When the warmer months finally arrive, the opportunity to extend your living space outdoors does too. The best outdoor solar lights achieve just that. And no shade to daylight activities—after all, who doesn’t appreciate a bright lawn or a glittering pool—but comfortable nights under the stars can be particularly magical. From bonfires and movies to al fresco dinners and game nights, we think the real fun starts after sunset this hosting season. All you need is the right setup.One of the most important details to consider is how to illuminate your space strategically, so that it’s possible to create a mood without crushing your budget. With these needs in mind, solar lights may be your best bet.“When it comes to yardscapes, solar-powered lighting is ideal because I can achieve a beautifully-lit ambiance but with a lot less hassle,” says designer Galey Alix of Galey Alix Design. “Solar-powered lighting means I'm not increasing anyone's electric bill nor do I have to bury hardwired lines around their property, which can get messy. It also means easier long-term upkeep because lines are never accidentally getting cut, and if the power is out, the landscape lighting, pathways, and driveway still remain lit.”Miami-based interior designer Ania Agárdy is in agreement with Alix, and adds that solar-powered lighting can even inspire more creativity. “It allows for more flexibility in placement and layout,” she notes. If you’re planning on maximizing your outdoor space this spring and summer, and you want to do so stylishly and sustainably, read on for the best solar lights to install, according to the pros.The Best Solar Lights to Use in Your HomeWhether you’re looking to create a more modern or traditional feel, these solar lights are a bright idea. Read on to get the designers’ top picks.Alexia Solar Path Light“This is one of my go-tos for pathways,” says Sasha Basso, designer at Capiz Studio. “They’re modern and streamlined—perfect for walkways.”Renel Outdoor Solar String Light by Alder & Ore“I like pairing the Alexia Solar Path Light with these outdoor string lights,” Basso notes. “They’re classic, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t love a string light? I love them strung across a courtyard or patio for a romantic feel.” You could also take a cue from the backyard of this Nick Olsen-designed Brooklyn Brownstone from AD’s archives and string them across a fence to create a surrounded light path.LUHLEE Solar Outdoor Wall Lights (Set of 4)These square solar lights remind us of the ones we saw affixed to the rafters in this Manhattan penthouse’s outdoor dining area. They’re a great source of downward lighting when installed in a higher position or can even create dramatic shadows like the ones Agárdy mentioned by installing them right onto any wall or fence.AllModern Floor Solar Light (Set of 2)Here’s a pair of modern floor lamps to set the mood. The cut-out design creates an interesting lighting scheme that will add some flair whether they’re surrounding an outdoor dining table or your conversation pit.Breck + Fox Solar Waterproof Globe Light“I love these globes because it's impossible to tell they are solar, they have an incredible glow at night, and they add a unique design element. These are more than just lights, they are art,” Alix says. “They look best on hardscapes, but would also be gorgeous in a graveled area with seating inside of a garden.”Decorative Lamps by Solar Light Depot“This option looks just like hard-wired lights, but without the hassle of breaking open your exterior walls to run new electrical,” Alix says. “Trying to install exterior hardwired lighting where there is no existing electrical is extremely expensive and also messy. These are a clean install and you get a beautiful lighting pattern on your exterior wall. I would use these on a fence around a yard just as quickly as I'd use them on the side of a house, so they can function in many areas of your exterior!”AllModern Sanders Outdoor Solar Wall Sconce Lantern“This option looks just like hard-wired lights, but without the hassle of breaking open your exterior walls to run new electrical,” Alix says. “Trying to install exterior hardwired lighting where there is no existing electrical is extremely expensive and also messy. These are a clean install and you get a beautiful lighting pattern on your exterior wall. I would use these on a fence around a yard just as quickly as I'd use them on the side of a house, so they can function in many areas of your exterior!”Where to Install Solar Lights for the Best ResultsBy carefully mapping out your space, outdoor solar lights can make your yard or garden feel as comfortable as your indoor living areas. When surveying your exterior’s square-footage, note any pathways that may benefit from better lighting. “Solar lights for lining walkways or driveways are fabulous for design and utility,” Agárdy says. “I use warm white tones for a cozy feel or cool white for a modern look, and space them evenly for symmetry. My color of choice is matte black for a sleek architectural effect and easy maintenance.”Aside from pathways, you can also use solar lighting to improve the appearance of your landscaping and exterior walls. “You can angle them upward for dramatic shadows or use multiple smaller lights for more dimension,” Agárdy notes. “Solar wall sconces are my secret weapon to create a very curated ‘designer touch,’ but be sure to choose ones that complement your architectural style.” As long as your solar lights can get a consistent charge over the course of the day, where you decide to place them can make your outdoor space feel like the best hangout spot in your home after dark.