Easily make a beautiful DIY chandelier for your garden! This article will guide you through creating your own eco-friendly hanging solar lights to enjoy in your backyard outdoor living space.

If you're looking to add a touch of ambiance and whimsy to your garden, then I have the perfect project for you. Inspired by my mason jar solar lights, I decided to take it a step further and create hanging solar lights in the form of a chandelier for my play garden. And let me tell you, I am thrilled with the results!

Creating a beautiful garden atmosphere doesn't have to come at the cost of higher electricity bills or unsightly cords running through your yard. All you need is the sun's energy to make your outdoor living space inviting and enchanting.

Read more: How do you connect two LED strips together?

How Do Hanging Solar Lights Hold Up?

I originally made my hanging solar lights back in 2015 when I built my son's play garden. Over the years, the garden has seen many changes, but the chandelier remains intact. Even without changing the solar light, it continues to glow for about an hour every night after sunset.

One question I frequently receive is how the solar light charges in the shade. While it's true that solar lights are most effective when charged in direct sunlight, they can still charge with ambient light. The amount of light it receives during charging will affect its brightness and duration. Additionally, older lights may not perform as well as newer ones. However, in my experience, the solar light has been reliable, and I can easily replace it when needed.

In terms of durability, the chandelier has withstood all weather conditions over the past five years, from winter storms to rain and sun. It's been completely maintenance-free.

Read more: Tips and Ideas for Using Crown Molding to Decorate Your Home

Creating Your Outdoor Solar Chandelier

Making your own hanging solar lights DIY chandelier is a quick and easy project that won't take much time or effort. Once completed, it will become a beloved decorative piece in your garden.

Hang it from a tree above a rustic table-and-chair set or any other spot where it can catch the light. Be prepared to be amazed by the magical glow it emits, earning it the nickname "solar fairy lights" that might even attract fairies to your garden.

Read more: How to Tell Short and Sweet Bedtime Stories with LED Lights Under the Bed

Materials Needed for Your Outdoor Solar Chandelier

• Wire hanging basket frame: An inexpensive one will suffice.
• Basket-hanging chains: You can repurpose an old wire basket plant hanger if it already has chains.
• Outdoor stake solar light: Look for one that can charge in the shade if that's where you want to hang your solar lights.
• Beads, shells, or chandelier crystals: Choose the ones that you enjoy looking at the most.

Make Your Hanging Solar Lights DIY Chandelier in 4 Steps

Follow these four easy steps to create your very own solar chandelier in just minutes:

1. Prepare Your Wire Hanging Basket

Start with a hanging basket that has a round circle of wire at the bottom. This wire will hold the solar light. Find a solar light that fits into the hole without the need for additional adjustments or glue. A basic solar stake light with the stake removed works well.

2. Attach the Chains for Hanging

Remove the chains that hold the basket from the top, and turn the basket so that it is convex. Reattach the chains to the top wires around the hole.

3. Install the Solar Light

Simply place the solar light into the hole. Your chandelier is now ready for decoration.

4. Personalize Your DIY Chandelier

I chose to use crystals to add sparkle and reflect the solar lights at night. You can also use beads or seashells for a different look. Feel free to spray paint the chandelier (except the light) to add a pop of color to your garden. Let your creativity run wild and involve your kids in the decorating process. Make it uniquely yours and enjoy the view in your garden space!

The Difference a Little Ambiance Can Make

My hanging solar lights have transformed my play garden, adding a sense of wonder and magic to the entire space. Did you know that there are solar lights designed to charge both in the sun and in the shade? If you want to place solar lights in a shady area of your garden, make sure they are suitable for charging in such conditions. They may not shine as brightly or last as long as solar lights charged in direct sunlight, but they will work.

Final Thoughts on the Hanging Solar Lights Project

The chandelier has become a delightful addition to my play garden, complementing its existing features without looking overly child-oriented. I hung it from a tree above my rustic stump table, which holds an old tea kettle as a planter. The reflective crystals of the chandelier harmonize with the shiny metal of the tea kettle, creating a visually appealing contrast against the natural elements surrounding it.

At night, the chandelier comes alive, with the crystals sparkling and glittering in the moonlight. It truly adds a touch of enchantment to my garden.

I hope you find this hanging solar lights project as delightful as I do. For more solar light ideas, check out my Beach Glass Solar Lights and Mason Jar Solar Lights. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to receive new projects every week.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do hanging solar lights charge in the shade?

Hanging solar lights can still charge with ambient light, although they perform best when charged in direct sunlight. Charging them in the shade may result in reduced brightness and duration.

2. How long do the solar lights last?

The duration of the solar lights' glow depends on several factors, including the quality of the light and the amount of charge it receives. Newer lights tend to perform better than older ones.

3. How durable are the hanging solar lights?

The hanging solar lights are designed to withstand outdoor conditions. They are typically weather-resistant, making them suitable for long-term use in various weather conditions.

4. Can I personalize the chandelier?

Absolutely! You can decorate the chandelier with beads, shells, or chandelier crystals of your choice. Feel free to get creative and involve your kids in the decoration process.

5. Can I use the chandelier in a shaded area of my garden?

Yes, you can hang the chandelier in a shady area of your garden, as long as you choose a solar light that is capable of charging in the shade. Keep in mind that the light may not shine as brightly or last as long compared to a light charged in direct sunlight.