The best portable lamps to make your outdoor dining cozy

Creative outdoor lighting to give your porch, patio or deck a summer glow up

Portable lamps can be used to dramatically change the ambiance and vibe of outdoor dining spaces. Soft, warm lighting can create the perfect atmosphere for winding down and enjoying a family meal on the patio after a long summer day. Lamps that let you change their color can be tailored to celebrate a football victory with the home team colors, or just give your gathering a holiday-hued theme. 

Best of all, portable lamps don’t require any electrical work or modifications to your existing space. After dinner is over, you can bring them indoors or simply leave them out until the next occasion. From practical to stylish, we assembled a collection of the best portable lamps. 

In this article: O’Bright Portable LED Table Lamp, Sakringt Cordless Table Lamp Pair and Grand Patio Floor Solar Light Pair

Battery-powered vs. solar-powered portable lamps

The biggest difference you'll find from one portable lamp to the next is whether it runs on solar power or batteries. While either can deliver mood-setting illumination, one type of patio lighting may be more appropriate for your intended purposes than the other.

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• Battery-powered lamps are the most common type of portable light. Depending on the one you select, they can be powered by rechargeable or disposable batteries. This kind of cordless lamp often includes features like brightness and color settings. Lamps that use rechargeable batteries can usually also run on USB power if you leave them plugged in. While battery-powered lamps are easy to take anywhere, not all of them are resistant to water and sunshine, so choose carefully if you intend to leave them outside all season long.
• Solar-powered lamps have panels on them that absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and glow at night. The benefit of solar outdoor lighting is that you can generally leave lamps out all day and they’ll start to glow just in time for the evening's activities. However, overcast days might leave you in the dark. Most solar lamps lack on/off switches and brightness settings as well, although there are some exceptions. Because solar-powered lamps are built specifically for outdoor use, they're usually more resistant to the elements than those with batteries.

Best portable lamps

O’Bright Portable LED Table Lamp

This metal lamp’s battery can run for up to 48 hours on a charge. Three touch-selectable brightness settings and a frosted shade keep the lighting gentle and warm. Available in five finishes and reasonably priced, you can use a number of these lamps to create an outdoor wonderland without going over budget. This modern outdoor lighting comes in seven stylish finishes.

AllModern Solar-Powered LED Outdoor Lantern with Electric Candle

This outdoor solar lamp makes a great centerpiece. It's waterproof and resistant to the elements, so you can leave it outdoors no matter the weather. At 20 inches tall on a thin stem, the lamp provides enough clearance below it to still leave room on the table for decorations and won’t become an obstacle while passing dishes or toasting the end of another productive day.

Spirit Outdoor LED Rechargeable Lamp

For those who can’t resist bringing a little technology outdoors, this lamp features a battery that can run its LED light for six to 12 hours on a single charge. It includes a charging cable and features two brightness settings so you can customize the intimacy of your space. You can get this lamp with a beige or gray base.

Sakringt Cordless Table Lamp Pair

These sleek cordless lamps let you select from three color temperatures and adjust their brightness to suit your mood. Available in nine colors with a satin aluminum finish, these rechargeable outdoor patio lamps offer gentle illumination and bring a sleek, minimal design to your outdoor space.

Elo Baby Battery-Powered LED Outdoor Table Lamp

Offered in six soothing colors, this bottle-shaped lamp can be placed on surfaces around your space or hung like a lantern using its built-in removable ring handle. Dimmable, weatherproof and rechargeable via USB-C, this portable table lamp can also be held like a flashlight, which can come in handy when it's time to bring in the dishes. The top portion of the lamp comes in a khaki or white finish.

Unifun Battery-Powered RGB Touch Lamp

This USB-chargeable lamp lets you adjust its brightness and select its color with a touch. A faux wood base keeps the lamp classy, but its low price and small size make it easy to purchase as many of them as you need to fulfill your vision of the perfect outdoor dining space.

Tubicen Portable LED Table Lamp

With its generous carrying handle and four stages of customizable brightness, this minimalist lamp offers a rustic glow in an otherwise modern design. Its USB-chargeable battery can last for an amazing 110 hours on its dimmest setting, while its brightest gives off enough light for reading and table games.

Zafferano Pina Pro LED Table Lamp

Those after a sophisticated look will find that this elegantly designed lamp brings a touch of class to any outdoor occasion. It provides nine hours of light after being set on its USB charging base and comes in three understated colors. This outdoor LED lighting has touch-controlled dimming and remembers your last setting.

Letry LED Portable Rechargeable Solar Lamp

This lantern-style lamp runs on LEDs or solar power. It's made of weather-resistant plastic that's lightweight and easy to tote around. You can get this design in a black or white finish. 

Grand Patio Floor Solar Light Pair

These solar floor lights provide eight to 10 hours of lighting in a single charge. A sensor automatically turns them on at night. They're made of waterproof resin and weigh only 9 pounds, so they're easy to move around. They're available in gray, dark brown and light brown finishes. 

Worth checking out 

• This Thausdas Touch Lamp can be used outdoors and then brought inside to work just as well as a night light.
• Bring a splash of color to the outdoors with this Rootro RGB Table Lamp.
• The Philips Hue Go lamp features a unique, bowl-shaped design and includes smart features.
• This Moon Lamp brings our planet's nearest neighbor to the picnic table, craters and all.
• This battery-powered Star Lamp is perfect for late-night Fourth of July porch parties.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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