Running an extension cord under the patio door, across the deck, and into a socket that may or may not trip the breaker — that was the old way to light an outdoor table.
An outdoor rechargeable table lamp replaces all of that with a single object: a cordless, battery-powered lamp that sits on your patio table and glows for days on a single charge. No cord, no candle, no compromise on light quality.
This guide covers what makes a lamp suitable for outdoor use, which rechargeable table lamps are rated for patios and terraces, and how to get the most from cordless outdoor lighting.
What Makes a Lamp Outdoor-Ready: IP Ratings Explained
Not every cordless lamp belongs outside. The difference between an indoor lamp and an outdoor lamp comes down to one specification: the IP rating.
IP stands for Ingress Protection, an international standard that rates how well a device resists dust and water. The rating has two digits:
| Digit | What It Measures | IP44 Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First (4) | Solid object protection | Protected against objects > 1mm (wires, screws, large insects) |
| Second (4) | Water protection | Protected against splashes from any direction |
IP44 is the standard for sheltered outdoor lighting. It means your lamp can handle:
- Light rain splashes under a pergola or covered patio
- Morning dew and condensation
- An accidental spill at dinner
- Wind-blown moisture
It does not mean waterproof. An IP44 lamp should not sit in direct, heavy rainfall or be submerged. Think of it this way: sheltered outdoor spaces — covered patios, terraces, pergolas, balconies with an overhang — are ideal. An open-air table during a thunderstorm is not.
Every lamp in the Serholt Signature Collection — the Avenue, Shelby, Vega, and Aira — is IP44 rated and Class III certified for safe outdoor use.
The Best Outdoor Rechargeable Table Lamps
All four Signature lamps share the same outdoor fundamentals: IP44 rating, up to 109 hours of battery life, 2700K warm light, 4-step touch dimmer, and USB-C charging with an included Charging Base. The difference is character.
Avenue — The Premium Choice ($579)
The Avenue is the flagship. Its crystal glass diffuser produces the warmest, most evenly distributed light in the range — a 360-degree glow that turns a patio table into the centre of the evening.
At 109 hours on a single charge, a restaurant could run the Avenue through an entire week of dinner services without recharging. For home use, that translates to a summer's worth of patio dinners on a handful of charges.
Best for: large patio dining tables, outdoor entertaining, restaurant terraces.
Shelby — The Bold Statement ($479)
The Shelby has the most architectural presence. Its knurled brass stem and disc shade create indirect light that glows upward, casting a warm halo without any visible bulb. On an outdoor table, the Shelby looks intentional — like it was designed for this exact setting.
The 109-hour battery and IP44 rating make it equally at home on a covered deck or a restaurant balcony.
Best for: architectural patios, outdoor dinner parties, making a statement.
Vega — The Sculptural Option ($479)
The Vega is quieter than the Shelby but equally striking. Its glass-topped silhouette diffuses warm light through a sculptural form that catches the eye without demanding attention. On a balcony or intimate terrace table, the Vega creates the kind of atmosphere you usually only find at a well-designed restaurant.
Best for: balconies, intimate outdoor dining, design-forward patios.
Aira — The Organic Form ($479)
The Aira has the most organic shape — a lantern-like frame in brass or anthracite that feels at home surrounded by greenery. On a garden table under a pergola, the Aira looks like it grew there.
At 94 hours of battery life (slightly less than the 109-hour siblings), the Aira still provides weeks of evening use on a single charge.
Best for: garden settings, pergola dining, casual outdoor entertaining.
Portable Entry Point: Asteria Mini — $179
The Asteria Mini is not formally IP-rated, but its compact, sealed design handles light outdoor exposure well. It is the lamp you grab from the side table and carry to the garden for an afternoon. At $179, it is the most accessible way to bring cordless light outside.
Use it on dry, sheltered surfaces — a covered table, a poolside ledge, a balcony railing. Just bring it indoors after use.
Best for: casual garden use, poolside, travel, outdoor flexibility on a budget.
Where to Use Outdoor Cordless Lamps
Covered Patio Dining
This is the primary use case. A single cordless lamp on a patio dining table replaces candles, string lights, and the eternal frustration of outdoor extension cords. Place one lamp in the centre for a table of four, or two lamps spaced evenly for a table of six or more.
The warm 2700K light creates the same intimate atmosphere as candles, with one critical advantage: it does not blow out.
Pergola and Arbour
Pergolas create the perfect sheltered environment for IP44 lamps. The overhead structure handles rain, and the open sides let the warm glow extend into the garden. Place lamps on each table surface under the pergola for a constellation effect that makes the space feel curated.
Balcony and Terrace
Small balcony tables benefit enormously from a single cordless lamp. Without an outdoor outlet, a balcony is either dark or lit by harsh overhead light from inside. A rechargeable lamp in brass on a small bistro table transforms a balcony into a genuine living space.
Poolside Entertaining
Set cordless lamps along a poolside table or ledge for evening gatherings. The warm light reflects off the water and creates a resort-like atmosphere. Use lamps on dry surfaces only — pool splash zones are above IP44's rating.
Garden Party Tables
For larger gatherings, distribute cordless lamps across multiple tables. At 109 hours per charge, you can set out four or five lamps for a party and not think about battery life for the rest of the month. For event-scale lighting needs, check our restaurant table lamp guide — the same logistics apply.
Battery Life: The Real Outdoor Advantage
The strongest argument for cordless outdoor lamps is not aesthetics — it is logistics.
Running power to an outdoor table requires either a nearby outlet (rare on patios), an extension cord (unsightly and a trip hazard), or solar lights (dim, unreliable, and aesthetically limited).
A rechargeable lamp with a 109-hour battery eliminates all of this. Here is what that looks like in practice:
| Usage | Hours Per Session | Sessions Per Charge | Charge Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend dinners | 3-4 hrs | 27-36 | Once a month |
| Nightly patio use | 2-3 hrs | 36-54 | Every 5-7 weeks |
| Restaurant dinner service | 4-5 hrs | 21-27 | Once every 3 weeks |
| Garden party | 6-8 hrs | 13-18 | Rarely |
When the battery does need charging, bring the lamp inside and set it on the included Charging Base. Four hours to full charge via USB-C. No outdoor wiring, no solar panels, no maintenance.
Choosing the Right Lamp for Your Outdoor Space
| Outdoor Space | Recommended Lamp | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large patio table (6+ seats) | Avenue | Crystal glass disperses light widest |
| Standard patio table (2-4 seats) | Shelby or Vega | Bold presence, 109-hr battery |
| Intimate balcony | Vega or Aira | Sculptural form suits small spaces |
| Garden / pergola | Aira | Organic shape blends with greenery |
| Casual / portable | Asteria Mini | Compact, grab-and-go, $179 entry |
All lamps are available in Brass (Polished or Brushed) and Anthracite (Polished or Brushed). For outdoor use, Brass Brushed develops a natural patina over time that many owners prefer — it adds character rather than showing wear.
Caring for Your Outdoor Cordless Lamp
IP44-rated lamps are built for outdoor life, but basic care extends their lifespan:
- Wipe down after use — a soft cloth removes pollen, dust, and moisture
- Do not leave in direct rain — bring lamps inside during storms or heavy showers
- Store indoors in winter — prolonged freezing can affect battery health
- Clean the charging contacts — outdoor grit can interfere with the Charging Base connection
- Embrace brass patina — the natural tarnish on brass finishes is part of the material's character. If you prefer a polished look, a gentle brass cleaner restores the original shine
For a deeper look at how to select the right cordless lamp for any room — indoor or out — see our cordless lamp buying guide or the best cordless table lamps roundup.
Take Your Light Outside
Outdoor dining should not mean wrestling with extension cords or relying on flickering candles. A single IP44-rated cordless lamp on your patio table gives you warm, reliable, beautiful light — charged once a month, used every evening.
Browse the full rechargeable table lamp collection or start with the Signature Collection to see every outdoor-rated lamp.
