We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
15 garden lanterns to create beautiful ambient lighting outdoors
Illuminate your space from spring right through to winter...
Garden lanterns can offer a stylish, decorative touch to your outdoor space all year round.
Ambient outdoor lanterns are ideal for creating a magical atmosphere with a warming glow, whether it's on the balcony, terrace or in the garden, and the options are endless. You can buy hanging lanterns which can be suspended from a tree branch or a pergola for example, or floor lanterns, which you can simply pop on the patio, decking or outdoor table. Then there are the ever-popular candle lanterns which will make a showcase of your pillar candles or tealights.
Remember, as with any type of light, the best place to start is to decide on a power source, and with garden lanterns specifically (with the exception of a candle lantern), you'll be looking for either battery or solar. Solar lights are completely free to run and can be placed anywhere in the garden, as long as the sun can charge the panel (there's still time to capture the early autumn sunshine). Meanwhile, battery-operated lanterns will provide hundreds of hours of light before they need changing.
We've rounded up our pick of the best outdoor lanterns below. Get ready to light up your life (and your garden)...
Available as a set of two, these stylish weatherproof lanterns have hinged doors and battery-powered pillar candles as part of the bundle, perfect for prettying up the patio.
Glamourise your garden with this gorgeous handle-top outdoor seagrass lantern. Just add a candle and voila.
Brighten an empty corner of your garden with these beautiful Moroccan-style lanterns. They have been coated in a weather-resistant lacquer, making them ideal for the unpredictable British weather.
Create wow factor in your garden with this set of two solar-powered lanterns, boasting a realistic flickering flame effect.
Tyvek Pink Hanging Solar Lantern
Add a pop of colour to your outdoor space with this eye-catching hanging solar lantern. With a delicate floral cut-out design and unique shape, it will fill your space with a patterned glow.
Add a subtle pop of colour to your outdoor space with this blue outdoor lantern from M&S. With its railing style case and long, cylindrical shape, it will set the mood at every garden party.
Pep up your trees and throw some light on your next dinner party. Eco-friendly and solar-powered, hang them somewhere bright to charge during the day and they will light up automatically at night.
Canberra Slatted Outdoor Lantern Duo with TruGlow® Candles
What a gorgeous slatted lantern duo! This style features a realistic candle to brighten up your space. Simply pop batteries into each base and set the timer to come on at a preferred time.
Hanging Tulip Lantern
We love this tulip-shaped hanging lantern, which is perfect for perching on the branches of your tree. Pop a tealight in by simply lifting off the glass.
Dunelm has some brilliant garden accessories at the moment, and this natural bamboo lantern is all we need to see for proof. Measuring 25cm, it has a cage-like design that provides a soft glow once your candle is lit. The handle makes it easy to carry from one spot to the next.
This solar-powered garden lantern is made from a charcoal powder-coated metal and provides six hours of illumination in the summer months. Perfect for a gorgeous evening glow outside.
Emit a golden glow on your decking with this striking cage-style lantern holder. Simply pop your candles inside and enjoy.
Powered by solar, this set of three includes one large lantern (33cm) and two small lanterns (14cm). Perfect for adding a decorative touch to your outdoor space.
This black lantern from The White Company looks so chic. It has a practical handle at the top and a hinged door for an antique effect. Crafted from steel and glass, it'd look lovely on your patio.
Create an inviting atmosphere with these three stainless steel and glass lanterns. Simply pop a candle inside, grab a blanket and relax with family and friends under the stars.
Watch Next
11 folding desks to help you work from home
Botanical wallpapers for a nature-inspired oasis
Shop Oliver Bonas' mood-boosting summer collection
10 of the best stained glass homewares
