The bane of many of our summer existences is calling an electrician – who wants to deal with rewiring when they could be horizontal by the pool instead? Outdoor solar lights, powered entirely by the sun, offer a clever workaround that also happens to be considerably kinder to the planet.
And lately, a few names have been helping these eco-friendly fixtures shake their scientific-sounding reputation. Joanna Gaines debuted an all-woven lantern earlier this season that looks closer to something Jane Birkin might have carried than anything overtly solar-powered. Ballard Designs is illuminating pathways with charming, scalloped in-ground lights, while Anthropologie is dazzling the competition with an Art Nouveau-inspired perforated pendant that gives casual garden gatherings newfound gravitas.
So put the phone down, your outdoor lighitng scheme doesn't need a professional. From whimsical string lights to chic tabletop lanterns, these are the 20 most stylish solar outdoor lights to brighten your backyard smarter, not harder this summer.
The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.
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