Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreYou can fill your garden with flowers, shrubs and a perfectly manicured lawn, but sometimes the final finishing touches need to be something light, colourful and sparkly.Whether you hang them on greenery or a wooden fence – outdoor lights can make all the difference.When illuminating outdoor areas, it's wise to avoid overbearing fixtures or lanterns with harsh or cold lighting.Be careful with colour-changing bulbs, as gimmicky hues can come across as a tacky boudoir rather than a sophisticated garden space. Make sure to give any string lights and lanterns a clean as they quickly accumulate dust and cobwebs, which can make your outdoor area look unkempt and derelict. It's also wise to steer clear of fleeting trends and opt for timeless classics. By choosing understated, ambient string lights and lanterns, your garden won't look outdated in a matter of months. With a good set of lights, you can completely transform a drab, run-down wall.They can also bring an otherwise characterless and, often small, city-centre balcony to life.The Daily Mail has tested a range of different lights – from lanterns boasting intricate designs to solar-powered bubbles. Read on to discover our best picks.Best outdoor lights at a glance Best solar-powered: Warm White Bubble Solar Fairy LightsBest festoon: Daisy Micro Battery Festoon LightsBest string: Firework String LightsBest pathway lights: Argos Home Stainless Steel Solar LightsBest lanterns: White LanternsBest battery powered: 50 LED Pastel Berry LightsSee how the Daily Mail transforms this dull outdoor space into a beautiful, well-lit areaHow we testI tested most of these lights either on a roof terrace or in a garden, depending on the style and space needed to fully appreciate their functions. From walls, fences, and tables to paved areas, I tried the lights on a variety of different surfaces. As well as looking at the length of the string, the size of the bulbs and the overall glow and strength, I also took into consideration the durability and quality of each light piece, so that my reviews are in-depth.You can read more about our testing methodologies across all product categories.The best outdoor lights for 20261. Best solar-powered lights: Warm White Bubble Solar Fairy Lights The Warm White Bubble Solar Fairy Lights have a powerful glowWarm White Bubble Solar Fairy Lights★★★★★Product SpecsCapacity40 bulbsSize690cm in lengthWhat we loveSizeThe sting is long and there are plenty of bulbs to arrangeReviewThe first feature that surprised me about the bubble solar fairy lights was how many bulbs there are.The string felt almost endless as I was pulling it out and arranging it along the wall.Despite probably being the least complex in design out of all the lights tested, the lights still managed to impress. Each bulb contains playful bubbles and are decent in size, helping them stand out against any garden backdrop.The gold glow is bright and powerful, creating a nice effect with the bubbles.2. Best festoon: Daisy Micro Battery Festoon Lights The Daisy Micro Battery Festoon Lights are a playful alternative to ordinary festoonsDaisy Micro Battery Festoon Lights★★★★★Product SpecsCapacity10 bulbsSize150cm in lengthWhat we loveSizeBoth the daisies and bulbs are decently sized and stand outQualityThe string feels thick and strong, and the plastic bulbs don't feel too delicateWhat could be betterLengthSome may require a longer string of lights depending on the outdoor area they wish to decorateReviewDelicate and charming, these festoons bring something different to the table compared to the basic, empty bulbs often seen.The fabric daisies are paired with a small string of lights that glow and highlight the flower nicely in the dark.They are also decent in size and brightly coloured making them easy to see.As for the length of the string, it was perfect for the area I needed covering but at 150cm, some might desire a longer option depending on where they wish to place the lights in their garden.The lights do require batteries, which is something to remember before setting up and caught me off guard after getting used to ready-to-go solar powered lights. 3. Best string: Firework String Lights The Firework String Lights bring bursts of illumination to your garden with their unique designFirework String Lights★★★★★Product SpecsPower sourceSolarDimensions230cm x 7.5cm x 5cmWhat we loveDesignThe firework design is unique and eye-catchingWhat could be betterLengthWith only ten lights, they were so pretty that I was left wanting more!ReviewThese firework lights add a burst of energy to any outdoor space.The fiery design stands out from other, more typical bulb lights.Powered by the sun, the solar power element only needs six hours of light to generate eight hours of use - meaning they're no-fuss and easy to set up.However, they are so eye-catching and unique that with only 10 lights, I was left wanting just a few more on the string.4. Best pathway lights: Argos Home Stainless Steel Solar Lights The white glow of the Argos Home Stainless Steel Solar Lights illuminates paths wellArgos Home Stainless Steel Solar Lights★★★★★Product SpecsPower sourceSolarDimensionsEach light 37.5cm x 10cm x 10cmWhat we loveLow maintenanceSolar powered and weatherproof, once you set them up you can leave them for the summerAppearanceThe white glow looks classy and illuminates the area wellWhat could be betterCan be difficult to stand upThough this might depend on how soft the ground isReviewThese solar lights completely transform pathways and gardens with their white glow and modern, stainless steel exterior.They are easy to set up and come in a pack of six, which feels like a generous amount to spread out across your outdoor space.The lights are very low maintenance - there's no need to worry about changing batteries as they are solar powered and weatherproof, though it is recommended to store them indoors for the winter.When setting up, they were sometimes difficult to stand up straight and secure in the ground, but that could depend on the surface you're working with.5. Best lanterns: White Lanterns These White Lanterns add an elegant, warm glow to any outdoor space White Lanterns★★★★★Product SpecsPower sourceSolar poweredDimensions18.5cm x 26.5cm x 18.5cmWhat we loveSizeA decent size that isn't too largeDesignThe lanterns feature a pretty, delicate patternReviewValue Lights's White Lanterns would make a nice addition to almost any outdoor space.They're not too big, so wouldn't take up too much room in a smaller space and arrive fully built, so they're ready to place in your garden and go.Once it's dark enough outside, a warm glow shines through the intricate design, softly illuminating the area.They look classy, are small enough to easily store away in the winter and the solar power element means they are easy to use.6. Best battery-powered: 50 LED Pastel Berry Lights50 LED Pastel Berry LightsProduct SpecsPower sourceBatterySize4.9m longWhat we loveLengthA long string of 50 bulbsReviewThe Daily Mail hasn't had the opportunity to review the lights yet, but from a first glance, they look like a great option to add some colour to your outdoor space.At 4.9m long and 50 LED bulbs, there's plenty to go around and the colours can be used year round.Our verdict For something that will work in a variety of outdoor spaces and fit in with any colour scheme, the Warm White Bubble Fairy Lights are the best option, in my opinion.At £9.99, they don't break the bank and are an affordable way to spruce up your garden and add some sparkle. Or, if you're looking for something a bit different and more of a display piece, the White Lanterns are also a good choice.FAQs Can outdoor lights be kept outside all year round?Some outdoor lights can be left outside all year round and in any weather, but make sure they have the correct protection and weatherproofing. Others are better suited to being brought inside in the winter or wet weather, for both safety and maintenance. What are common outdoor lighting mistakes?Finding a balance between overlighting and underlighting your space is crucial, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives says. It's important not to have too many bulbs in one space, and that the brightness is at an appropriate level. Mixing too many styles and colours of lighting can soon mean your dream garden looks like a shambles. Instead, go for similar tones and themes that match your outdoor space and surrounding architecture.