleasant ambiance in your structures.
High Light Output for Impressive Lighting
Sea Pickles: Sea pickles are super practical because they not only have a stationary light level but can also be individually adjusted. The number of pickles determines how bright it is. However, they can only be placed underwater, which doesn’t make them very versatile. But for underwater constructions, they are indispensable!
Candles: The “dry” counterpart to sea pickles is candles, which function in the same way and also vary depending on their number. They emit only 12 light, but can be color-customized. You can craft candles from beeswax and a string and then dye them individually.
Campfire: If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, you should craft a campfire. It’s not only an excellent and atmospheric light source but also perfect for grilling. You can place up to four uncooked food items around the campfire and enjoy them afterward.
Froglights: You can obtain these lights by having a frog eat a magma cube. You can learn more about this in our guide to a farm (Discover Frog Species and Build an Automatic Frog Light Farm in Minecraft) . They come in three colors and offer a more modern appearance.
Lanterns: One of the coolest light blocks, perfect for medieval castles! They can be placed both standing and hanging, and can be connected with chains. This allows for some really impressive designs!
Glow Berries: Glow berries are primarily found in lush caves, where they grow from the ceiling. They also emit a high light level, making them perfect as natural decorations. The vines themselves don’t glow, so berries need to regrow.
End Rod: This fits perfectly with modern furnishings, as it looks a bit like one of the LED lamps you can buy in the real world. You can craft them from a blaze rod and a popped chorus fruit from the end. They can be placed both horizontally and vertically, making them extremely versatile.
Average Light Level for Balanced Decoration
Soul Light Blocks: Campfires, torches, normal fire, and lanterns also come in a variant with blue fire. These are less light-intensive (only level 11) but look extremely cool! They work best in mysterious chambers or spooky locations. To craft them, you’ll need soul sand or soul soil from the Nether.
Redstone Ore: You may have noticed that redstone ore starts to glow when walked over. The light doesn’t last but emits a light level of 9. It can be used perfectly for corresponding paths and has a magical feel! The same works with deepslate ores.
Enchanting Table: Yes, even the table for your enchantments gives off some light, which you might not immediately notice. However, it’s super practical if you want to build a mysterious enchantment room that’s not fully illuminated.
Ender Chest: Interestingly, the ender chest also emits a light level of 7, which goes unnoticed by most players. Thanks to its unique texture and compact design, it can be well hidden and serve as an indirect light source.
Glow Lichen: Lichen grows on cave walls and is a wonderful block to bring light into the darkness. You might already recognize that it emits a faint light. Perfect for placing light on walls.
Redstone Torch: Redstone torches are a moderate light source that creates an eerie atmosphere. And they can, of course, be used in redstone mechanics. They are, for example, practical for rail systems in mines (Ultimate Guide: Rail Systems and Minecarts in Minecraft) .
Low Light Level for Subtle Effects
Amethyst Cluster: A fully grown amethyst bud emits a light level of 5, which isn’t much but can still create a mood. You can harvest clusters with Silk Touch and then place them on almost any other block as decoration. This makes these blocks extremely versatile!
Magma Block: Even though you might think the magma block is very bright, it only illuminates three blocks away. Still, it’s a great block for decorations, especially underwater. It simultaneously creates a water column that pulls you down.
Glow Bug Bush: This new nature block is perhaps one of the best decorations for your world. It only has a light level of 2, but it looks incredibly beautiful! The small, glowing fireflies are something many fans have long wished for.
Brown Mushroom: Yes, the brown mushroom also emits a minimal light level of one block. Why, we wonder too. You might only notice this if you stumble upon mushrooms in a really dark cave.
Effective Lighting Conclusion for Minecraft Projects
Light sources are not only important for keeping monsters at bay but can also contribute to the atmosphere of your structures. Thankfully, there are now significantly more glowing blocks you can use as decorations. Rent your own Minecraft server with us and try out some of the blocks presented here to bring some light into the darkness. Try to adapt your projects with corresponding lighting elements so they look even better!
