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Make the most of summer evenings with our picks.
If you’re looking for a quick way to pretty up your outdoor space, you need some solar garden lights in your life. A couple of twinkly additions will add a cosy atmosphere to your garden or patio, and they’re eco-friendly and easy to install.
Solar lights are best suited for aesthetic purposes rather than for brightening up your space after dark, as they aren’t as powerful as mains-powered options. So, if you’re after something more practical, take a look at our other garden lighting ideas.
No matter your taste, there are plenty of solar garden lights to choose from that will help bring a little ambience to bare seating areas or a garden bar. A run of stake lights will mark pathways and flowerbeds, while some pretty string lights hung from a fence or railing will help set the right mood at dinner parties. Pretty decorative solar lanterns will brighten up dark corners and look lovely hanging from trees. They're also great for keeping handy on your outdoor dining set to add a warm glow to surroundings.
Solar-powered lights rely on a steady supply of strong sunlight rather than electricity, making them more eco-friendly than mains-powered options – and they won’t increase your energy bills. To set them up, just position them (or, sometimes, the attached solar panel) in a sunny spot and they’ll come on automatically after dark.
Solar lights need sunlight to run so they’ll work better during spring and summer. We’d recommend bringing them indoors during the winter to avoid weather damage.
From twinkly fairy lights to gently flickering lanterns, here is our edit of the best solar garden lights to create a cosy, welcoming ambience in your home’s outside space.
These ivy string lights look like they belong in a fairytale forest. Hang from trees or a fence for a magical feel.
Each of the copper wires on these charming lights can be bent into shape, so you can create your own personalised display of flowers, spirals and hearts. They have a pretty twinkling mode, too, for a fairytale-like aesthetic.
These cute lights have a real whimsical feel to them and will look lovely scattered across a rockery or arranged around a short pathway. Right now, they're reduced by £8.50.
How many in a set? Three.
Recreate the trailing ivy look, but with solar lights. This warm white botanical-inspired string light features 12 branches that can be used to decorate your garden. Style along a wall or fence for impact.
Even unlit, this pretty outdoor lantern should help to pretty up any outdoor scheme. Mix and match with similar globe designs and hang them from the trees to add some colour and texture to your space, or place on the floor for a gorgeous illuminated glow.
With multi-coloured LED lights, these flowers will provide a beautiful, vibrant display at night. Invest in one set to add a subtle glow to planters after dark, or stock up and scatter through your flowerbeds – it’ll look really striking.
How many in a set? Two.
These iridescent lanterns are so pretty. One of our favourite picks, they’ll help to add an ethereal feel to your outside space. They’re £5 off in the sale, too.
How many in a set? Two.
Bring a magical glow to your garden with these bubble-shaped fairy lights. Their warm white hue will certainly elevate the cosy ambience.
These unusual glass stones look like they’re from another planet! We think they’d look striking lining a pathway or dotted around the flowerbeds.
How many in a set? Sold individually.
Rattan is still having a moment in the interiors world and we can see why – it’s effortlessly chic and timeless. Pop these rustic lanterns on an outdoor dining table to inject a boho feel into your evening drinks setup. They’re currently £4 off.
How many in a set? Two.
We're used to seeing soft yellow and white lights, so this fun multi-coloured pack is something different. Nestle them among your plant pots or frame an unlit pathway – they’ll help to liven up your space at night time.
How many in a set? Six.
These delicate lights can be suspended from a tree or fence or inserted into the ground to frame a pathway. They’re available in two sizes and suitable for indoor use, so you can enjoy them all year round.
How many in a set? Sold individually.
How cute is this little glass solar light? Suspend a few around your outdoor seating area for a low-lit romantic feel. The crackle finish adds an extra bit of interest.
Keep this hanging lamp, complete with a remote and pull switch, in your outdoor reading nook. It’ll make a good excuse to sit outside with your current book a little longer.
Create a fresh and breezy look with this chic wicker lamp. It’ll look gorgeous at night time but still look stylish during the day, hanging from a wall or placed on a side table.
This neon cactus will inject a little bit of fun into your garden. It’ll be great for a party – we predict guests will be gathering around for a photo opportunity.
Draw attention to pathways or decked areas with a couple of these spotlights. This one comes with a rechargeable battery to ensure brightness is maintained on duller days.
How many in a set? One – but can be bought as a pair.
These colour-changing portable lamps are handy where you need an extra boost of light, like on your outdoor table when the sun goes down. They have four light modes, so you can change the brightness and set them to flash as well.
How many in a set? Two – but can be bought as a four or six pack.
Something a little different here – tiny white bulbs are threaded through this pretty bunting, creating a pretty, vintage-inspired display. It has eight light settings including a twinkle effect and a slow fade mode.
How many in a set? 10 flags with 30 LED lights.