LIDL's New $10 Solar Lights Make Flower Beds, Walkways, and Patio Edges Look Far More Expensive at Night

LIDL's Livarno torch lights strike the balance between timeless elegance and cozy charm

A garden path lit with lanterns
(Image credit: Future)

I can't be the only person with the urge to revamp their outdoor setup right now, but I'm desperate to put the finishing touches on my space and show it off to guests this summer.

To create the perfect ambience, I'm keen to upgrade my lighting, and I've been busy hunting for statement lanterns. I had almost settled on a set of solar torch lights from Amazon, but an enticing alternative has caught my eye: LIDL's Livarno solar torches.

Striking the perfect balance between elegance and warmth, these solar garden lights are the shortcut to an effortless, campfire-inspired feel. No matter whether I'm hosting a lavish garden party or an intimate gathering, they're sure to set the mood – and at less than $10, I can't ask for much better.

Why Invest in Solar Lanterns?

Metal lantern surrounded by purple flowers

(Image credit: maxattenborough / Getty Images)

I might be eager to give my backyard an upgrade this summer, but I have to admit: I'm indecisive. So, while I've been tempted by more lavish lighting (like West Elm's rattan string lights and Crate & Barrel's brass sconce light, to name a few), I can't argue with the benefits of affordable stake lights like these – largely because there's no limit to where I can place them.

If you're wondering whether solar lights are really worth it, trust me: lanterns like LIDL's are the fuss-free answer to outdoor lighting.

Forget strict measurements, tiresome DIY, and costly replacement bulbs; no matter how often I want to switch up my garden decor or change the layout, I can easily move these stake lights around.

I'd be inclined to display them in the pots in my container garden, but you can also use these lights to line a garden path or border, or simply scatter them across your lawn. (And if you're looking for a more whimsical option, Amazon's solar blossom lights look particularly striking in raised beds.)

The slim profile of these lanterns makes them just as suited to a narrow balcony garden or patio than a sprawling, grassy yard, and they reach a total height of 19.3 inches.

The stakes are sharp enough to keep them secure in grass or soil, but they are, according to LIDL's site, splash-proof rather than being completely weather-resistant – so it may be wise to move them indoors during stormy weather.

Naturally, however, the lanterns will need to spend most of the day in a sunny spot to allow them to work their magic in the evening. They will happily charge up in the sunshine, before switching on automatically at dusk.

I love that each lantern has multiple LEDs that cast a soft, flickering glow akin to a real flame. They really are a brilliant way to create a campfire-style feeling and a welcoming ambience that's ideal for summer hosting.

In fact, once they are fully charged, the lanterns can provide up to eight hours of light, so you'll never need to worry about connecting to power outlets or switching out bulbs – especially while you're entertaining. (They can, however, be turned off manually once you're ready to retreat indoors.)

They might not seem like the most revolutionary purchase, but these lanterns are the garden upgrade I've been searching for this summer. Practical, decorative and budget-friendly, I have a feeling that they will sell out in no time.

Shop More Solar Stake Lights


Want to perfect your solar lighting setup this summer? We've curated a guide to the best solar light brands, and we also asked experts for their advice on where to place solar lights in your yard.

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Martha Davies
Content Editor

Martha is a Content Editor on the Gardens team. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.