Garden candles for an ambient glow outdoors

The best candles for setting the mood in your outdoor space.

Garden candles for an ambient glow outdoors

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

There's nothing quite like a warm summer or cosy autumnal evening spent outdoors with garden candles flickering and a drink in your hand. Garden lights really create the ambience for a perfect alfresco night, and they are just an order away.

Candles are perfect for creating the perfect ambience outdoors. With their gentle flicker and multiple scents to choose from, no outdoor space with garden accessories is complete with some candles. On top of looking great, outdoor candles can be ideal to use all year round as a bug repellent. Candles infused with a Citronella scent are really effective. It's great for both indoors and outdoors because it keeps pesky bugs away. With several on your patio or alfresco dining set-up, you'll be sure to be left in peace to enjoy your time outdoors without the worry of bugs invading your retreat.

Now you're also not limited to your average burning candles; LED candles or solar lanterns are a great alternative if you're worried the British weather will betray us one night. Outdoor LED candles are water-resistant and weatherproof. So, not even the rain can ruin the night as long as you're covered by a parasol.

The best garden candles at a glance:

• Best aromatherapy candle (Editor's Pick): Citronella & Wild Rosemary Essential Oil Aromatherapy Candle - View now on Etsy
• Best garden candle design: La Jolíe Muse Citronella (Set of Two) - View now on Amazon UK
• Best tea light garden candles: Price's Candles Citronella Tealights Pack of 25 - View now on Amazon UK

To sum up, we've rounded up some of our favourite garden candles available to order online: from citronella scents to Truglow LED candles that flicker just like real ones. You'll find the right outdoor garden candle for you in our selection.

Best garden candles

Best aromatherapy candle (Editor's Pick)

Perfect for the garden in summer, our citronella candle is made with natural citronella essential oil. Made from 100 per cent Soy wax candle with a wooden wick for an eco-friendly, clean-burning candle. All-natural, vegan and cruelty-free and wrapped in plastic-free, recyclable packaging.

Review: “Candle smells absolutely gorgeous. Love the amber jar and the label. This is a gift for a friend, so I am unable to comment on burn ability. Quick delivery & packed well. Will definitely order some more soon!"

Pros

  • Made with natural organic citronella essential oil.
  • Made from 100 per cent soy wax
  • Features a wooden wick for clean burning.

Cons

  • Some may find the scent too strong

Best garden candle design

Purchase a candle that looks as good as it smells. From its abstract willow pattern influence to its pure soy wax, this pack of two will be an incredible garden feature. If you're hosting a garden party or BBQ, its fragrance will keep away pesky mosquitoes, flies and bugs. Trust me - it works, and you won't be disappointed.

Customer review: "Wow! Just WOW! After struggling in the heatwave we've been having recently, we were most distressed to see an influx of flies in our house. At a time when you have to have your windows open during the day to cool down, it seemed that there was no way we would be able to get rid of the flies... but then..... we found these fantastic straight-from-heaven citronella soy candles!!! Now as an avid candle lover, I just want to mention how gorgeous these candles are. They come in a beautiful box and tin and make a great feature in any room. However, more importantly, they WORK!"

Pros

  • Aesthetically pleasing with an abstract willow pattern.
  • Made from pure soy wax.

Cons

  • May not be to everyone's taste

Best trio of garden candles

Bring a touch of elegance into your outdoor space with this classic trio of large lanterns fitted with a trio of realistic glow candles. These candles are perfect for making a statement and creating a warm and inviting ambience in your garden. Why not opt for the 6-hour timer for automatic illumination each evening?

Customer review: “I ordered a number of different lights for my garden early in the lockdown period and I have been very pleased with them. My garden looks lovely every evening with the lights coming on with the timer and lifting my spirits, as I am in lockdown by myself, they really cheer me up. I would definitely recommend this company's products.”

Pros

  • Features a trio of large lanterns with realistic glow candles.
  • Perfect for making a statement in the garden.
  • Six-hour timer

Cons

  • Some may prefer candles with scent rather than electric

Best long-burning garden candles

Create the perfect summer atmosphere with this La Jolíe Muse citronella candle. We love its floral print design and the fact that it is biodegradable and eco-friendly. Plus, it has approximately 70 hours of burning time, which means that you can enjoy it again and again.

Review: "I love citronella essential oil in general, and the candle did not disappoint. I haven't seen a mosquito since I started using it. Love the presentation, and I think it will make a nice gift."

Pros

  • Features a floral print design.
  • Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
  • Offers approximately 70 hours of burn time.

Cons

  • Some may find scent too strong

Best tea light garden candles

Price's Candles Citronella Tealights Pack of 25
Price: $18.29

These Citronella Tea Lights emit a gentle flickering flame and a pleasant odour that will keep unwanted flying insects, on top of setting a relaxed mood. They are suitable for individual use but are even better when burnt inside a candle lantern to shield them from draughts.

Review: “Bought these during the hot summer weather and have used them every day so far. We love sitting in the garden under the gazebo and these lovely candles have kept wasps, flies, mosquitoes, and everything else away! Brilliant purchase and will be buying again.”

Pros

  • Emits a gentle flickering flame.
  • The scent keeps unwanted flying insects away.

Cons

  • May not be as effective as larger candles

Best hanging garden candle holders

You’ve got the tealights, now you need a gorgeous way to display them, and we think these glass globes are perfect. We can picture it already, flickering flames dangling off a tree on a warm summer's evening, we love it!

Review: “These items arrived very well packaged and sooner than expected. They look amazing and put me in mind of my dad who was a glassblower. So happy with this purchase!”

Pros

  • Provides a unique way to display tealights.
  • Perfect for creating an ambience with flickering flames dangling off trees.

Cons

  • They are delicate

Best garden Tiki torches

Not technically a candle, but very close! With ultra-realistic flickering flames within, they're perfect for lining gardens and illuminating summer BBQs! Stake them in a sunny spot of the garden for up to 10 hours of illumination each evening in the spring & summer months.

Review: “These Tiki lights are amazing! The flame looks so real, and I really like the wood effect. They look so smart on either side of my path, I think I may have to buy some more!”

Pros

  • Ultra-realistic flickering flames.
  • Perfect for lining gardens and illuminating summer BBQs.
  • Solar-powered, so no need for batteries or electricity.

Cons

  • May not fit every garden decor

Best battery-operated garden candles

If you’ve already got some spare lanterns laying around, these LED candles are perfect, and even if you don’t these look great as the centrepiece for a table. Fully weatherproof, you can use these outdoors all year round.

Review: “I am really pleased with these lights, I purchased them over a month ago and they have come on every day. They give a great warm flickering light. Once you turn them on the first night they then come on at the same time every day and turn off after 6 hours. So, mine are coming on at 17:30 and turning off at 23:30.
“I was worried that I would have to replace the batteries regularly but so far still going strong. Great that they can stay outside in whatever weather, the top has two little holes to stop them from filling with water. So pleased, I am thinking of buying them as a gift for someone else. Would definitely recommend them as I love mine.”

Pros

  • Suitable for existing lanterns or as standalone centrepieces.
  • Fully weatherproof,

Cons

  • Batteries need replacing

Best metal candle holder

These underrated and classic, antique-looking candle holders are everything we could ask for in an outdoor decorative candle. The hanging lanterns are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. So, they're super versatile and great for all occasions – whether it's for a dinner party or a night spent by the fire pit outdoors.

Review: "Good price for two of these decent sized, lightweight metal lanterns with additional battery operated (removable) candle lights… I will probably buy them again and put fairy lights in them. They are very lightweight but definitely a good buy, happy customer!”

Pros

  • Features a classic, antique-looking design.
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cons

  • May not suit every decor

What should I consider when buying garden lighting?

When buying garden lighting, consider the ambience you want to create. Also, ask yourself, is the lighting for safety and security or for aesthetics? This will encompass the type of lighting (uplighting or downlighting, for example) and the light intensity.

Also, you need to decide whether you want electric or solar-powered lighting. Electric lighting is more reliable but comes with a running cost. In contrast, solar lights are free to run and make great fence lighting. In addition, the lighting fixtures should be durable to withstand changeable weather.

Finally, consider how easy the lighting is going to be to install and whether it will require maintenance, such as changing bulbs. Be aware that garden lighting can be a cause of light pollution and disturb the nocturnal habits of wildlife.

Solar lights for gardens that last long into the evening

Modern garden lighting ideas in the spotlight

Stylish solar floor lamps to brighten up your garden

Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice with a Modern Gardens Membership. Find out more about the benefits of being a Member now.

Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens specialising in sustainable living and healthy cooking. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us