Lighting is a vital part of garden design nowadays, and the plummeting price of solar-powered LEDs means every yard can get its glow on. But it seems that lots of us are turning back to a simpler, more personal way of lighting our gardens, with candles. As well as natural wax candles, realistic rechargeable faux candles suitable for outdoor use are surging in popularity, and IKEA’s stylish new lanterns are the perfect way to bring the lively warmth of candlelight to your garden.

Candlelight is inviting, and has mesmerizing motion that a string of solar lighting could never match. Place a garden lantern with a candle on a patio coffee table and it will naturally draw guest to gather on the seats around it. Use candles on an outdoor dining table when you’re entertaining and the occasion will instantly feel more intimate. And whether you’re enjoying a warm summer evening outside with your partner or restoring your sanity with a moment of alone-time, a candle flame will encourage you to linger longer.

So if you plan to do anything in your garden this summer, do it by candlelight. As far as garden lighting ideas go, it really couldn't be simpler – yet it's beautifully effective. Whether you choose real wax for elegance or remote-control for ease is beside the point: as long as the flame flickers, you’ll add magical ambience to all your garden goings-on.

The Lanterns

IKEA’s new limited edition TOFSAND lanterns are made from durable powder-coated steel with glass shades. A larger white lantern measures 17¼ inches by 7¾ inches and is designed to hold a pillar candle up to 5⅞ inches high and 2¾ inches wide. The smaller lantern is available in yellow or pink, and measures 8¼ inches by 4¾ inches; it’s designed to hold a standard-sized tealight.

The Candles

IKEA has a useful range of candles that fit these lanterns perfectly.

For The Larger Lantern

For the Smaller Lanterns