Pia’s Picks: love lights for your garden

Female fireflies glow like tiny lights but can’t fly. This prevents them from heading out to look for a partner during the mating season in June. Instead, they place their love lantern in a highly visible spot, so it’s found by the males buzzing about. I do the same with my table lamps. But my reason is different. Unlike a firefly lady, I’m not trying to make myself more attractive but my outdoor area. My aim? To attract guests and make them stay.

Like the tiny flies, my cordless lamps don’t shine brightly but glow. They’re usually not strong enough to illuminate an entire balcony or garden. However, they’re perfect to draw attention to certain areas. They look great on a dining table, the floor or in a tree. I use these weatherproof table lamps to make areas stand out and to light the way for my guests – just like female fireflies setting up their love lanterns along a forest edge.

Unfortunately, portable lamps are just as short-lived as the glow of fireflies. While their flame goes out after mating, battery-powered lamps give run out of juice after a garden party. This means they need recharging before you can get another six hours of light out of them on the brightest setting. On the lowest setting, most models last up to 12 hours.

What sets the two species apart is the colour of their glow. Most cordless table lamps offer different colour temperatures in addition to a dimming function. Fireflies, on the other hand, only glow in neon green. It’s a harsh colour I try to avoid in favour of a cosy atmosphere.

No doubt, enjoying an evening al fresco is amazing when temperatures are up. But if a bout of summer rain drives everyone indoors, the battery-powered lamp has the advantage that it also looks great in your living room. This is because many designs are surprisingly similar to indoor models. Lamps equipped with handles are particularly practical. You can hang them from a tree or carry them indoors like a lantern.

Colourful outdoor lamps have one advantage over fireflies: They're also eye-catchers in daylight. Ombrellino’s orange umbrella adds warmth and its umbrella silhouette naturally creates a party mood. Elo’s classic bottle shape and pink handle is also quite something. Just what I need in the glowing season to host successful garden parties.

Table lamps

EUR110,02

Nordlux StrapTo Go

240 lm

1

Table lamps

Petite Friture Quasar

Table lamps

EUR85,80

Nordlux Align

E27

Table lamps

Sompex Ombrellino

150 lm

1

Table lamps

Sompex Elo

230 lm

Table lamps

Villeroy & Boch Seoul

250 lm

2

Table lamps

EUR110,02

Nordlux StrapTo Go

240 lm

1

Table lamps

Petite Friture Quasar

Table lamps

EUR85,80

Nordlux Align

E27

Table lamps

Sompex Ombrellino

150 lm

1

Table lamps

Sompex Elo

230 lm

Table lamps

Villeroy & Boch Seoul

250 lm

2

In the series «Pia’s Picks», I regularly share items from my watch list that may appeal to you, too. While glowing lamps were in the spotlight this time, I’ll be talking about design pieces that will give my home a Greek touch.