Adding landscape lighting to your front or backyard will illuminate your garden and pathways after the sun goes down. Lighting options come in a variety of styles, some are artistic, while others are utilitarian. Most options are also solar-powered, but not all. Our top pick comes in three colors and soaks up sunlight to brighten your path. However, if you’re not sure which type is best for your yard, read on to peruse our top options.
BEAU JARDIN solar lights
Three finishes to choose from
Petite lanterns that you can place anywhere for extra illumination.
Pros:
- Solar-powered
- Rechargeable battery
- 10-lumen LED
- Rustproof
Cons:
- Battery may need replacing
- Plastic stakes could use an upgrade
These small landscape lights have glass shades that help refract the 10-lumen LED bulbs onto your sidewalk and garden. They are available in three colors—silver, black, and brown—to compliment the trim on your home or yard features. Standing at almost 17-inches in height, they are tall enough to light a path, but short enough to squeeze into flower beds without obstructing the view. There are eight lights in each set, but you may want to pick up multiples if you have a long path or a lot of green space to light.
InnoGear solar landscape spotlights
Call attention to certain garden features
These lights are best suited for tall plants or trees you want to see at night.
Pros:
- Two lighting modes
- Excellent solar conversion to power
- Can be angled to your liking
Cons:
- Solar panels may not stay in place
- Shorter lifespan
Tall trees and other lawn features always look best at night with a bit of light. By adding some of these solar-powered spotlights you can get a more professional-looking garden without breaking the bank. Prime candidates for these lights include palm trees, large oaks, or flowering bushes. They charge during the day and can stay lit for twelve hours on the dim mode and six hours on the maximum light mode. As long as you adjust the solar panel towards the sunlight, it will charge the onboard battery for use later that night.
TomCare flame solar torches
A warm glow to light the way
This is a great option for fire pits, lounge areas, or driveways.
Pros:
- Warm flickering lights
- Sturdy
- Stay on all night
Cons:
- Has to be very dark to turn on
- Made of plastic
Imagine encircling your pool or patio with these lovely flickering torches. The warm glow looks like a small flame, but without the hassle or safety concern of real fire. Each torch in this set has a 2,200 mAh battery that allows it to run for long hours during the night. Plus, you can extend the battery life by flipping the power switch when you're not using them. They are constructed of weatherproof ABS plastic, but you will want to be extra careful when doing lawn maintenance near them.
hykolity LED landscape path lights
The brightest of the bunch
This traditional option relies on electricity instead of sunlight.
Pros:
- Works during dusk unlike solar options
- Two lantern styles to choose from
- LEDS have a long lifespan
Cons:
- Power source required
- A bit pricey
While solar lights are really easy to install, they also depend on sunny days to stay charged. These path lights are ideal for areas prone to cloudy weather, as they run on electricity. However, their bulbs are LED, so they won't cost much to run at night and will last for years to come. Although you have the option to choose from two lantern designs, we really think the crackled shade option is something special. The way it refracts light helps make the bulb seem even brighter, so you can illuminate more space without more lights.
DBF color changing solar spotlight
Add personality to your patio
Pink, purple, and blue, oh my. These lights are ready to serve up the rainbow on your lawn.
Pros:
- Seven colors to choose from
- Color cycle function
- Solar-powered
- Last up to 8 hours
Cons:
- Short lifespan
- Not super bright
If one solid lighting color isn't the right fit for you, consider these lovely seven-color lights instead. They turn on automatically when it's dark outside, and off when it's light. The 2,200 mAh battery charges with solar rays, helping the lights stay on during the night. Additionally, they are waterproof, so watering your lawn or rainstorms will be of no concern. And the lights come in a two-pack, which gives you the freedom to try just a couple at a time.
Light the way
When adding landscape lighting, you'll want to consider how much light you need for the space as well as lawn décor you may have in place. Our favorite option is the BEAU JARDIN solar lights because they will look at home in almost any garden. They come in three finish colors, are rustproof, and are the perfect height. The solar set's versatility lets you place them anywhere you need a light.
If you don't want to rely on the sun to charge a battery, consider the hykolity LED landscape path lights. They require a bit of wiring and an electricity source, but the trouble is totally worth it. In return for your efforts, you'll get bright LED lights with attractive lampshades and glass enclosures. And you won't have to worry about the lights illuminating on a rainy or snowy day.
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