The Best Solar Lanterns For Your Garden 2023

Feb 25, 2024

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No batteries or wires needed.

Forget tangled wires and flat batteries, if you want to light up your garden this year, solar garden lanterns are a must-have. Solar lanterns come in all shapes, sizes and designs so you can opt for anything from a modern hanging solar lantern to a classic freestanding design.

We've picked out 13 of our favourite solar lantern lights, including year-round and all-weather designs, meaning you can enjoy solar lanterns in your garden or on your patio 365 days a year.

No, solar garden lanterns are charged by sunlight, so there's no need to buy batteries. Some styles even have the option to be charged using a USB cable, so you can boost the brightness of your solar lantern on overcast days with little natural sunlight.

Solar garden lanterns have been designed for use outside, so they're built with all weather conditions in mind – that includes rainy days, too.

Conserve Energy Future say: 'You can leave solar lights out in the rain, and your investment will still be safe. Solar lights have been created especially to be used outside, so it is only normal for them to experience every changing weather until their lifespan becomes expended.'

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to light up your outdoor space, then absolutely! Because they're powered by the sun, they'll save you money on your electricity bill, plus they don't have any installation costs. Better still, most solar garden lanterns are easy to manoeuvre, so you can move them to suit your mood.

Although sunny days and direct sunlight are best for charging a solar lantern, they can still work on cloudy days and in partially shady locations. Boston Solar explains: 'Photovoltaic (PV) panels use particles of light, called photons, to generate electricity. Photons are present in direct and indirect sunlight, so solar panels can operate in both conditions.'

Shop our pick of the best solar lanterns for your outdoor space...

Designed with concealed solar panels, a bold silhouette and a warm glow, this lantern is both eye-catching and understated. It's also made of powder-coated steel with a plastic shade, so it's suitable for year-round use in all weather conditions.

This stylish garden lantern features an elegant, ridged design – perfect for adding some style to your outdoor space.

With three light intensity settings, this solar garden lamp can run for up to five hours on the brightest setting, up to eight hours on the middle setting, and up to 12 hours on the lowest setting (after charging in direct sunlight).

These pair of solar lights can be hung wherever you fancy thanks to their handy hooks. The elegant mesh design makes them a perfect combination of style and practicality.

This stylish garden lantern is petite in size, perfect for use on an outdoor dining table, or to line a pathway. Metal bars form a cylindrical shape and cast beautiful shadows. A gold-toned handle adds a special touch.

Mixing a contemporary shape and rattan-effect design, this freestanding garden lantern includes a rope handle to carry it from place to place. Its stylish look makes it perfect for upgrading your alfresco dinner times.

This white solar lantern emits a beautiful, warm light at night. And, thanks to its ornate detailing, casts eye-catching shadows. Once charged, this garden lantern will run for eight hours.

A sleek and modern design makes this solar garden lantern a stylish fit for contemporary homes and gardens. Using a pair to frame an entrance would be an excellent choice. Plus, it has three different dimmer settings.

A contemporary twist on a traditional lantern shape, this spiralling solar light comes in a handy pack of four. They conveniently will charge up during the daylight hours, and come alight as soon as darkness descends, so you won't have to do anything mid-way when you're entertaining.

Bring a futuristic feel to your next garden gathering with the Jules lantern. It features a stainless steel frame supported by thin hairpin legs and a woven rope shade in sleek black.

When fully charged, it can be used for up to 12 hours. It can also be charged using a USB charger (not included), providing up to 60 hours of light.

Made of iron, copper and plastic, this woven lantern gives off a soft glow that's great for illuminating gardens or patios at night. Use it to light up your outdoor tables, or hang it at a height to illuminate the space below.

Budget-friendly styles like this are a great way to elevate your outdoor space without breaking the bank. This solar-powered garden lantern has a traditional shape and natural finish, making it versatile and easy to work into many garden styles.

This compact solar lantern features a mesh design and playful green colourway, ideal for dressing up your garden. The useful handle makes it easy to move from place to place and also makes it simple to hang it up.

We love the modern design of this compact solar lantern. It automatically illuminates at dusk, meaning you don't have to mess around with timers or switches.

Rosie Stagg is the Marketplace Content Editor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, sharing the latest interior trends, inspirational style guides and on-trend homeware.

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