The house we rented during our last summer vacation had an outdoor solar lamp installed next to the entry door. The black bulky lamp was far from attractive, but it gave efficient light in the evenings.
But the lamp left me wondering what better-looking solar lights are available (surely there are some)?
Designed to hang from tree branches, the Cornet by Sven Ono is inspired by the shape and size of Nordic Christmas ornaments.
Lanterns
The OSun Nomad LED Solar Portable Light was initially designed to provide light for families around the world who don’t have access to electricity.
An outdoor table lantern that flickers like a candle, Sven Ono’s Turner can be flipped upside down during daylight hours to recharge (as shown); available in five colors, it is €14 from Mooni.
A Solar Outdoor Floor Lamp designed by Jean Marie Massaud for Foscarini has a wooden base, which at different angles determines the quantity of light diffused, allowing multiple effects; $1,575 from YLighting.
This Collapsible Solar Powered Lantern is the creation of Gothenburg-based designer Jesper Jonsson.
The Solar Bud light, designed by Ross Lovegrove for Italian Luceplan, features an aluminum stem and UV-resistant head. An eight-hour charge provides up to 15 hours of light.
Path Lights
With a stainless steel body and built-in high quality LED bulb, a solar Path Light from German designer BTR is $67.99 (a set of six is $359.99) from GEM.
A set of eight stainless steel Mini Solar LED Landscape Lights is available to pre-order to ship in early November; a set is $38.99 from All Modern.
A set of 30 Solar String Lights with energy-saving white LED bulbs is 20.5 feet long and comes with a separate solar panel.
String Lights
Ikea’s Solarvet LED Lighting Chain is solar-powered and comes as a set of 24 lights for $12.99.