Outdoor table lamps

An outdoor table lamp simply sits on a surface and can be moved, so it needs no work on the electrical system. The first choice concerns power: battery or cable.

Battery-powered outdoor lanterns or corded lamps

A rechargeable lamp goes wherever you want, even in the middle of a table far from sockets, and you bring it back inside at the end of the evening. Corded ones have no charging issue and can give more light, but must be near a socket suitable for outdoor use: if there is none, ask an electrician. In our catalogue you will find both: Circ by Estiluz, a sphere of light on a metal ring, also comes in a rechargeable version. Not all versions are: check the product page.

Rechargeable outdoor lanterns: how long they last

At full power, rechargeable lamps usually last from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the model, and longer with the light dimmed. Charging usually takes from 6 to 10 hours. Many charge with a USB cable, but the charger is not always included: check the product page.

Charge the lamp under cover. The charger and charging base are usually not protected from water like the lamp: on some models they are IP20, meaning suitable only for dry environments.

Outdoor table lamps: how well they resist rain

The portable lamps we have checked range from IP54 to IP65. IP54 protects against dust and splashes, IP65 against jets of water too. Neither is made to be immersed. On tables with frequent rain, or if you often forget the lamp outside, IP65 is better. If the product page does not state the rating, bring it inside when it rains. More details in the guide to outdoor lamps.

Outdoor table lanterns: what light to expect

A rechargeable lamp gives atmospheric light: almost always a few hundred lumens, useful for sitting at the table but not very suitable for reading. Many have a dimmer. Colour temperatures are warm, usually 2700 or 3000 K.

If you want a more striking lamp, see Cell by Karman, the metal wire lantern designed by Matteo Ugolini, or Twiggy by Foscarini, with its flexible fibreglass stem. Cordea by Masiero is the industrial lamp rethought, by Favaretto & Partners.

To choose by brand, start from the outdoor lamps of Flos, Karman, Estiluz or Foscarini.