I'm Convinced This Expensive-Looking $20 Solar Light Is the Patio Buy of This Summer
Pocket-sized, portable, and less than $20, this disk-shaped solar lamp – with a star-like glow – can transform your outdoor lighting
Forget the complicated outdoor pendants, the messy string lights, and the portable lamps that lose battery too quickly. There's a better and much more efficient way to bring light to your backyard after the summer sun sets, and all it takes is Amazon's Solar Powered Disk Light.
It's unassuming at first glance – built to look like a hockey puck or even a small Frisbee. But in reality, this stylish solar-powered outdoor light is one of the best outdoor lighting ideas I've ever seen. Leave it in the sun to charge, and at night, its intricate, star-like glow will illuminate walkways, front porches, outdoor tables, and even the darkest corners of your yard with far more beauty and way less effort than any other light source out there.
Think of it as the outdoor light you didn't know you needed, and eventually, the light you won't be able to go outside without. And at just $20, I'm convinced it's the sole lighting idea that every patio – big or small – absolutely needs this summer.
Small, but mighty. This disk light features solar panels on its back that can charge from the sun's exposure. It automatically turns on at dusk and provides between eight and ten hours of light output, but it can be manually turned on and off, too. Two light modes are available – warm light and cool light. Plus, this disk light is completely waterproof.
One of the things I like most about this disk light is that it doesn't require any effort on your part – no need to stake it into the ground or find a structure to hang it from. Just place it on a table, on a patio retaining wall, or even in the grass, and let its intricate light output shine.
Though very similar to traditional portable lamps in terms of functionality, this disk light is much more unconventional in form. But in my opinion, that makes it all the more desirable. It doesn't need to be the center of attention, and you don't even need to make room for it in your garden scheme. This disk light can fade into the background and save space in outdoor setups, all while casting its effortlessly unique glow – lighting up your outdoor space with little to no effort needed.
With its star-like glow, this disk light can create an intricate pattern on your patio dining table – illuminating the scene in style.
For summer hosting, this disk light is a must have. I can just imagine it gracefully sitting in the center of a summer tablescape; its decorative glow becoming the centerpiece of the scene. Even if your patio doesn't have room for a large outdoor dining table, this disk light can become the space-saving light feature for your coffee table or side table. And since it's small in size, it's easy to take with you on the go – like to the park for an evening picnic with friends.
As a Style Editor, I can confidently say that this is one of the most clever and good-looking outdoor lights I've ever seen. But don't just take my word for it – plenty of shoppers have showered this disk light with reviews as glowing as its own light output. One reviewer puts it perfectly: 'It looks like something you'd find in the clearance bin at a hardware store, but it behaves like it wants a museum plaque. I don't know how long it'll last, and I don't care. I love it,' they write. 'It’s more beautiful than it has any right to be.'
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Clearly, this unassuming solar light does outdoor lighting the right way – it's uncomplicated, space-saving, durable, and thoughtfully-made. Trust me, your patio could certainly benefit from its presence this summer.
And while you're in the market for solar lights, I've found a few more options from Amazon that are just as practical and design-driven as the Solar Powered Disk Light. Find your favorite below.
Shop More Solar Lighting From Amazon
I'm such a fan of multi-purpose decor – like this outdoor floor lamp that doubles as a plant stand. Since it's solar powered, no need to keep this lamp plugged in. Just let the sun's rays charge it during the day, and at night, it'll automatically illuminate your patio. Plus, it'll give your favorite plant an elevated place to rest.
Normally, I'm not a huge fan of outdoor string lights, but these have taken me by surprise. They're sleek and elegant in style, and they come highly rated by nearly 10,000 reviewers. Though they are solar powered, these string lights can also be charged via USB. They offer up to 20 hours of light output, and with a remote control, they're dimmable, too.
It's always a good idea to line garden walkways with lighting. These solar lights can do just that. They'll soak up the sun during the day, and at nightfall, they'll automatically power on and emit up to 12 hours of ambient light. And with their antique brass-inspired color, they'll add some rustic charm to your outdoor space in no time.
This outdoor lighting feature is more of a decorative detail rather than a task-driven light source. However, it's nonetheless a worthy pick for your patio. Stake a few of these into your garden and watch how the LED beads on each strand create a magical scene. As a bonus, you can shape each strand to your liking, allowing you to create a custom light source in your backyard.
This solar lamp is most similar to the Solar Powered Disk Light, except it's slightly larger in size. It features a decorative exterior border, which, when lit, casts a playful glow. I'd use this solar lamp as a centerpiece on your summer tablescape – its stylish design and unique light output will make the table look that much more appealing.
You can't go wrong with a classic portable table lamp – it's the ideal design feature to illuminate any outdoor setting. This one (which is sold in a set of two) is stylish by design with its widely woven rattan shade. On top, it features a solar panel for auto charging on a sunny day. Since it's waterproof by design, keep this lamp on your patio all summer long.
Though lighting is an essential element to any patio scheme, furniture comes first. Lucky for us, Amazon is packed with tons of chic outdoor furniture picks that are on sale this Prime Day. Consider Amazon your one-stop shop for the best outdoor picks of the summer.
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Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.