Long summer days spent in the garden are here and on the horizon for the foreseeable future. But once the sun sets, you’ll still want to illuminate your outdoor space and create a cosy, magical atmosphere. And the IKEA SOLVINDEN solar lantern is the perfect tool for that – as not only is it stylish, it’s also selling for just £11 a pop.
Both modern and chic, as well as whimsical garden lighting ideas have been all the rage this season since lighting’s not only functional but also an easy way to elevate an outdoor space, much like it does inside your home. And somehow, the IKEA SOLVINDEN outdoor lantern manages to be both modern and chic while being whimsical, too.
IKEA
SOLVINDEN LED solar-powered outdoor lantern
The ribbon-like striped design is equipped with a handle to easily move it around. And once the darkness falls, the barely visible light turns on automatically.
The lantern shape references fairytale-like Japanese garden lighting ideas. But as with most of its designs, the Swedish retailer put a fun and contemporary twist on the classic by streamlining the shape and giving it a more sculptural look, finished with a pistachio green colourway.
The lantern runs on solar energy, which means it charges during the day when the sun is out and then utilises the power once the dark sets in and turns it into light. It’s part of a wider IKEA SOLVINDEN outdoor lighting range which also includes popular designs like the SOLVINDEN lamp stand and the LED decoration lighting in a range of colours and sizes.
But the lantern is currently beating both in terms of popularity as it’s the sixth bestselling outdoor lighting design from IKEA. And existing customers are already obsessed with it.
One reviewer wrote, ‘Great quality! The solar panel stores energy perfectly, so the lamp stays lit late into the night. It’s ideal for placing the lamp on a windowsill or a patio table.’
Meanwhile, another customer pointed out that the lamp can even withstand light rain. ‘Very nice, it illuminates well and has always worked even when wet. I love it.’
But if you like the idea of outdoor solar lanterns but are not 100% sold on the IKEA style, I’ve found a few alternatives that are just as chic.
Stylish solar lantern alternatives
Garden Stories
Studio 70 Metal Cylinder Outdoor Solar Lantern
Nordlux
Coupar To-Go Portable Solar Powered Outdoor Lantern
If you’re after an even sleeker and more streamlined look than the IKEA lantern then this Scandi chic design from a Danish brand Nordlux would be my top recommendation.
Lights4fun
Confetti Glass Solar Lantern
I didn’t think it was possible to find an outdoor solar lantern more affordable than the IKEA one. But Lights4fun proved me wrong. This pretty confetti glass style is available for just undr £10 in their summer sale.
Garden Stories
Studio 70 Metal Hanging Solar Lantern
QVC’s Studio 70 garden range is filled with great outdoor solar lanterns in gorgeous colourways. Just take this burgundy number, also available in deep rust orange.
Markslöjd
Portable Solar LED Lamp Cavia
This lantern from Swedish brand Markslöjd is the closest to the IKEA one in its look, it’s just a little more elevated version of it as is reflected in its higher price point. But it also features a dimmable feature.
Garden Stories
Studio 70 59cm Metal Floor Solar Lantern
Made from iron, this lantern is bigger in size than the rest and is designed more like an outdoor floor lamp but with a lantern-esque shape.
Are you going to add a solar lantern light to your garden this season?
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