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Grow lights are typically designed for function, not aesthetics. At the end of the day, what matters most to plant lovers is that the plant gets enough light to truly thrive. Still, part of why we love houseplants is for the fresh beauty they offer indoors, so there’s no reason grow lights can’t pull double duty by enhancing both the health of the plant and the look of your space. Soltech has solved that problem with a collection of beautifully designed grow lights that deliver ample, high-quality light while looking great in any space. Their latest offering, the Aura Lamp, brings Italian-made modern design into your home.
Best Splurge-Worthy Ambient Grow Light
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
What We Like
- Sleek, minimalist design that elevates any space
- Warm, powerful light for medium- to low-light plants
- No assembly required and simple setup
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price point
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 13.25″ tall by 5.8″ wide by 5.8″ deep
- Lumens: 1146
- Cord Length: 9 feet
Upon unboxing the Aura, I was skeptical that the lamp would produce enough light to brighten a corner, let alone support a plant. Designed by Italian designer Matteo Ragni, the lamp features a minimalist silhouette that feels both modern and understated. It’s available in “Wenge,” a deep black finish, or natural wood. I chose Wenge.
Setup couldn’t have been easier. The lamp required no assembly and was ready to use straight out of the box. Like all Soltech lights, it does not include a built-in timer or light controls. It has a single button on the cord that turns the light on or off. It does come with a manual outlet timer that lets you set how long the light stays on.
There’s no option to adjust the brightness. Although the product specifications mention an “inline dimmer,” I wasn’t able to dim the light. The button on the cord only turned the lamp on or off. Touching the base or the bulb also had no effect on the brightness. Fortunately, that single setting works well. The lamp emits 1146 lumens at 3000K, producing a warm, pleasing glow. The light isn’t harsh or overly bright, yet it’s strong enough to illuminate a corner beautifully while providing adequate support for plants with medium- to low-light needs.
One important thing to note about the Aura is that the bulb cannot be replaced. The top of the lamp functions as a single integrated LED unit rather than a traditional, removable bulb. That detail may give some buyers pause. However, Soltech claims the Aura offers a 30,000-hour LED lifespan. This translates to more than 10 years of use at approximately 8 hours per day.
Would I recommend this lamp to plant lovers? Maybe. The Aura is undeniably expensive at $250. That said, it makes an exceptional luxury gift, especially for the plant enthusiast who seems impossible to shop for. With its modern, minimalist design and impressively powerful light output, the Aura feels less like a simple grow light and more like a statement piece that belongs in any dedicated plant lover’s home.
Where To Buy
Soltech Aura Lamp
Buy at Soltech