Garden Lanterns

Which garden lantern do I need? Choose the right type and design

Garden lanterns come in various styles and sizes, each with its own placement and function.

• Standing garden lanterns (lamp posts): The classic tall version that provides broad, general light distribution. Ideal for longer paths, driveways, or open garden areas. They serve as a prominent atmospheric and orientation point.
• Pedestal lanterns/bollard lights: A shorter, more compact version of the standing lantern. Perfect for illuminating borders, low walls, patios, or as markers along walkways where a tall lantern would be too dominant.
• Wall lanterns: These are mounted on the facade of your house, shed, or garden house and directly illuminate the area around the wall. They contribute to the building's architecture and provide light at doors and windows.
• Decorative lanterns (e.g., solar-powered): Smaller lanterns that can be placed on a table or hung, often with a candle or flame effect. Purely for atmosphere and usually not intended for functional lighting.

Why LED is the best choice for garden lanterns

The switch to LED lighting has revolutionised the garden lantern. Whereas traditional bulbs consumed a lot of energy and needed frequent replacement, LED solutions offer superior performance.

LED garden lanterns are extremely energy-efficient, which significantly reduces operational costs, especially since garden lanterns often stay on for many consecutive hours. They have an exceptionally long lifespan (up to 50,000 burning hours), meaning you rarely need to replace them, even with daily use. This minimises maintenance, which is particularly useful for taller lanterns. LED provides instant full light with no warm-up time and is often compatible with smart dimming systems, allowing you to effortlessly adjust the atmosphere and intensity. Moreover, LEDs are more robust and less sensitive to vibrations than incandescent or gas-discharge lamps, making them ideal for outdoor use.

The practical cheat sheet: light output and light colour for garden lanterns

With garden lanterns, it's not just about the design, but also about the right light output (lumens) and light colour (Kelvin) for the desired atmosphere and functionality.

For most garden lanterns, a warm white light colour (2700K-3000K) is popular because it creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Dimmable bulbs offer the most flexibility.

The practical installation guide: connecting and placing garden lanterns

The installation of garden lanterns requires care, especially regarding the electrical connection.

1. Turn off the power: Always switch off the power at the fuse box before working on electrical installations. Check this with a voltage tester.
2. Location and foundation: Determine the exact location of the lantern. For standing lanterns and pedestal lanterns, a stable, solid foundation is essential, often a concrete foundation block. This prevents it from tipping over and ensures stability.
3. Cable and wiring: Dig a trench (at least 60 cm deep) for the underground cable (e.g. YMVK-AS type). Place a warning tape in the trench at a depth of about 30 cm above the cable. Ensure the cable emerges at the correct location.
4. Mounting the lantern: Mount the lantern securely to the foundation or wall, following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure it is level.
5. Connecting: Connect the wires (live, neutral, earth) to the lantern's terminal block. Ensure all connections are waterproofed, for example, with a cast resin joint or a waterproof junction box, especially if the connection point is underground.
6. Testing: Turn the power back on and test the garden lantern. Check that everything is functioning correctly.

For complex installations or if in doubt, always hire a certified electrician. Safety comes first.

Comparison: Garden Lanterns vs. Modern Designer Lighting

Although garden lanterns evoke a classic image, they compete with sleek, minimalist designer lighting.

Garden lanterns remain the choice for those who desire a warm, historic, or romantic atmosphere, while modern designs suit contemporary, sleek garden architecture.

Technical Deep Dive: The Expert Check for Garden Lanterns

The durability and functionality of a garden lantern are determined by several key technical specifications.

IP Rating: Protection Against Weather and Wind

Garden lanterns are constantly exposed to the elements, so an adequate IP rating is crucial.

• Minimum IP44: This is the standard for splash-proof. Suitable for garden lanterns directly exposed to rain.
• Recommended IP54 or IP65: For maximum durability and protection against dust and water jets, especially in damp environments or where the light is cleaned intensively, IP54 or IP65 is recommended. This significantly extends its lifespan.

Pro-level tip: Also check the gaskets and seals of the fixture. A good seal is crucial to prevent moisture inside the housing, especially for lanterns with an open design (like panes of glass).

Light Source and Fitting: Freedom of Choice and Efficiency

Most garden lanterns are designed for standard bulbs, which offers flexibility.

• E27 fitting: This is by far the most common fitting for garden lanterns. This means you can use a wide range of E27 LED bulbs, from filament bulbs with a classic look to smart RGBW bulbs. This solves the problem of limited lighting options.
• Integrated LED: Some modern garden lanterns have a fixed, non-replaceable LED light source. These are often very compact and energy-efficient but offer less flexibility in bulb choice when replacement is needed.

Material: Durability and Style

The choice of material is essential for the lifespan and appearance of the garden lantern.

• Aluminium: Lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, especially with a high-quality powder coating. Widely used for modern and classic designs.
• Stainless steel (SS): Durable and provides a modern, sleek look. SS 304 is standard; SS 316 is better for salty coastal areas. Sometimes requires maintenance to prevent superficial rust.
• Copper/Bronze: For a very classic, 'vintage' look. These materials develop a beautiful patina over time but are more expensive.
• Glass (polycarbonate/real glass): The transparent part is often made of real glass (more expensive, clearer) or polycarbonate (more impact-resistant, less prone to breaking).

Visual Support: Installation Types and Material Details

The different installation methods and materials used contribute to the functionality and aesthetics of garden lanterns.

Types of Garden Lanterns (Installation)

From standing on a foundation to mounted on a wall.

Example of an E27 LED Filament Bulb

Often used in classic garden lanterns to replicate the authentic 'filament' effect.

Internal Links

• View our complete range of garden lanterns.
• Also discover our pedestal lights for low-level lighting.
• Find the perfect LED bulbs for your lantern: E27 LED bulbs.
• More about IP ratings for outdoor lighting.