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The New Garden Lighting Trend You’re Going to See Everywhere This Summer (Bonus: It’s Budget-Friendly, Too)

We still love string lights, but outdoor rattan pendant lights are the next big thing.

Deanna Kizis

With warmer weather finally on the horizon, it’s time to think about how we want to enjoy our outdoor spaces and if there are any updates we’d like to make. One new trend that’s on our radar is using woven pendant lighting to create ambiance without breaking the bank.

Part of the appeal is that rattan shades create a peek-a-boo effect that keeps outdoor lighting from being too stark. Not to mention that warm, diffused light invites conversation by reminding our lizard brains of being around a campfire—or on a vacation.

“When we can’t go to fancy resorts, soft romantic lighting really gives a garden that feel,” says Kate Anne Gross, of Kate Anne Design + Build, who often uses Etsy woven shades over string lights to create a dramatic effect. (For source, see below.) Ryan Gross, her husband and business partner, adds that rattan pendants can bring depth and layers to an outdoor space. “Even smaller yards—the way we light them—can get a theatrical look,” he says.

If you’re sold on the trend, here are some of our favorite rattan pendant lights that you can buy right now.

Let There Be Light

1 /4 Courtesy of Etsy

Black Bamboo Lights

LannaPassa’s black bamboo lights add extra glamour to the garden.

Black Bamboo Lights, $66
2 /4 Courtesy of Cost Plus World Market

Try a Classic Lantern Shape

A rattan candle lantern can be strung anywhere you need extra ambiance.

Rattan Candle Lantern, $29.99
3 /4 Courtesy of Cost Plus World Market

Go Big

This bamboo globe pendant comes in both gray and tan.

Bamboo Globe Pendant, $44.98
4 /4 Courtesy of Amazon

Try Some Texture

Novogratz’s outdoor globe light comes with a bronze hanging cord and chain.

Outdoor Globe Light, $70.99


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