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10 of the best garden lights

Carry on socialising long after the sun goes down with these illuminating garden lights ideas. Whether you’re after solar-powered, festoon lights, Moroccan lanterns or quirky monkey lamps, Good Homes picks out some of the best.

1. Modern lighting

Perfect for lighting up patios or porchways, the Dar Naxos outdoor wall light in black glass (£162, Amos Lighting + Home) is IP43 rated so it’s protected from light rain. In polished chrome, copper and brass plate, it’s ideal for both modern or traditional properties and looks stunning with a filament bulb.

Garden light wall light in polished chrome
Photo: Amos Lighting

2. Cheeky monkey garden lights

Add a bit of fun to your garden space with Graham & Green’s Outdoor Monkey Lights (priced £236-340). Of all these garden lights ideas we’ve come across, this is one of our favourites – perfect for popping into trees or hanging on a wall to provide a cheeky bit of illumination. Choose from sitting, standing, hanging and ceiling designs to suit your needs.

Hanging monkey statues holding garden lights in patio space beside shed with panelled wall
Graham and Green monkey lights. Photo: @nicbissekerphotography / @veryvictorianmerebrook

3. Wire-free lamp

Cuckooland’s B-Bulb weatherproof lamp (small, £49.99; large, £79.99) is also UV-resistant and offers three levels of brightness with a button control as well as a two-tone option with soft or bright white. Its charged via USB so you don’t need to worry about an outdoor power supply, and comes in two sizes.

Glowing pathway garden light lantern with hanging lights on trees in distance
Cuckooland’s B-Bulb weatherproof lamp

4. Solar stake lights

Make it easier for guests to find their way to your garden or add feature lighting to your patio or driveway with B&Qs Smart Garden Party Black Flame solar powered LED outdoor stake light (£18, B&Q), which come in a pack of five. These water-resistant lights automatically illuminate after dark with a realistic flame effect and Coolflame technology, which is safe and cool to the touch.

Black lantern in the ground
Photo: B&Q

5. Minimalist solar lantern

Light up the garden path or show off an attractive rockery with a few of these Decorative Metal Solar Lanterns from Gardenesque (£24.99). The LED 12 lumens design gives off a warm white glow while the metal casing is finished with a ribbon of small holes for a stunning reflected pattern effect.

Solar powered black circular light in bush
Decorative Metal Solar Lanterns from Gardenesque

6. Industrial-chic porch light

Perfect for hanging over porches, Industville’s Brooklyn outdoor dome wall light (£159) is a stunning combination of pewter and copper and is a durable, weatherproof option that will withstand the elements. If you’re looking for more permanent garden lights ideas, this is the one for you. Its industrial-chic style will look great for years to come.

Hanging lanterns on covered over decking space
Industville Brooklyn outdoor dome wall light

7. Moroccan lanterns

Perfect for evening parties, these Tyvek fabric solar lanterns from Lights4fun each give around six hours of illumination. Each lantern has a delicate flower detailing, which radiates an enchanting pattern around your space when dusk falls. They are breathable and water resistant, so they can be enjoyed year after year. Set of five, £156.99.

Lights 4 Fun moroccan lanterns come in multiple shapes and colours
Tyvek solar lanterns from Lights4fun. Photo: Oliver Perrot

8. Spotlight

When you want the option of directing light in two different areas, the Ortega outdoor 2 light wall spotlight (£94.80, dar Lighting) is just the thing. In a smart aluminium finish, it’s IP65 rated so is resistant to moisture and dust and it comes with energy efficient LED bulbs.

Silver wall spotlight garden lights
Photo: Dar Lighting

9. Cheap and cheerful stake lights

Looking for cheap garden lights ideas? Illuminate a garden pathway without breaking the bank with this pack of 10 solar colour-changing stake lights from Studio. Place them in direct sunlight to get the best charge and then watch as they change colour after sunset. Currently reduced to £12, they’re a real bargain!

cheap solar-power stake lights for the garden that change colour a dusk
10 solar colour-changing stake lights from Studio

10. LED outdoor touch-lamp

This cordless Troy LED outdoor lamp (£20) from Iconic Lights features three levels of mood lighting that can be changed at the touch of a button. It’s charged by USB and offers up to 7 hours battery life at its brightest setting.  It’s available in chrome, gold and copper and can also be used indoors. Style these garden lights individually or group a few together to really make an impact.

copper outdoor table lamp with usb charging and touch on and off
Troy LED outdoor lamp from Iconic Lights