The 10 Best Outdoor Lanterns

Light up, everybody! While this may infer the ceremonial waving of lighters — or, now glowing cellphones — at a concert, in this case it's a suggestion to illuminate your home and grounds. As 2020 draws to an end, many of us are staying close to home. Outdoor lanterns work to give a home that warm, inviting feeling that comes with well chosen exterior lighting. As the season usually signals the use of decorative holiday lights, opt for chic quality outdoor lanterns that last all year long. Who says that a comforting yet excited feeling of arriving to a house nicely lit from the outside should be relegated to December only?

While lighting the front of a home may elegantly welcome you and guests, an outside visit can be further illuminated with the addition of well-placed outdoor lanterns set 360 degrees around one’s home. A backyard designed for entertaining and relaxing is the perfect place to light your property. For those with pools, the use of lights is also a safety measure to keep someone from falling in, whether the lights are built into the pool or placed along the perimeter. Bill & Coo Suites in Mykonos, Greece, pictured above, has a magical infinity pool where lanterns line the edge and complement the mini “cosmos” lights lit within the pool.

Solar lanterns are one of the best ways to enjoy outdoor lighting. The innovative lights are popular because they're energy-efficient, harnessing the sun rays that convert to energy on a solar panel which then powers batteries to light the lamp. They are superior to kerosene lamps, which create air pollution especially when used indoors. Solar lanterns are generally higher in initial cost but pay for themselves over time with saved energy costs.