Give Your Backyard Lighting A Rustic Touch With A Stylish Find From Walmart

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Setting the mood of your backyard comes down to a number of factors, one of which is the lighting. While you can rely on sunlight for much of the day, come nighttime you'll be left wishing you had some reliable, consistent lighting to make the space more inviting. Walmart has a product that could be the right fit, especially if you're trying to create a rustic vibe: the Gkcity Solar Lanterns.

Normally retailing for $39.99 for a two-pack, these solar-powered lights feature a rounded form on the bottom and black accents on both ends, making it look akin to an old-school lantern. The lanterns are outfitted with hemp ropes for carrying or hanging them, but the flat bottom also makes them suitable for placing on a surface. These Walmart solar lanterns are said to look like real fire without the safety hazard, as noted by several customers who mention the flickering effect. 

It holds an IP65 rating, which means it's dust-tight and it can withstand light sprays or splashes. According to the company, these solar-powered lanterns can last up to 10 continuous hours on a full charge. You can replenish them, meanwhile, by sunlight or a USB. For a natural charge, the lanterns require six to eight hours of sunlight, while using the USB takes half that time. This may be an asset for individuals who have a very shady property, or for apartment or condo dwellers who don't have a yard at all. There's also an automatic on/off light sensor, which eliminates the need to manually activate or deactivate the lanterns, too.

At the time of writing, customers had given the Gkcity lanterns a 4.7-star average (out of five stars) from over 35 ratings. Reviews praise the appearance and performance of the lanterns. One five-star review on Walmart's website states, "I really love that it has dual charging options (solar and USB), which makes it very convenient even on cloudy days. The build quality feels solid."

Since these lanterns are stylistically quite versatile — they have a modern yet timeless appeal — they're an outdoor lighting idea that will work no matter what your style is. Position a couple on your dining table outdoors to add some soft lighting during the evening. Similarly, patios with coffee tables can benefit from the soft glow. Or, if you purchase a few sets, the lanterns could be hung from shepherd's hooks, flanking the pathway to your front door. 

Another option is to hang the lanterns from tree branches in your yard for a magical and whimsical aesthetic. If you do opt for suspending the lanterns from branches (weight = 0.58 pounds), remember to place them low enough that they're within reach; this will make retrieving them for indoor charging a straightforward process. Interested in upping the charm of your space even more? Read about the whimsical detail 37% of people would add to their garden.