Best Outdoor Table Lamps 2026

The difference between an indoor cordless lamp and an outdoor cordless lamp is one specification: IP44.

IP44 means the lamp has been tested and certified for splash resistance from any direction — rain, dew, poolside mist, spilled wine. Without IP44, a lamp used outdoors is at risk of moisture damage to the electronics, the LED driver, or the battery.

All four lamps in this ranking carry IP44 certification. They are the only lamps in the Serholt collection specifically tested for outdoor use. Here they are, ranked.

1. Avenue — Best Overall Outdoor Lamp

$579 | 109 hrs | IP44 | 4-step dimmer

The Avenue is the flagship for a reason. Its crystal glass diffuser creates a light quality that no other cordless lamp matches outdoors — the glass catches evening light and refracts the warm LED glow, adding subtle sparkle to a patio table.

Why it wins:

Crystal glass diffuser adds visual depth that other lamps cannot match
109-hour battery — charge once a month with nightly use
The most visually striking lamp in the collection, indoors or out
Available in brass (polished and brushed) and anthracite

Best for: Statement patios, boutique hotel terraces, special-occasion outdoor dining, and anyone who wants the single best outdoor cordless lamp regardless of price.

The trade-off: At $579, it is the most expensive model. For budget-conscious buyers or commercial operators buying 10+, the Shelby offers the same battery and IP rating for $100 less.

2. Shelby — Best Value for Outdoor Use

$479 | 109 hrs | IP44 | 4-step dimmer

The Shelby matches the Avenue on every functional spec — same 109-hour battery, same IP44 rating, same 4-step dimmer — at $100 less. The design is clean-lined and architectural, with bold geometric proportions that anchor a table.

Why it ranks here:

Same 109-hour runtime as the Avenue
Clean, versatile silhouette that works with any outdoor furniture style
$100 less than the Avenue with no functional compromise
Most popular choice for restaurant terraces and hospitality

Best for: Everyday outdoor use, restaurant and hotel terraces, and buyers who want maximum battery life and IP44 protection at the best price.

The trade-off: No crystal glass diffuser — the light is warm and beautiful but lacks the sparkle and visual drama of the Avenue.

3. Vega — Best Sculptural Design

$479 | 109 hrs | IP44 | 4-step dimmer

The Vega shares the Shelby's price and specs but offers a completely different aesthetic. Where the Shelby is geometric and architectural, the Vega is sculptural and organic — flowing lines that feel handmade and artful.

Why it ranks here:

109-hour battery and IP44 — full outdoor capability
The most distinctive silhouette in the outdoor range
Creates a conversation piece on any table
Beautiful in both brass and anthracite finishes

Best for: Design-forward outdoor spaces, modern terraces, and buyers who want a lamp that makes a visual statement alongside its functional purpose.

The trade-off: The organic silhouette is polarising — it reads as "sculptural" rather than "classic." On a traditional patio with wicker furniture, the Shelby may be a better visual fit.

4. Aira — Best for Compact Outdoor Spaces

$479 | 94 hrs | IP44 | 4-step dimmer

The Aira has a softer, more rounded silhouette with an airy quality that works particularly well on smaller outdoor surfaces — balcony tables, tray tables, and compact bistro sets where a larger lamp would crowd the space.

Why it ranks here:

IP44 rated with 94-hour battery — still weeks between charges
The softest, most organic form in the outdoor range
Works on smaller surfaces where the Shelby or Avenue might dominate
Same 4-step touch dimmer

Best for: Apartment balconies, small bistro tables, and outdoor spaces where a lighter visual presence is preferred.

The trade-off: 94 hours vs 109 hours — still exceptional, but if maximum battery life is the priority, the other three models edge it out.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec	Avenue	Shelby	Vega	Aira
Battery	109 hrs	109 hrs	109 hrs	94 hrs
IP Rating	IP44	IP44	IP44	IP44
Dimmer	4-step	4-step	4-step	4-step
Style	Crystal glass, statement	Clean geometric	Sculptural, organic	Soft, airy
Finishes	Brass, Anthracite	Brass, Anthracite	Brass, Anthracite	Brass, Anthracite
Best For	Statement, hospitality	Everyday, restaurants	Design-forward	Compact spaces
Price	$579	$479	$479	$479

All four share: warm 2700K LED, CRI 90+, USB-C charging, touch dimmer, and 2-year warranty.

What About Non-IP44 Lamps Outdoors?

The Asteria, Cassia, and Asteria Mini are not IP44 rated. Can you use them on a covered, dry patio on a calm evening? Probably. But they are not tested for moisture resistance, and using them outdoors voids the warranty if moisture causes damage.

If you plan to use a lamp outdoors regularly, invest in an IP44-rated model. The peace of mind — and the warranty protection — is worth it.

For indoor-only use, see our best cordless table lamps ranking.

Outdoor Lamp Care Tips

Use under cover when possible — a pergola, awning, or umbrella extends the lamp's outdoor life significantly
Wipe down after use — remove moisture, pollen, and salt air (coastal areas) with a soft cloth
Charge indoors — keep the USB-C port dry during charging
Store for winter — in cold climates, bring lamps inside between October and April. Store at 50-80% charge.
Avoid direct midday sun — heat degrades lithium-ion batteries faster than cold. Shade the lamp during hot afternoons.

For detailed seasonal care, see our outdoor rechargeable lamp guide.

The Bottom Line

All four outdoor-rated lamps deliver exceptional performance for patio, terrace, and balcony use. The choice comes down to aesthetic preference and budget:

Avenue ($579) — the best, period. Crystal glass, 109 hours, pure statement piece.
Shelby ($479) — best value. Same 109 hours, clean design, the practical choice.
Vega ($479) — best design. 109 hours in a sculptural silhouette.
Aira ($479) — best for small spaces. 94 hours, lighter presence.

Browse all four in the outdoor table lamps collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What IP rating do I need for an outdoor table lamp?

IP44 is the minimum for outdoor table lamps. It means the lamp is protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and water splashes from any direction. This covers rain splashes, dew, humidity, and spilled drinks. For fully waterproof (submersible), you would need IP67+, but no quality table lamp requires that level of protection.

Which outdoor table lamp has the longest battery life?

The Avenue, Shelby, and Vega all reach up to 109 hours on the lowest brightness setting. At typical evening use of 3-4 hours, that is roughly a month between charges. The Aira reaches 94 hours — still weeks of use per charge.

Can I leave outdoor table lamps outside overnight?

Yes, in normal conditions. IP44 handles dew, light rain, and humidity. In heavy storms or freezing temperatures, bring them under cover or inside. For best battery longevity, avoid sustained temperatures below 0 degrees C or above 45 degrees C.

What is the best outdoor table lamp for restaurants?

The Shelby at $479 is the best value for restaurant terraces. 109-hour battery means charging twice a week, 4-step touch dimmer handles service needs, and the clean-lined brass design works with most restaurant aesthetics. For a statement piece, the Avenue at $579 adds crystal glass sparkle.

Do outdoor table lamps attract bugs?

Warm 2700K LED light attracts significantly fewer insects than cool white or blue-toned lighting. Insects are most drawn to UV and short-wavelength blue light. The warm LEDs in Serholt lamps produce virtually no UV, making them a better choice for outdoor dining than most alternatives.