This DIY solar light chandelier is an easy project that took me all of fifteen minutes to put together, and it has become one of my most-loved decorative objects in the garden. It adds a whimsical touch hanging from the tree above the rustic table and chair set that is part of my backyard play garden.
Make this project in no time with a few common materials and then let your imagination run wild in decorating it. Hang it up somewhere where it will catch the light and enjoy watching it shine. It’s so gorgeous, it just might attract some fairies to your garden!
Materials
- Wire hanging basket frame
- Basket-hanging chains
- Outdoor stake solar light
- Beads, shells, or chandelier crystals
Make it!
Start with a hanging basket that has a round circle of wire in the bottom. This will be used to hold the solar light. Look for a solar light that will sit in the hole without needing to be glued or adjusted in any way. I used a basic solar stake light and removed the stake.
Move the wires that hold the basket from the top of the basket. Turn the basket so that it is convex and reattach the wires to the top wires around the hole.
Set in the solar light and you are ready to decorate!
I chose to use crystals so they would sparkle and reflect the light at night. You could add beads or even seashells instead (I can just imagine a gorgeous beach-themed chandelier with shells and sea glass dangling from it!). You could also spray paint the whole thing (except the light) with a pop of color. However you decide to decorate, it is completely up to you.
My solar light looks wonderful hanging in the play garden. I was pleasantly surprised at what a big difference it made to the overall feel of the space.
The play garden was already decked out with hopscotch stepping stones and other kid-friendly features, but this chandelier added yet another element of playfulness without being overtly designed for children.
I chose to hang my chandelier from a tree above my rustic stump table, where I keep an old tea kettle as a planter.
The reflective crystals on the chandelier balance well with the shiny metal of the tea kettle planter, and I love the look of the chandelier hanging from a tree, as it both contrasts with and compliments the natural elements around it.
It also lights up the night beautifully. There’s nothing like watching the crystals twinkle in the moonlight.
Now, take a look at what else is in my play garden and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get new projects every week!
For more solar light fun, check out these Beach Glass Solar Lights and Mason Jar Solar Lights.
Alana says
May 17, 2018 at 6:33 pmThis is brilliant! So pretty. I was originally going to use two baskets and add mini lights all round to create a globe light, but now… I’m gonna try your wonderful idea first. Thanks so much for sharing. 💚
Nettie says
March 18, 2019 at 9:15 amHow does the solar light get enough sun to charge under the shade of a tree?
Stephanie Rose says
March 18, 2019 at 9:38 amHi Nettie, great question! Mine is under a dense foliage magnolia (AND in a cloudy rainforest city!) and it shines all year round. Solar panels charge best when in direct sun, but they also will pick up the dappled light and ambient light to charge them. In full sun the lights will shine brighter and for longer at night, so if that is what you are looking for, then set the chandelier in the sun during the day and hang it up at night. But I leave mine in place and it gives a gentle glow each evening. I don’t notice how long it goes for because I’m usually fast asleep by the time it goes out. In the winter, my tree has no leaves so it lights up the early dark evenings for longer, and in the summer, when the leaves are in, it’s usually glowing when I hit the hay. I hope this helps!
Netrie says
March 21, 2019 at 6:36 amThanks Stephine, this project is DEFINATELY a go with me then!
Debi says
June 1, 2019 at 5:12 amIf, you have only a few in darker places, you could put them in direct sun for a few hours, and then put them back where they were. Seems like an easy fix 😁
Sherri Pauszek says
May 18, 2019 at 4:57 pmTHis is a great Idea, love it. How do you attach the crystals though
Stephanie Rose says
May 20, 2019 at 10:08 amThe crystals are attached with the wire that they came with. They just hooked on to the wire basket.
Freya says
June 3, 2019 at 2:35 amSuch a great blog post, really insightful and helpful!
We recently had our garden room built and are now looking to add some lights and colour around the outside, so this would be perfect!
Mike says
June 23, 2019 at 6:53 amLooks great! Will be giving this a go. Thanks