Solar Lantern Path Light Set of 2

There is a difference between a path that is lit and a path that looks finished. A row of cold white solar lights can make a front walk feel like a parking lot, bright but flat. The Solar Lantern Path Light Set of 2 takes a warmer approach. Each is a small coach style lantern on a ground stake, with a warm filament style light inside a clear shade, so the path glows the way a lantern lit entrance should.

That warm, lantern like glow is what makes them such a good landscape light. They light the way, and they look like proper lanterns in daylight too.

What makes the lantern path lights stand out

The light itself comes first. A warm white filament style source inside a transparent shade gives the soft glow of a real lantern rather than the flat blue cast of a basic solar light. The light has depth to it, and the clear shade lets the filament style source show, which looks lovely after dark.

The coach lantern shape is the second strength. The lanterns look like something worth having even in daylight, with a lamp head 2.7 inches wide on a two section ABS ground stake. They suit traditional homes, cottages and farmhouse gardens especially well.

The height is the third. At 20.9 inches tall with the stake fitted, the lanterns are tall enough to throw light past the path edging without towering over low planting. The polycrystalline silicon solar panel sits in the top, and the lanterns are rated IP65 for outdoor weather.

Where they look best, around the home

• Front paths. A pair at the start of the path welcomes guests.
• Garden gates. One either side of a gate frames the entrance.
• Porch steps. A lantern at the foot of the steps lights the way up.
• Cottage borders. Lanterns among the flowers suit a traditional garden.
• Driveway ends. A pair marks where the drive meets the path.

The warm light suits brick, stone, timber and planting, and it blends with a porch lantern or a traditional wall light by the door.

Choosing the placement

Two lanterns come in each set, each with its own ground stake.

• Push the stakes into soft ground along the line you want marked.
• Site them where the panels get several hours of direct daylight.
• Use a pair to frame a gate, a step or the start of a path.
• Order more sets for a longer path, keeping the spacing even.

There is no wiring and no switch: the panel charges through the day and the light comes on by itself at dusk, so a front path gets lit with no outdoor socket anywhere near it.

For a longer path, space several pairs evenly along one side, or stagger them from side to side for a more relaxed, cottage garden feel.

Layering it with other lighting

Lantern path lights are the welcome layer of outdoor lighting. They mark the route to the door with a warm glow, while wall lights brighten the entrance and spotlights pick out trees. Together, they give the front of a home a finished, cared for look.

For more ways to light a walkway, the path lights collection has other solar stake lights, and the outdoor lanterns collection has larger lanterns for porches and patios.

Matching the lanterns to the rest of the entrance pulls the look together. A coach style wall lantern by the door and a pair of these at the start of the path read as one design, welcoming guests from the street to the step.

Warm light is kinder to plants and materials than cold white. Brick looks richer, stone looks softer and green planting looks more natural, which is why a warm lit path feels more inviting.

For care, wipe the lanterns with a soft, dry cloth, keep the solar panel on top clear of leaves so the battery charges fully, and wipe the panel clean when it dulls, because a dirty panel charges poorly. Lift the stakes before frost heaves the ground in winter.

Slight color variation in the molded housing is normal from one lantern to the next.

Spacing a longer run of lanterns takes a little planning. Lay them out along the path in daylight, step back to the front door and the street to check the rhythm, and adjust until the gaps look even. A pair every few steps usually looks generous without crowding the edge, and it leaves room for planting between them.

The lanterns also look good away from the path. A pair either side of a garden bench, at the corners of a small patio or beside a bird bath gives those spots a gentle evening glow that invites you to sit outside a little longer.

Because they need no wiring, you can change the layout whenever you like. Try them at the start of the path one week and by the gate the next, until the entrance looks just right.

Are the lantern path lights right for your home?

They are a strong fit if you:

• Want a warm, lantern like glow on a front path.
• Like a coach lantern look that suits traditional homes.
• Want no wiring and no outdoor socket.
• Have a path that gets several hours of direct daylight.

They are not the right choice for bright security lighting, or for a heavily shaded path where the panels cannot charge.

Shipping is free across the US, and most orders arrive in 6 to 9 business days. Buy 2 or more items and save 10%. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days, and questions are answered at info@norafurnish.com.