Add Warmth To Your Outdoor Spaces With This Simple Dollar Tree Solar Light DIY

Tiny table lamps are very hot right now, ranging from classic modern mushroom lamps to more traditional miniature brass lamps with pleated or fluted shades. With more people adding smaller, cozier sources of lighting throughout their homes to avoid using the big light, social media has seen a major spike in people adding little table lamps to kitchen counters, bookshelves, bathroom vanities, desks, consoles, and countless other surfaces. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that these adorable mini lamps have found their way outdoors as well.

Entertaining with an outdoor table full of ambient lighting is so welcoming and intimate, but plugs are not always nearby (and cords on your dining table are not a good look anyway) and open flames are not always wise. So one smart Instagrammer, @anntoniedecor, shared how she repurposed unused vases into mini solar lamps to grace her outdoor table. By using only ceramic vases, Dollar Tree solar light stakes, tiny lamp shades, and a few rocks, she created a cord-free set of gorgeous solar-powered table lamps perfectly on trend with the mini lamps all over the internet. Give this simple DIY a try to perfectly illuminate your next cozy outdoor dinner party.

To create Instagram's small solar lamp, head to your local Dollar Tree to snag a few solar light stakes for only $1.25 each. Next, raid your stash of small ceramic vases (or head to the thrift store) to repurpose them as the bases for your outdoor lamps. Place the light stakes into the vases, filling wide-mouth vases with rocks to keep the light stakes upright and centered in place. Finally, add a mini lamp shade, which can be repurposed from an old lamp, thrifted, or purchased at a big box or online retailer. The solar window will be able to charge through the top of the lamp shade.

The key is to look for shades that will work with the solar light stake, similar to the options shown on Instagram. The shades must have either an upper diameter equal to the top ring of the solar stake so they can just slide snugly on, or have what's called an Edison bulb clip, two metal rings that typically slide over a bulb to secure it but will, in this case, hug the top ring of the stake. It is also important to note that if you have chosen a vase or shade material that is not weather-proof, your new lamps might be best suited for a covered space (but still well-lit for charging reasons) or brought out special for entertaining — just give yourself a day or two in advance to charge.