It can be difficult to find the perfect outdoor lighting to suit a rustic cottage, while also complementing the outdoor space around it.
While there are many ways to illuminate a cottage, not all of them will be right for your home and the unique aesthetic you’re looking for.
That’s why the outdoor lighting experts at The Solar Centre have drafted up eight effective ways to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the outdoor spaces around your cottage.
Cottage Lighting Design Ideas
Whether you’re looking to add a gentle glow to the front of your home or install functional lighting to illuminate a safe path home at night, we’re here to inspire.
Below are eight outdoor lighting ideas for your cottage:
Black Solar Lanterns
Hang solar-powered lanterns along a pathway or around the cottage to create a charming and cosy ambience, leading you and your guests gently to your door.
The TrueFlame USB Solar Crook Lantern is the perfect addition to your cottage front – a beautiful outdoor light with a flickering flame effect. It’s solar-powered, offers up to 10 hours of illumination and comes with a 12-month warranty.
Illuminate your garden with elegance while adding a rustic and retro look.
Fairy Lights
Decorate outdoor trees, pergolas, fences or the cottage itself with solar-powered fairy lights to create an almost magical glow that looks inviting year-round.
For this design idea, install our Lumify USB Solar Fairy Lights. These warm white lights feature 100 LEDs, USB charging and a full-year warranty. Perfect for adding a decorative touch to any outdoor area.
Looking to hang fairy lights without nails to avoid damaging your home or lights? Check out our helpful guide!
Solar Spotlights
Illuminate specific features of your cottage, such as architectural elements or garden sculptures, with solar spotlights for a grand and even dramatic effect.
Bring your garden to life with the Sunlit Solar Spotlight. Featuring dual-colour lighting and four powerful LEDs, it adds style and practicality to your garden. Enjoy zero running costs and easy installation.
Solar Fence Boundary Lanterns
Attach solar lanterns to your cottage’s fence posts, adding a touch of vintage elegance to your outdoor space while providing a clear perimeter for your garden’s boundaries.
Illuminate and enhance the fenced perimeter of your cottage garden with the Sandringham Solar Crook & Wall Lantern. The light’s elegant design, versatile mounting options and dusk-to-dawn sensor provide a charming and maintenance-free lighting solution.
Solar Path Lights
Light the way to your cottage with solar path lighting – adding a stunning safety feature and guiding visitors easily in and out of your home during the evening hours.
This lighting design is best achieved through outdoor floor lighting – including path or driveway lighting – that blends seamlessly underfoot.
Illuminate your path or driveway with the Paverlight Solar Brick Lights. These waterproof, solar-powered lights feature a sleek design and provide up to 12 hours of ambient illumination.
Solar Wall Lighting
Install solar wall sconces near the entrance to your cottage or on exterior walls to enhance its charm and provide functional lighting.
This also has the added benefit of keeping the entrances and exits of your cottage well-lit to protect against accidents or intruders.
Experience elevated outdoor ambience with the Grantham Up & Down Solar Wall Light. This anthracite grey fixture offers cable-free, automatic operation, providing a gentle warm white glow at night and lasting durability in UK winters.
Solar Deck/Step Lights
Install solar lights on cottage steps or around any decking areas to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.
Add a subtle glow to your decking or outdoor steps with the Set of 4 Solar Square Decking Lights. These elegant stainless steel lights offer year-round reliability, easy installation and up to 12 hours of beautiful illumination.
Looking for more helpful advice on outdoor step lighting, and how to position lights perfectly around your home? Check out our guide!
Solar Mason Jar Lights
Looking for a unique and eye-catching DIY lighting option?
Repurpose mason jars by adding solar-powered lights and hang them from tree branches or hooks for a charming lighting option that is ideal for warm summer nights.
Our Madison Solar Copper Wire Lights are perfect for this design – with 200 LEDs that can be easily placed in mason jars, creating a mesmerizing display that illuminates your outdoor space.
Bonus Cottage Lighting Ideas
Below are some additional products that make great options for outdoor cottage lighting:
- The Truro Solar Wall Light: Contemporary design, easy installation and wireless operation. Enjoy warm and subtle lighting without cables or a mains connection.
- Firefly Solar Garden Light: Light up your garden with the Firefly Solar Garden Light. Swaying LED bulbs create a magical and energy-efficient ambience.
- Elan Solar Festoon Lights: Transform your outdoor space with the Elan Solar Festoon Lights. Set of 20 stylish and eco-friendly solar-powered LED lights.
- Elan Starburst Fairy Lights: Enhance your cottage garden with the Elan Solar Starburst Fairy Lights. Set of 10 stunning and versatile solar-powered lights.
More From The Solar Centre
Looking for more outdoor lighting tips from our experts? Check out these similar guides:
- Outdoor Stair Lighting Ideas
- Driveway Lighting Ideas
- Pergola & Gazebo Lighting Ideas
- Fairy Lights Decoration Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How Do Your Light Up a Dark Area Outside?
A: To light up a dark area outside, consider installing outdoor lighting fixtures such as floodlights, spotlights, or pathway lights. Solar-powered options are convenient and energy-efficient. Additionally, string lights or lanterns can create a cosy ambience. Evaluate the area’s size, desired brightness and power source options when choosing lighting solutions.
Q: How High Should Exterior Lights Be?
A: Exterior lights should be mounted at a height that provides optimal illumination while considering functionality and aesthetics. Generally, a mounting height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) above the ground is recommended for most outdoor areas. However, specific factors like the purpose of lighting, area size and coverage should also be considered for precise placement.