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In the 13th century, the fear of black magic and evil eyes was rampant. So, in an attempt to invoke good luck and safety, gazing balls came into existence. While they lost their popularity in the 19th century, they saw a resurgence in the USA during the 20th century and became a sign and hope of wealth!
Back then, it was an idea birthed by superstitious minds. However, today it has evolved into a spiritual and aesthetic thing. Wrought with an iron base or placed on a pedestal, the large orbs are often set in the gardens to add character. But, it does more than beautify your backyard.
Solar gazing balls made of steel act as a magnet and produces a static charge which increases the nitrogen quotient in the air by 78%, which makes the plants’ health immeasurably better.
Additionally, thanks to the properties of magnetism and electricity, the ball is impactful as a fertilizer. This could also be explained as electro-culture.
So, if you, too, are looking to invest in a solar gazing ball, this article will walk you through the best choices available in the market!
Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar gazing balls available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 5 Best Solar Gazing Balls
- 3 Solar Gazing Ball Buying Guide
Our Top Picks
Image | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora Solar Powered Glass Ball Garden Lights | |
| Homeimpro Garden Solar Lights Moon Crackle Glass Globe | |
| Solarisation Fairy on Calla Lilies Solar Light | |
| ZKLilLi Globe Solar Lights Cracked Glass Ball | |
| Huaxu Globe Glass Lotus Decoration |
5 Best Solar Gazing Balls
1. Aurora Solar Powered Glass Ball Garden Lights
Add a splash of color to your life with Aurora solar-powered glass ball garden lights!
With its color-changing feature, the glass globe will add to the aesthetics of your garden. Additionally, it’s also ideal for a balcony or bedside table. And, if you plan to throw a party, this outdoor decoration is simply perfect.
Features
Energy saving
Built with a solar panel on top of the table light, the gazing ball harnesses enough solar energy throughout the day and can light up for 8-10 hours without any problem!
Automatic on/off feature
The gazing ball is fitted with a sensory detector, so the lights automatically switch on when the sun goes down.
Dual-color modes
The gazing ball comes in two gorgeous modes– one in single white color and another in a gradually-shifting colorful mode. Additionally, the mosaic glasses offer a breathtaking visual experience when the lights turn on.
Versatile design
The gazing ball boasts a multi-purpose design structure. It looks lovely as a colorful house ornament, but it also serves as a holder for small tools such as pens, scissors, knives, etc.
Waterproof
The ball has IP65 protection, so it’s rain resistant and can survive well even when it pours outside. Use it indoors or outdoors; the result will be the same.
Easy use
The gazing ball comes with resounding convenience and requires no tools or wiring to work. Press one button and enjoy the two different modes.
Moreover, when the ball runs out of power, unscrew its lid and keep it in the sun to recharge. The rest of the globe can stay fixed at its spot, safely holding your little trinkets in place.
This makes it an ideal toy for kids, too!
Pros:
- Easy instructions to follow, and takes only a few minutes to get the globe working
- One full charge offers 10 hours of lighting
- Offers a soothing, gentle light that works perfectly as a night light
- Comes with a considerably large solar panel that holds power for long (2 lights of 2 volts each)
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Does not come with a battery
- The bottom has rough edges
2. Homeimpro Garden Solar Lights Moon Crackle Glass Globe
Light up your pathways, courtyard, flower bed, or anywhere outdoors with this moon crackle glass globe which is ideal for every place and season.
The crescent moon is fitted with a white LED. All it needs is the proper placement under the sunlight for maximum brightness.
The globe is made of glass and metal and comes with a solar panel of 2V 80Ma that requires a minimum of 8 hours of charging time to work for 6 hours.
Features
Automatic on/off feature
The light sensors in the gazing balls detect the changing times of the day. So, when the sun sets, the lights automatically turn on.
Quick installation
It barely takes a couple of minutes to assemble and install the solar globe piece. There are no unnecessary wirings to figure out, either.
Weatherproof
Sun or rain, the moonlight will always come to life to light up a corner of your house. Additionally, the solar globe is IP44 weather-resistant and works excellently even on dark and rainy days.
Durability
The solar globe can endure rough climate conditions thanks to its tough glass and stainless-steel body.
Energy saving
It comes with a 6-hour timer, so the globe turns off automatically.
Pros:
- Creates a soft white light, like a moon-on-earth, thus creating a romantic atmosphere
- Safe for both the outdoors and indoors
- Manufacturer provides replacement and refund within 180 days
- Decently priced
Cons:
- Reports that it only lasts a couple of months
3. Solarisation Fairy on Calla Lilies Solar Light
Constructed from high-quality polyresin, the fairy is decent-sized at 11x7x5 inches.
It sits atop the crackling glass gazing ball that lights up in multi-colors, offering an awe-worthy accent to your house or garden.
Additionally, the fairy is rust-resistant and will continue to look new for a while. Plus, the minute detailing on the fairy is a cherry on top!
Features
Reliable structure
The structure is held together in place very securely, all thanks to the ABS/PS and Polyresin material. It’s also relatively lightweight, merely weighing 1 pound.
Multi-color lights
If you are not much of a fan of simple white light, this fairy solar ball light provides four different choices. One LED can switch to blue, green, red, and white.
So, enjoy the warmth of every color, illuminating your space beautifully!
Longevity
The lights can stay alive for over 8 long hours if and when thoroughly charged. So, you will never find yourself in the darkness at any point in the night!
Supernatural touch
Are you a fan of otherworldly creatures and elements?
If yes, the concept of a fairy looking over you while the glass ball glows would be perfect!
Pros:
- Provides beautiful multi-color lights
- Looks lovely both during the day and night
- Works well both as a decorative piece or nightlight
- Comes with 1 AA battery too
- Very affordable
Cons:
- The light is not very vibrant
4. ZKLilLi Globe Solar Lights Cracked Glass Ball
Watch as the firefly lights come to life under the cracked glass ball. These quintessential lights can turn any dull-looking place into one great aesthetic place. Moreover, these solar ground lights settle well anywhere and everywhere!
Features
Energy saving
The lights make the most of the solar power available! The best way to make them function is by switching the ‘on’ button during the day while it stores solar energy. This will charge the lights to stay lit for 6-8 hours.
Water-resistant
The solar lights globe is IP65 waterproof. Additionally, they are resistant to both immersion and water and come with a drainable base for convenience. So, storms may come and go, but the solar globe will survive it all!
Effortless installation
You can effortlessly fix this solar globe on the pathway, flowerbeds, or lawns. It hardly takes 5 minutes to install it perfectly. But if the ground is hard, use water and spike to dig a hole instead of forcing the globe down roughly.
Builds mood
Made with 20 LED string lights woven with copper wire, the cracked glass and warm white lights effectively create a romantic atmosphere, especially for in-house date nights!
Pros:
- The upgraded waterproof base of the solar globe
- Works in all sorts of weather– snow or typhoon
- Auto lights on during the night
- Is inexpensive
Cons:
- Does not come with any backup battery
5. Huaxu Globe Glass Lotus Decoration
This product combines the astounding beauty of the warm white light and the layers of an eye-pleasing lotus flower! It is the perfect addition to your garden and will blend well with the flowerbeds.
The gazing globe is made of stainless steel, glass, and metal and is durable.
Features
Longevity
The solar panel is discreetly fixed on the bottom of the bulb. Once fully packed with solar power, the solar globe can efficiently run for 8 hours every night.
Auto on/off
The solar globe can switch on and off as the hours shift.
7 lights
Equipped with 7 warm white lights, the solar globe earns the capability to transform the entire vibe of your house outdoors. Additionally, the lights emanate against the lotus structure, creating a smooth, unique visual experience.
Eco-friendly
It has no confusing power cords and results in zero electricity consumption, which means no more hefty bills.
Water-resistant
The solar globe is both corrosion-resistant and waterproof. This means regardless of the changing weather, the globe will work well!
Pros:
- The solar globe is ideal for garden, desktop, sidewalk, poolside, or the walkway outside your house
- The lotus comes in several colors– black, blue, orange, gray, purple, and imitation rust
- Average priced
- Automatically switches on and off
Cons:
- The light is quite mellow but decent enough for night light
- The petals of the lotus may get slightly rusty
Solar Gazing Ball Buying Guide
What is a Solar Gazing Ball?
Centuries ago, people believed gazing balls were the bearer of good fortune, prosperity, and health. Back in the 13th century, when it first appeared, people widely believed in evil, which was one way to ward it off.
With time, gazing balls attained an aesthetic and spiritual value. But more than just being a decorative piece of item, it also enhances the health of the plants in your garden.
So, there’s no reason you shouldn’t install a gazing ball with solar panels as it uses renewable energy and quickly becomes the life of any space!
How to Maintain a Solar Gazing Ball?
Earlier, gazing balls were constructed of blown glass. But in the current times, they are crafted of tough plastics or metals. This makes it considerably easier to clean and maintain given the durable materials.
For instance, a gazing ball made of resin or metal can survive an all-year-round run in your garden without any issues. You can also spray down some water with a hose, wipe it clean with a gentle cloth, and the ball will be shiny as new!
But if you want to buy a glass gazing ball, looking after it is no trouble either. A regular glass cleaner with a gentle cloth would do the trick.
However, make sure to store the glass globe inside during the chilly months because low temperatures may negatively impact the glass and crack it.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Solar Gazing Ball
Are you looking to install one or perhaps two solar gazing balls in your garden to enhance its beauty?
Before you do so, ensure you are well informed about all the influencing factors before making your purchase! After all, a gazing ball isn’t only for aesthetic purposes.
So, here are some essential factors to consider:
Size
Solar gazing balls come in all shapes, styles, and sizes.
It’s important to reflect on the kind of free space you have. Then, deciding which reflective ball would sit perfectly in the given area would be best.
If you decide to place a giant gazing ball in a small garden, it will simply look forced and out of place, hogging all the limelight.
But, if you place a tiny gazing ball in a massive flowerbed, it would most likely go unnoticed and create zero impact, especially during the season of growth, when plants and flowers grow and bloom. In such a season, the ball will be as good as invisible.
So, striking the perfect balance between the garden space (or any other area you choose) and the size of the ball is essential.
Style
There is an excellent variety of gazing balls in the market that you can choose from.
Pick one with a reflective mirror space that reflects lights far and wide if you want to take the traditional route. Not to forget, it would also create the illusion of ample space.
But if you love something abstract, colorful mosaic glass will add a funky touch to your space as colored and patterned globes add a dramatic flair!
Additionally, several options for gazing balls come attached to different structures like the moon, stars, fairies, etc. So, if you want to go all out, this category is worth exploring.
Consider your requirements thoroughly, as it will help you make a solid decision. Moreover, think over the layout of your garden and where you plan to put the solar gazing ball. If the color scheme and style remove the garden’s beauty, it’s not a good choice.
Construction material
It’s unlikely to move a solar gazing ball often because it may disturb the space’s overall design. So, if you need to set it in one spot that receives excellent sunlight, it must have enough weight to hold itself in place.
But, if you plan to frequently set the gazing globe in different parts of your house, pick a lightweight one. It would create less hassle during the move.
Ideas to Set Up Your Solar Gazing Globe
A solar gazing globe will work best outdoors because of a consistent stream of sunshine. Otherwise, you would have to carry it back and forth to charge it and then keep it back at its designated place.
Additionally, a gazing globe is usually fixed on the ground or set in the flowerbed as it adds a charming touch to any setting. Not to forget, they significantly enhance the beauty of blooming flowers during spring, post the cold-winters.
Furthermore, here are some ways to display the solar gazing globe to make the most out of it:
- If you have a birdbath, set the gazing globe on the pedestal in the center. It will attract the curious eyes of your friends and family and the adorable little birds, too!
- Set the gazing ball against some big rocks. They will blend well, and their lights illuminate the surrounding objects wonderfully.
- If possible, you could put the gazing globe amongst your potted plants. In the evening, the lights streaming out of the globe will make your plants look bright as ever.
- You could also buy a stand to go with the gazing ball. It could be a wrought iron stand, a metal or steel stand, or a pedestal. You could search for a gazing globe that comes attached with a scroll design.
- The gazing globe can make any statue or fountain look soft under its warm lights.
- Transform your plain-looking water feature or pond with a glazing globe. Just set it afloat on water.
- You can also put the globe in a shallow bowl of your choice. Choose something that goes with the aesthetic of the garden or your house.
- Multiply the good looks of a plant hanger with a small gazing ball.
The idea of a solar gazing ball is to be seen, to provide the light that would turn your poorly-lit garden into a night paradise. With that said, do focus on the durability of the globe in consideration.
If it’s a light and fragile glass globe, do not put it where it may be disturbed often. Instead, put it somewhere where it becomes the heart of your garden.
Wrapping Up
Whether or not they bring good luck and prosperity, we know that a gazing globe can add a lot outdoors and indoors. From beautifying a place to helping the plants become healthier– a giant orb of glowing light is an impeccable addition!
We hope the buying guide helped you walk through different solar gazing globes you can choose from. Do keep all the factors in mind before you make your decision. And do not forget to care for your globes for longevity!