If your terrace goes dark at 9 PM, it's not the sun. It's the wrong light. Three technologies (solar, rechargeable LED, wired 220V), three philosophies, and three price points: the right choice depends less on aesthetics and more on how many hours you actually need light and whether you have existing electrical infrastructure. This collection features over 58 products selected to extend your outdoor evenings — not to fill a catalogue.

What's in this collection

Recessed floor and wall spotlights, wall sconces, path lanterns, façade and tree projectors, table lamps, rechargeable lanterns, string lights and LED garlands. Technologies: solar, USB battery, wired 220V.

Wired 220V lighting

The serious investment

Dedicated electrical line with a permanent light point. Constant power supply, unlimited output. Total reliability: it turns on every time, even after 10 years. Supports any lamp type — powerful spotlights, projectors, architectural façade lighting.

Real costs

€200–800 for the first light point (trenching, cable laying, junction box). Each additional point €50–200 on the same line. Requires a certified electrician and a building permit.

When it makes sense

Owner-occupied home, structured garden, target lifespan 15–20 years, architectural lighting, perimeter security with sensors.

Solar lighting

Promise vs. reality

A mini photovoltaic panel (2–5W) charges a lithium battery during the day. The battery powers the LEDs for 4–8 hours after sunset. No cables, no electricity bill. Installation in 5 minutes.

The limitations nobody tells you

Lithium batteries last 18–30 months before losing 50% of their capacity. Replacement cost: €8–15 every 2 years. In winter (December–January in northern Italy) daylight hours aren't enough: lights off by 11 PM. Below -10°C batteries stop working.

When to choose solar

Rentals (no structural work), holiday homes, gardens without an external power line, low-maintenance decorative path lighting.

Rechargeable LED battery lights

Maximum flexibility

Standalone lamps with USB batteries. Keep them out for 1–2 weeks, then bring them inside to recharge. Move them wherever you want. They work in winter (no sun dependency). Top aesthetics: 90% of "designer lanterns" fall into this category.

Limitations

You need to remember to charge them. If you're away for 3 weeks, you'll come back to dead batteries. Battery rated for 500–800 charge cycles: ~3 years with daily use.

When to choose them

Outdoor dining tables, lounge sofas, occasional ambiance. Never for structural path lighting.

The three-layer rule

Layer 1: ambient (atmosphere)

Diffused light that fills the space. Example: recessed ground spotlights uplighting a tree. Wired solution.

Layer 2: task (function)

Light where you need to do something. Example: wall sconce above the barbecue, lamp above the dining table. Wired or rechargeable.

Layer 3: accent (decorative)

Light that creates mood. Example: LED candle lanterns, string lights on a pergola. Solar or rechargeable.

The golden rule

Never just one layer. Ambient only = car park. Accent only = photo shoot. Task only = construction site. You need all three, balanced.

Quick lumen calculator

Path / walkway

100–200 lumens every 2–3 metres.

Dining area (above the table)

300–500 lumens total, warm light 2700K, avoid harsh shadows on faces.

Perimeter security

500–800 lumens per point, with PIR sensor. Activates only when needed.

Tree lighting

One 600–800 lumen spotlight per 4 metres of height. Position at the base, angled at 45°.

Frequently asked questions

Do solar lights work in winter?

Yes, but with 50–70% reduced runtime. In December–January in northern Italy they may not switch on at all if there has been no full sun. For reliable winter lighting: wired or rechargeable.

How much does a 10W LED spotlight consume?

At 5 hours per day: 0.05 kWh/day → 18 kWh/year → €5–6 per year. Ten spotlights: €50–60/year. Negligible.

How many lumens do I need to dine outdoors?

300–500 lumens total across 4–6 light points around the table. Never a single strong overhead source (eye strain). Colour temperature 2700K warm — never 4000K cool (it ruins the food presentation).

Does outdoor lighting attract mosquitoes?

Yes, it depends on wavelength. Warm 2700–3000K LEDs attract 70% fewer mosquitoes than fluorescent or cool LEDs. For living areas: amber 2200K LEDs.

Can I convert a solar lamp to wired?

Technically yes, but not recommended. The internal driver is sized for a few watts and low voltages. Conversion cost > price of a new wired lamp.

Browse the full collection below, or read our comparison guide: solar vs. battery LED vs. wired 220V.