If You Have Pencil Holders And Broomsticks, You Can Make The Cutest Outdoor Lights

Soft lighting can make your favorite flower bed feel magical and give you a reason to linger outside once the day cools down. Tiki torches are among the exterior house light ideas worth considering, but before buying a few, take a look around your house. Two totally ordinary items could become outdoor lights with just as much personality as those you'd find in the store.

The unexpected pairing is a broom handle and a metal mesh pencil holder. With the holder secured upright on top of the handle, you have a small basket for a light and a slender post to raise it above your planting beds. Try grouping three at staggered heights beside a seating area, or spacing several along the edge of a garden path, clear of foot traffic. It's a character-enhancing DIY for your patio, and these lights can pick up colors from your outdoor furniture to tie the space together.

The supply list is minimal. All you'll need is a broom handle, metal mesh pencil cup, and a screw and washer. Assembly is easy too, and all you'll really need is a drill. If you want to change their color, grab some outdoor spray paint. While you could definitely use a candle, an outdoor-rated solar light or battery-operated LED lantern is probably a better idea. A flameless light is the better fit for something that will most likely be nestled among plants and wood mulch, especially somewhere you might forget to check before heading indoors.

Thankfully, this isn't one of those DIYs that will take an entire weekend — you could probably finish it in less than five minutes. Start with a broom and toss the head and any leftover hardware. With the handle held securely, center the pencil holder's base over the handle and drill a screw with a washer into the wood. Tighten until secure, and there you have it! A DIY outdoor light in the blink of an eye.

If the handle and pencil holder are mismatched, you can paint the finished light with an outdoor spray paint and clear coat. Matte black looks sleek and modern, while a brighter, colorful shade will make the lights pop (and maybe even attract some butterflies and bees in the process). You could also coordinate it to match any surrounding patio furniture.

Now all you need to do is stick your new lights in firm soil; just double-check for buried irrigation or cables before inserting them — the last thing you want is a last-minute repair. Keep the lights clear of walkways and check that each post resists wobbling before walking away. Finally, place an outdoor-rated solar light or battery LED lantern inside each cup. If you're going solar, make sure to keep the panels exposed to sunlight so you'll always have light when the sun goes down. Choose warm white lights to help create a space of comfort and ease in your own backyard, or flickering LEDs for a torch-like effect without an open flame. Vary the lights' heights for a playful garden display, or line a walkway for a uniform look.