Simple Dollar Store Solar Lights Glow-Up

Learn how to transform simple dollar store solar lights into beautiful, high-end looking solar orbs using affordable Dollar Tree supplies. This easy DIY adds warmth, charm, and a stylish glow to your outdoor space—without breaking the budget.

I’ll be the first to admit—I haven’t done a whole lot to my yard.

While we did landscape the front, the backyard has pretty much stayed the same…

just grass, nothing fancy.

And if I’m being honest, I’ve been a little envious of my mom’s yard, dreaming of having an outdoor living space we can actually enjoy like she does.

After she shared backyard ideas last week, I felt inspired to finally start somewhere—nothing big, just adding a little fun garden decor.

Now, if you know me, you know I don’t like to spend a lot of money…

but I definitely don’t want things to look cheap.

So using only Dollar Tree supplies, we created these beautiful solar orbs for the yard.

I love the warmth and charm they bring to our cobblestone sitting area—and the subtle coastal vibe is exactly what I was going for.

Want to see how to give your dollar store solar lights an easy glow-up? Keep reading!

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Supplies Needed

For this project, we kept things simple and budget-friendly by picking up everything we needed at Dollar Tree except the silicone.

For each solar light orb you’ll need:

That’s it!

These basic supplies come together to create a surprisingly high-end look, proving you don’t need to spend a lot to make beautiful outdoor decor.

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Pinterest image, woman placing glass gem orbs on Dollar store solar lights for an easy affordable glow-up

Clean the Vase

Before you get started, take a few minutes to prep your vase for the best results.

First, remove the label, then make sure the glass is nice and clean.

We used a little rubbing alcohol to wipe away any sticky residue and fingerprints, which helps the adhesive stick better.

If you’re new here, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.

Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.

You’ll find ideas for repurposing, creating, decorating and making your home truly yours, while always mindful of a tight budget.

Undoubtedly we love finding ways to make your home look high-end on a small budget.

Plus you’ll also find a recipe or two as we share our family favorites with you.

We’d love it if you’d join our community of doers so you won’t miss any inspiration for your home.

We love new friends.

Attach Glass Gems

Next comes the fun part—attaching the glass gems to create that beautiful orb look.

We used a clear outdoor silicone adhesive for this step, and after trying two methods, we definitely recommend using a squeeze tube over a caulk gun.

Woman applied clear silicone to the back of Dollar store glass gems.

I used the tube while my mom used a caulk gun, and she found it much harder to control how much silicone came out on each gem.

Before you begin, protect your work surface (silicone is tough to clean!) and wear gloves if possible.

Lay your glass gems flat side up, then squeeze a small amount of silicone, about a ¼-inch dab, onto the flat side.

Press the adhesive side onto the vase, starting on the flat bottom.

Glass gems are adhered to the bottom of a round glass base with clear silicone.

Once that area is covered, begin working your way down the sides.

I was able to get about two rows before the gems started sliding, so instead of waiting for it to dry, we flipped the vase over and this worked perfectly!

Woman holds a round dollar store glass vase that she had applied glass gems to with silicone.

Woman pressed glass gem with silicone to a round glass vase.

The gems rested on the ones already in place, making it much easier to keep going.

If you still have trouble with slipping, a little painter’s tape can help hold things in place while it dries.

The silicone sets in about 30–60 minutes and fully cures in 24–48 hours.

Continue adding gems until the entire vase is covered up to the rim, don’t worry about small gaps, they actually add to the charm and glow of the finished piece.

Install Solar Lights and Orbs

Now it’s time to bring everything together and install your solar lights and orbs.

Start by prepping your solar light, some come with a small plastic tab you’ll need to remove to activate the battery, or an on/off switch, so be sure to follow the instructions that came with yours.

Woman places glass gem orb over dollar store solar lights along the edge of a cobble stone path.

Once it’s ready, insert the plastic ground stake into the soil where you’d like your light, then attach the solar light on top.

After that, simply place your finished glass gem orb over the light.

I styled mine along a cobblestone path leading to a bench, and it instantly added such a warm, inviting glow.

For the best results, choose a spot that gets plenty of direct sunlight during the day so your lights charge fully.

Make sure the stake is pushed securely into the ground for stability.

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Tips & Variations for Dollar Store Solar Lights

One of the best things about these dollar store solar lights orbs is how easy they are to customize to fit your style.

If you love a coastal look like me, try using soft blues, aqua and frosted glass gems, or even try adding sea glass and a few shells for a summer vibe.

For something more modern, stick with clear or monochromatic glass gems, just remember the sun light will need to penetrate the top of the orb.

For a more rustic style try incorporating a few warm toned pepples look beautiful with warm stones or a bit of sheet moss.

Be sure to place your lights in full sun, keep the solar panels clean.

Small changes like these can make your solar orbs feel completely custom while still keeping your project budget-friendly.

FAQs

Do solar lights work well year-round?
Solar lights can work year-round, but their performance really depends on how much sunlight they receive. During the summer months, they tend to shine brighter and longer since they get a full day of direct sun. In the winter or on cloudy days, you may notice they don’t stay lit as long—but they’ll still add a soft glow. My mom keeps her lights out year round and they work until after 10 pm.
How long do they last?
Most dollar store solar lights last a couple of years with regular use. The good news is that the rechargeable batteries inside can often be replaced, which can extend the life of your lights, however they are easy and cheap to replace.
Can you use different containers?
Yes, definitely! You’re not limited to just one type of vase. Any clear or translucent container will work, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. You can experiment with different shapes and sizes to create a more custom, high-end look.
What glue works best?
A clear outdoor silicone adhesive works best for this project. It’s strong, weather-resistant, and holds the glass gems securely in place. Plus, it dries clear, which helps keep your finished solar orb looking clean and polished.