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Back yard lighting ideas


15 ways to illuminate beautifully |

(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)

Clever backyard lighting ideas can quickly transform your yard and max up its potential as an extra space to enjoy in the evening. The right lighting can spotlight focal points such as trees and planting and help to zone different areas for relaxing, al fresco cooking or gathering for drinks. 

Discreet up-lights can be used to enhance plants and trees, adding drama as their shapes will take on architectural qualities when thrown into relief. The same goes for pieces of garden art or sculpture, which can become key focal points of the night garden if you use the right lighting to draw attention to them.

You can also create a relaxed atmosphere if you use recessed lighting to give your backyard ideas an indoor feel that's perfect for defining a welcoming space when you're entertaining friends. There's a practical element to good lighting too, as it can be used to light the way and frame entrances.

Our expert backyard lighting ideas to help you create a wonderfully lit night time garden that's a real design feature.

Backyard lighting ideas

The time to plan your backyard lighting is when you are scouting for backyard landscaping ideas. This is because planning and installing backyard lighting will require some upheaval, unless you go purely for solar outdoor lighting ideas.

'Our backyards are now being used much more for socializing and entertaining, so there’s an increased focus on how they transform after dusk. Incorporating a lighting scheme into your design can bring a new ambience to your garden – and of course it's practical too,' explains John Wyer, CEO of garden designers Bowles & Wyer .

With so many lighting landscape ideas to choose from, keep in mind the look you want to create and its chosen purpose when planning how to landscape your backyard. This may be to highlight a path, form a focal point such as enhancing a plant or piece of garden art, zone a space such as a relaxation area or guide your way down some steps or along a path.

'Clever but discreet backyard lighting can add a further dimension and drama to your garden,' says garden designer Charlotte Rowe . 'It helps to extend the life of a garden, creating an atmospheric space or outdoor room even after dark.' 

Whatever you hope to achieve one thing is for sure – every backyard needs good lighting to help you make the most of your space at night. So why not create a series of impressive focal points and help define your space with our selection of stunning backyard lighting ideas?

1. Focus attention on the patio

(Image credit: Terrain)

Even the simplest of patio lighting ideas can create an intimate, cozy feel that will invite guests to stay at the table. 

'Backyard string light ideas, draped over your outdoor dining area, or woven into the greenery growing on fences and walls, is an easy backyard lighting retro-fit – all you need to ensure is that the lighting is suitable for outdoor use,' says H&G's Gardens Editor Rachel Crow.

2. Light up the backyard at dusk

(Image credit: Charlotte Rowe Garden Design)

This stunning contemporary space is perfect for anyone looking for sloped backyard ideas. It features a sleek modern water feature, raised dining platform and smart planting that all benefits from being discreetly lit as soon as daylight starts to fade. Make sure your backyard lighting ideas include built-in timers to add automatic atmosphere at dusk. It's a small detail that makes a big difference.

'This garden design shows how important it is to have lighting even when it's not quite dark,' says garden designer Charlotte Rowe. 'There is lighting in the water feature which plays with the movement in the water and highlights the stepping stone. The hedging and trees in the lower garden are also lit with spike spots for added drama.'

3. Combine backyard lighting with a fireplace

(Image credit: Terrain)

A wonderful way to create a focal point in your backyard is with lighting that centers around outdoor fireplace ideas or backyard fire pit ideas.

'This is perfect in a smaller or courtyard space,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'You may not need much more lighting in your backyard than this. Of course, you won't always want to light the fire, especially on warm nights, so ensure the backyard lighting is sufficient to illuminate the space cozily without it. You can always fill the hearth with candles to create extra glow.'

4. Create a magical space

(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)

Stunning backyard lighting adds another dimension to this sunken garden, creating an enchanting space for entertaining and helping to bring the garden to life at night. The lighting scheme, designed by John Cullen Creative Director Sally Storey, brings together both inside and out, picking out the key features throughout the space to enhance the overall effect.

The path to the outdoor seating area and kitchen beyond is lit with floor lights to guide you through the space. The architectural nature of the trees and sculptures is emphasized with spiked spotlights to softly light the surrounding area. A subtle glow is created under the seating area which adds another interesting dimension.

The most flexible solution for backyard lighting is often to use spiked lights which are repositioned as the seasons change to ensure you highlight the best effects. This design shows how lighting can be used in this way to pull together a space cohesively and is packed with backyard lighting ideas you can steal.

5. Light up a pergola

(Image credit: Maze Living)

Pergola ideas are a great way to add shelter in a backyard, whether from the sun in hot weather, or from rain on cooler days. They can also be warmer to sit beneath at night, which means working backyard lighting ideas into their design.

One way to do so is to have the pergola designer work lighting into the structure, as above; gazebo lighting ideas make for great inspiration for this type of lighting design. Another is to consider including lighting fixtures that could fit seamlessly indoors (looks-wise) into your outdoor living room ideas.  

6. Enhance a focal point

(Image credit: Charlotte Rowe Garden Design)

Using a combination of decorative lighting effects always produces the best results. Accent lighting lets you create drama to enhance a sculpture at the end of a garden path, for example, while recessed lights in the gravel enhance the starkly silhouetted trunks of a row of pleached trees.  

'The flat-topped umbrella plane trees down this avenue are up-lit with the light softly grazing their trunks. This leads your eye down the avenue to the focal point urn at the end,' says garden designer Charlotte Rowe. 'The large timber arbor on the right is also enhanced by strong ambient lighting.'

Lighting a canopy of trees overhead such as here is always magical too, lending a sense of enchantment that's perfect for enhancing space in small backyards.

7. Be creative with deck lighting ideas

(Image credit: Living Gardens)

Deck lighting ideas can be fitted flush into the deck as uplighters, highlighting, for safety reasons, the edge of the deck or the edge of stair risers. They can also be used with directional fittings to spotlight container plants displayed on the deck.

However, there are more imaginative ways of lighting a deck, such as this downlit idea, above. This creates a softer result, and shows off the warm color of the wood. 

'The temperature of your backyard lighting bulbs are a consideration,' says Rachel Crow. 'LEDs are often cool-colored, but if you want to create an inviting look, I would suggest buying bulbs with a warmer, yellower light.'

8. Zone your space with lights

(Image credit: Bowles Wyer)

'Carefully placed backyard lighting can effectively zone your space. It creates small intimate areas nestled in foliage, almost like beads on a necklace,' says garden designer John Wyer. 'The best way to do this is to think about purpose – dining, lounging, a water feature. Or you could even give a new lease of life to a winding pathway by adding subtle spotlights.'

Lighting can add a completely different mood to your backyard too and should be used to accentuate the form and texture that you’ve created in your garden design. In larger backyards it can be used to add a sense of mystery. Where does the winding path lit by recessed lights lead to? What is that stunning spot-lit tree in the distance that demands a closer look?

Lighting is your best friend when it comes to staging your backyard for a garden party too. Nothing sets the scene better than an outdoor space lit by glowing lights.

9. Use lighting to transform a courtyard 

(Image credit: Charlotte Rowe/Light-IQ)

Inspirational and innovative lighting can be used to work with existing architecture such as the walls of this enclosed courtyard ideas, showing that no matter how small your garden is it can be transformed into an exceptionally lit space.

'This long water rill has spotlights under each of the timber pontoons that cross the water and an uplight for the water spout at the end. This helps to take your eye down the water feature to the wall at the end,' says garden designer Charlotte Rowe. This creates the impression that the space is bigger than it actually is.

'We have also up-lit the multi-stem Amelanchier trees and the pleached hornbeams at the end of the garden, with the light grazing the old stock brick walls around the garden,' adds Charlotte. The result shows that clever backyard lighting ideas that pay attention to smaller details can be transformative.

10. Create an outdoor space with an indoor feel

Courtyard garden by Osada Design, with lighting by John Cullen Lighting

(Image credit: Osada Design/John Cullen Lighting)

A blended indoor-outdoor entertaining area is perfect for a relaxed atmosphere such as the one here in this sheltered courtyard space by Osada Design and John Cullen Lighting. It's a real retreat from city life.

When night falls, a sophisticated lighting system adds drama, illuminating the trees and the movement of water, highlighting planting in pots as well as the main architecture of the building, while creating magical shadows and making a space to be enjoyed at all hours of the day.

It's a unique backyard that uses planting, water and lighting to add drama, turning a small area into an extra special place for entertaining.

11. Go subtle for a relaxing spa effect

(Image credit: Charlotte Rowe Garden Design)

As relaxation pools go, this one has to be high on our wish list. Who wouldn't want to step along that magically lit path and slip into the whirlpool spa to ease away the stresses of the day? We love the retreat-like feel of it, which is enhanced by the addition of lanterns and candles around the edges.

'This spa has a light inside it to give it form but there are also up-lit pleached pear trees around it,' says garden designer Charlotte Rowe. 'We also always recommend that natural lighting in the form of lanterns and night lights are used in addition to electric lighting.'

When it comes to backyard lighting ideas, don't forget battery operated flameless candles as they're one of the easiest ways and best backyard ideas on a budget to create the right mood. You can set the timers on them so they come on automatically at dusk too.

12. Throw the spotlight on trees

(Image credit: Alun Callender/Future)

Discreet backyard lighting ideas can be used to create a showpiece for a welcoming ambience in the evening garden. Trees take on architectural qualities when lit up from beneath, the angled uplighters enhancing the shape of leaves and the structure of trunks and branches. This will add drama that can be enjoyed from inside the house too.

Choose uplighters that are recessed into the ground. Alternatively set lights on moveable spikes for illuminating the trunks and branches of specimen trees, as they can be shifted both to suit the mood and according to the seasons. When one tree has had its moment simply switch the focus to another one by shifting the light.

13. Illuminate the pool at night time

(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)

Pool lighting ideas are so inviting for a night-time dip and if you're entertaining in the garden add a Hamptons-like vibe when dusk falls. What could be more alluring than a well-lit pool?

In this design by John Cullen Lighting the trees bordering the pool are also lit up with spotlights to emphasize their architectural qualities, while up-lighters are used on the house to add a welcoming glow. 

In the distance a combination of spike floodlights and spotlights enhance the perimeter planting, helping to pull the whole look together seamlessly.

14. Use different layers for the best effects

James Alexander-Sinclair/Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architect

(Image credit: James Alexander-Sinclair/Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architect)

This small split level garden uses mellow sandstone for the paving and steps that looks spectacular bathed in warm light at night. 'Lighting is a very important part of this backyard as it gives a new dimension and feel to the space,' explains landscape architect Stefano Marinaz . 

For this project there were three different channels of lighting, one for the trees, one for the steps and bench, and the third for the recessed lights at the back of the yard so the client could control what they wanted on/off independently from the other group of lights.  

'The LED lights used for this project consisted of a sequence of recessed spotlights along the steps from the first floor down to the ground floor level of the garden,' explains Stefano. 'We included a spike LED light under each of the multi-stem Amelanchier trees.

'Underneath the limestone solid block seating we had a recessed channel for an LED strip light. At the end of the garden we used some recessed small uplights to wash the timber cladding.' 

Look at backyard lighting ideas in terms of different layers for spectacular results to achieve an effect like the one in this space.

15. Highlight your home's architecture

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton )

Backyard lighting ideas aren't just about showing off garden features, such as plants and containers. You should also consider how the lighting might show off your home. 

'This type of backyard lighting can focus on the house,' says Lucy Searle. 'But it might also be used to illuminate other structures within your property, such as a pool house or garden room. Doing so won't just allow you to see the beauty of your home's architecture in a different light – literally – it will also make your outdoor space feel larger at night.'

How do you illuminate a backyard?

To light a backyard, first decide on the look you want to achieve and which areas demand special attention in terms of outdoor lighting. Choose what you want to throw the spotlight on, whether that's trees, an entrance, a pergola or a water feature.

Draw up a plan, working out what each area needs, then talk through your ideas with an electrician. Unless you’re using solar-powered lights you’ll need a power supply which means outdoor sockets and a switch plus armored cabling for safety. This will need to be installed professionally. 

LED lights are energy efficient and there is now a huge range available to choose from. If your garden is sunny consider solar-powered lighting but remember it’s not such a good option in winter. Avoid flooding the garden with light as it can look too harsh and you won't achieve the type of ambient glow that works best.

How can I light my backyard without electricity?

Backyard lighting has been revolutionized by improved LEDs, which are energy efficient and one of the safest options for outdoors without needing electricity cables and a power supply. So if you are wondering how much outdoor lighting costs, this will be a consideration.

Look for warm white LED bulbs that can be clipped to outdoor structures like fences or pergolas so you can make more of your space in the evening by creating a more intimate setting. Choose inter-connecting sets if you want an easy option for lighting a bigger party space. To create atmosphere also consider flameless electric candles or real candles in hurricane lamps.

With the exception of solar powered lighting and candles, all other garden lights need to be connected to the mains. Solar lights can be used to edge paths and patios, and enhance planting. Some are suitable to use as spotlights too. They’re most effective in an open spot that gets enough sunlight and naturally their performance is not as good in winter.  

There’s now a huge choice of LED lights available that work well for backyard lighting ideas, including a range of quality ones can last up to 20 years. 

Lifestyle journalist Sarah Wilson has been writing about gardens since 2015. She's written for Gardeningetc.com, Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Easy Gardens and Modern Gardens magazines. Her first job on glossy magazines was at Elle, during which time a visit to the legendary La Colombe d'Or in St-Paul-de-Vence led to an interest in all things gardening. Later as lifestyle editor at Country Homes & Interiors magazine the real pull was the run of captivating country gardens that were featured. 

7 Awesome Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard

Assessing Your Yard's Needs

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Darkness needn’t put a damper on backyard activities like swimming and barbecuing. By installing backyard lighting, you can keep the party going long after dusk, boost outdoor ambiance, and protect your property from unseen threats.

The three main types of backyard illumination are safety lighting to deter prowlers and improve navigation, landscape lighting to accentuate garden features, and accent lighting to put the focus on the hardscape. Ultimately, you’d want all three types in your backyard to achieve different lighting levels for different needs—and within each of these categories, there’s a variety of lighting choices. So let us shine a light on the best backyard illumination options, so you’ll know what to put in your outdoor space.

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1. Security Lighting

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Security lighting, generally the brightest backyard lighting, is safety lighting to illuminate large areas and scare off would-be burglars or destructive animals. Powered by standard, 120-Volt current, this lighting is installed high spots such as the eaves or above a garage to cast wide beams of light down onto main walkways or the backyard fence entrance.

Your best bet for security is motion-sensing floodlights that mount to the surface of exterior siding or walls and contain two- or three-bulb housing units that go on only when built-in sensors detect movement in the area. Their intense light exposes prowlers and may fool them into thinking you’re home and on alert even if you’re not.

Our Pick for Security Lights: Available in black or white, Ring's floodlight (available at Amazon ) is weather resistant and can be connected to a Ring doorbell, other Ring lights, and even Amazon Alexa. Its two optical LED lights produce a powerful 2000 lumens to light up your landscape as bright as day, and it can detect motion from up to 70 feet away. 

RELATED: Buyer's Guide: Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

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2. Path Lighting

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Path lighting is soft to moderately bright safety and landscape lighting designed to help you navigate walkways while attractively highlighting them. Install it on the ground along both sides of main walkways from the back door to your fence door, along stepping stones from the main walkway to a backyard feature like a fountain, and/or around flower beds to emphasize their contours.

Path lighting is often available in low-voltage (12- to 15-V) and solar LED options consisting of a decorative bulb housing unit attached to a short stake you drive into the ground. If you choose low-voltage path lights , you'll need to use a transformer to reduce the 120-volt house current to 12 volts; energy-saving solar versions, meanwhile, require no extra wires. Even if your walkways are shaded, these lights will stay bright for several hours after dusk, thanks to a solar rechargeable battery or remote solar panel you station somewhere else in the yard that gets direct sun.

Our Pick for Path Lights: With a stainless steel finish and cylindrical panes, this elegant 6-pack of solar path lights by Signature Garden (available at Amazon) earns high ratings from Amazon shoppers. The lights' water resistance is another draw, along with their LED bulbs, auto on/off power, and crystalline solar panel. Emitting a warm white light, they are also super easy to install.

RELATED: Buyer's Guide: Solar Path Lights

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3. String Lighting

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String lighting is soft, low-voltage accent lighting used to evoke a warm, intimate ambiance that’s especially desirable for entertaining. Hang string lights wherever the activity is—be it on the eaves of the home to brighten an outdoor kitchen or from the posts of an outdoor pavilion or gazebo to illuminate patio furniture.

Look for waterproof, rechargeable, traditional battery-powered or solar-powered outdoor string lights (which usually come with a remote solar panel), preferably those with long-lasting LED bulbs. Such lights avoid the need for running extension cords across the yard, enable lighting in far corners of the yard without electrical outlets, and ensure that lights stay on safely even if spattered with rain.

Our Pick for String Lights: Hang 48 feet of Brightech Ambience Pro waterproof string lights over your patio table or under a pergola to lounge in the warm white glow of 15 indoor-outdoor bulbs (available at Amazon). Not only are these Edison-style bulbs stylish in a retro way, but they are also energy-efficient! These LEDs will last longer than your average incandescent options and won't cost as much to use over that long lifetime.

RELATED: 7 Ways to Transform String Lights from Holiday to Every Day

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4. Outdoor Wall Lighting

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Outdoor wall lighting is a low-voltage, moderately bright form of safety and accent lighting used chiefly to illuminate and improve navigation in small recessed areas of the yard where shadows lurk. You can mount them on any vertical surface, such as along the interior of your pergola; above stairways; and around sunken seating areas, pools, and other low-lying spots.

Wall sconces with an open-bottomed design (i.e., the bottom of the bulb housing is uncovered) are the best options because they cast the maximum amount of light down onto recessed areas. If you have scarce space on exterior walls, consider semi-flush-mount sconces (i. e., the light is attached to a narrow arm that mounts to a plate on the wall) instead of flush-mount sconces with the whole fixture up against the wall.

Our Pick for Outdoor Sconces: Just as the market of indoor wall sconces is large and varied, so are your options for outdoor wall lighting. You'll see all shapes, sizes, and metal finishes—this Lora outdoor sconce (available at The Home Depot) comes in seven finishes, from a shiny red to oil-rubbed bronze. The shallow fixture focuses light from an incandescent or LED bulb down toward the entertainment happening below, while the clean lines of the design blend easily with any other fixtures you may have in place around your exterior.

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5. Lanterns

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Lanterns offer soft, low-voltage accent lighting for a small expanse of an outdoor wall to play up architectural details or decor. They’re often installed in the vicinity of the back door to highlight a transom window, arch, or ornate wreath atop it. Most lanterns are semi-flush mount, consisting of a glass-and-metal exterior attached to an arm affixed to a plate on the wall. However, battery-powered tabletop lanterns bring that same visual interest to eye level while softly illuminating elements that you might reach for when outside entertaining: bowls of snacks, beverages, board games, and more. Choose lanterns with a translucent as opposed to a clear glass covering to provide diffuse, glare-free nighttime lighting that doesn’t distract from other backyard light fixtures.

Our Pick for Lanterns: While there are plenty of variations on the traditional wall-mounted lantern, with its hard corners and boxy shape, feel free to think out of the box. If your sense of style leans toward farmhouse or coastal, you may gravitate toward the Globe Electric's modern matte black take on caged lantern (available at Amazon). The quality of this affordable fixture and its seeded glass shade constantly impresses Amazon buyers.

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6. Deck Lighting

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Deck lighting is standard-voltage, moderate- to high-intensity lighting designed to help folks get up, down, and across the deck by night, avoiding tripping hazards and visual clutter, and also accentuate nearby garden features.

It’s installed as a series of LED lights recessed into grooves in the surface, so that you can safely walk over them, never even feeling them underfoot. Deck lights also belong around the perimeter of the deck surface, in between the individual steps of stairs, and/or along deck stair railings.

Our Pick for Deck Lights: Illuminating the edge of your deck and its steps is essential to preventing trips and falls in the dark. Whether you're fixing up an existing structure or setting out to build a new one, consider SMY Lighting's recessed LED deck lights (available at Amazon). The lights are just over 2 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch deep. They are durable enough to withstand weather and foot traffic and maintain a consistent (while economical) glow. The 6-piece set should be ample lighting for a few deck steps when spaced 3 feet apart.

RELATED: Safety Check: 5 Tips to Protect Your Deck from Disaster

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7. Spot Lighting

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Also known as “up-lighting” or simply landscape lighting, spot lighting is standard-voltage landscaping lighting used to shine narrow, moderate- to high-intensity beams upwards, usually to showcase a plant or ornamental feature. You might install it at or above ground level below tall trees or a lawn ornament to make them look more statuesque.

To light taller objects, such as trees, opt for bullet-shaped lights on a base you drive into the ground with a stake. Bullet lights have an adjustable head that sits above ground and casts bright pins of light over longer distances at an angle of your choice. For shorter features, such as shrubs, try well lights, round lights that are pushed into the ground to cast light upwards over shorter distances. Because they’re hidden in the ground, they let small garden features take center stage.

Our Pick for Spot Lights: Cast a warm white light on your prized patch of landscaping around the patio or front lawn with hykolity's LED low-voltage spot lights (available on Amazon). Sold in sets of four with an IP65 rating that's suitable for wet locations, these spot lights connect to your 12-volt low-voltage lighting system in a matter of minutes, thanks to the user-friendly installation process. And they are a set-and-forget addition to your yard: Because the LED bulb is completely integrated with the light fixture, it's both highly efficient and maintenance-free.

RELATED: 12 Expert Tips for Eye-Catching Front Yard Landscaping

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Let There Be Light

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There's a lighting option for every backyard.

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30 Cool Backyard Lighting Ideas for Magical Decor

It's finally nice to be outside, which means we can finally spend more time outdoors than indoors. The backyard replaces the living room for many events, not only during the day, but also in the evening or at night.

When the sun goes down, we have the perfect opportunity to turn our backyard into a magical place. But how… you may wonder. We'll let you in on a little secret: is all about backyard lighting and all the fun things you can do with them.

How to choose your backyard lights

Looking at how many types of backyard lights are on the market today and wondering which type is best for your needs? You are not alone in this and it is easy to get confused when different types of lights are very similar with slight differences. Before you make your final decision, make sure the following questions are asked and answered!

  1. What style of lighting do you need? Security lighting with motion sensors and timers? Decorative lights to enhance the overall aesthetic? Wall lights or freestanding lights?
  2. Are you looking for backyard lighting that will light up your entire backyard or just the part of it where you spend your time?
  3. Are you looking for energy efficient lighting or lighting that is easy to replace?
  4. Solar power, battery or electricity for lighting?
  5. Your backyard lighting budget.
  6. Do you need a warranty, repair and installation?

Types of Backyard Lights

When it comes to backyard lighting, there is definitely more than one type of market sector flooding, so it's important to know the difference between each type.

Consider These Questions Before You Buy

What are the most common questions customers ask when it comes to backyard lighting? What are the best questions to help you choose the type of backyard lighting you want to install? Below you will find some of them:

  1. What is the best backyard light for a large yard? Small backyard?
  2. How much energy does each type of lighting consume?
  3. Is solar or battery better in terms of power and lighting?
  4. Can you return a lamp if it is not the one you want?
  5. How about installation? Do you need an electrician or can you do it at home?
  6. Can you change the position of the lights or are they fixed?
  7. How much maintenance (if any) is required?

Backyard Lighting Projects

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Backyard lights are often purely decorative, although they also help create a cozy atmosphere. That being said, a cool idea might be to hang some cafe lanterns around the seating area and give them a nice and trendy look by embellishing them with embroidery thread and macramé cord, as suggested on Jojotastic. We really like those cute little bells that have been added here. They really lift your spirits.

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Since we are talking about open space, solar lights would make sense. Aren't they wonderful? They are really made to order and the whole process is quite simple. According to Everydaydishes, this requires the following materials: solar lanterns and spice jars (6 each in this particular case), masking tape, frosted glass paint in several colors (or just one, depending on which look you prefer), sponge brush, strong glue and twine.

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If you want to add some decorative lighting to your garden seating area but don't have a pergola or roof to hang the light on, you can make some poles. The idea comes from Idaklipperochklistrar and is in turn inspired by some Pinterest posts. Essentially, the goal is to frame the space with poles, which can then be decorated in all sorts of interesting ways. To do this, you will need several buckets (or other types of containers), concrete mix and poles (these can be thin tree trunks, branches, or real poles made of wood, metal, PVC, etc.).

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These glowing orbs are really cool and we've actually seen them used in all sorts of beautiful landscapes, but it never occurred to us that we could actually create them ourselves. But then we stumbled upon a message from Theartofdoingstuff, and suddenly everything made sense. This has to be one of the best backyard lighting ideas simply because it is so simple and so elegant. Believe it or not, all you need to create these beautiful spheres is a few old glass shades and some old Christmas lights. However, there is one trick. You will most likely have to bring an extension cord into the garden and bury it in the dirt, unless of course you can find some battery operated lights to use.

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Solar lights are very affordable, but they're really easy to get. Displaying them in a way that makes them stand out is the tricky part. We have an idea that you might like. It comes from Build-basic , which is an inexpensive and relatively simple project that can be completed in about an hour. The idea is to build a wooden pole and embed sunlight into it.

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The stump and entire line of cracked log lights are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, although they are certainly a great choice for gardens, courtyards and patios in particular. These lamps are so beautiful because they look like things you can actually find on the street. Designer Duncan Merding recently added new pieces to the collection, adding stumps that are nearly double the size of the original.

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Aren't those backyard lights magical? No wonder they are called Magic Dustballs. They are solar powered and turn on automatically when dust hits, meaning you only need to find a good place to hang them and then just forget about them. You don't need to charge them or worry about the on/off switch. Add these globes to your porch, patio, garden or backyard and turn those spaces into magical wonderlands.

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Another way to create a good mood in your backyard is to use torches. What's really cool is that you can make your own torches from recycled wine bottles. The project is not that difficult, but it needs a few things. According to Designsponge, the list of consumables for a single burner includes an empty wine bottle (or any bottle with a 1" neck), Teflon tape, a copper top plate connector, a 1" split ring hanger, a copper coupler (1/2" ). x 3/8 in.), two hex nuts, two screws, tiki wick and burner fuel.

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Remember the poles we mentioned earlier? Here is a version of this project adapted for an al fresco garden dining area. Two poles are enough to frame the area, and their role in this case is to hold the garlands. It's like a chandelier in the street. You can also creatively customize the project from Homedepot and, for example, also wrap the poles with fairy lights.

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If you want to create a romantic atmosphere, candles are usually better than lamps, although fairy lights are pretty cute too. As for candles, you can use several candles of different sizes, and you can spread them around your backyard either inside jars, votive, or grouped on trays. Perhaps you'll be inspired by this charming backyard terrace we found on Cutemaison. We love how the candlelight brings out the texture of the stone and wood walls.

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The gazebo is a great opportunity because you can hang string lights to create a truly magical atmosphere. Everything would be even more magical if vines and climbing plants grew on the pergola or lattice walls, framing the space like a secret garden. A bunch of planters made from repurposed containers like buckets or baskets would also be adorable. We got some of these ideas from Fixaodona and we really like them.

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The fire pits are pretty cool too, and if you're worried about having an open fire in your backyard, you might be better off with a fake fire. We propose to put some wooden logs lit with fairy lights. It's so simple and yet so charming. This is the type of fire that anyone can make and use safely even indoors. Inspirational ideas like this lead to big changes. You can find this idea and several others at Fipstickandmuffingirl.

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And speaking of logs and fairy lights, what if you wrapped some strings around trees in your backyard or garden. The result will be similar to what you see here. Just wrap the light around the tree trunks and go as high as you want.

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We have already described the list of things you will need if you want to make torches, but in this case wine bottles were used, so now we will also check out these stone jar torches that we found on Thefrugalhomemaker. Stone jar burners are more versatile because they can be moved around and placed on tables, shelves, or hung on walls and fences. Check out the easy instructions and make your own tiki lanterns.

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Have you ever worked with rope lights? They are really cool and also very versatile. You can use them to trace a path in your backyard or garden, or attach them to railings or railings. In fact, you can wrap them around just about anything in your backyard, including trees or furniture, and they look amazing every time. Check out three inspirational ideas in this regard at Christmaslightsetc.

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You may have heard of cupcake lights when we showed you some fun ways to personalize your Christmas tree. Well, they are actually great no matter the season. Check out Cfabbridesigns to learn how to make cute backyard lights using cupcake liners and then use them to decorate outdoor spaces. Feel free to mix and match patterns and colors.

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It's amazing what you can do with a few simple things like garlands and a bunch of little party hats. This fun idea comes from Cremedelacraft and this project is for everyone. All you need, apart from lanterns and hats, is duct tape and scissors. Trim the hats to make little cones that will fit around each tiny light bulb. You can cover up the pattern or graphics if you don't like them, and if you don't have party hats, just make some cardboard cones.

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Another cool backyard lighting idea from Eliseenghstudios. The tutorial found here shows how to make lanterns out of old tin cans. Usually you just clean the jar and peel off the label, then fill it with water and put it in the freezer. When the water freezes, use a hammer and nail to pierce the jar, creating any pattern you want. Remove the ice and then insert the candle into the jar. You can also add a handle.

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There is another type of lantern you can make and these include balloons and twine/rope. To make them, you will also need glue, cornstarch, petroleum jelly, spray paint, and garlands. You can learn how to use all of these things in a tutorial on Splashofsomething. Once you have these lovely lanterns, you can hang them in groups or in any other way in your backyard or patio. Don't they look adorable under that umbrella?

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All of the backyard lighting ideas we've presented so far are really good and charming, but we're missing something: chandeliers. That's right, you can really make a street chandelier. Consumercrafts has a tutorial showing how to make one from wire mesh. You will also need a tomato cage to use as a frame for this project.

Best Backyard Lighting Ideas You Can Buy

LITOM 120 Outdoor LED Solar Lights

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In addition to all the cool DIY lighting ideas we just mentioned, there are plenty of products you can buy just in case you really don't like making things. then or if you want to simplify things. If you prioritize safety and practicality, you may find these solar lights very useful. They have motion sensors, which detect movement within 26 feet and at an angle of 120 degrees. They are bright and automatically turn on at night when motion is detected. They are also portable and you can take them anywhere and hang or place anywhere you like. They are also waterproof, noise and frost resistant.

Solar Spotlights Outdoor Colored Landscape Lights

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Colored Lights are also great for giving your garden or garden a magical look. These are very bright and use large solar panels that are mounted on top and look like little sloping roofs. These spotlights can be inserted into the ground very easily and come in sets of two along with a remote control that can be used to set the time and color of the lighting. You can also mount them on walls or even trees. When fully charged, they can provide light for up to 16 hours. They turn on automatically at night and turn off in the morning, but they can also be controlled with a remote control.

Brightech Ambience Pro - Waterproof

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If you're looking to create a cozy bistro-style backyard or patio, you might want to use these outdoor lights. These are solar powered LED lights with vintage style bulbs that can be hung outside to create a nice atmosphere at night. They are bright enough to effectively illuminate an area, but also thin enough not to get too strong. When fully charged, these indicators work for 5 to 6 hours. You can get them in two different lengths.

BAXIA TECHNOLOGY BX-SL-101 Solar lights

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Security lights are essential for anyone who has a yard or garden. Their advantage of the is that they are powerful, compact and equipped with motion sensors. They turn on automatically when it's dark and motion is detected at a distance of 3 to 5 meters. They have an angle of 120 degrees and are powered by solar energy. They collect energy during the day and use it at night. 28 LEDs provide bright and powerful light and are protected by lampshades. You can safely place these lights outdoors as they are designed to be water and heat resistant.

Solar Deck Lights

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Sometimes it's nice to add a bit of style and character to outdoor areas like a backyard, patio or even garden, and one way to do this is to use accent lights. These are solar powered street lights. The have an unusual and a cute design, as well as built-in sensors that allow them to turn on and off automatically at night and at dawn. They can also change color, which is a really interesting little detail that you can take advantage of in interesting ways. You can install them within minutes and they can withstand rain and snow and last a long time.

Outdoor Curtain Solar Lights

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Rope Lights are another really cool idea. They are very popular during Halloween and Christmas when used as decorations, but you can also use them in a simpler and more casual way in your outdoor spaces. For example, you can use them to permanently decorate one of the trees in your garden, or you can hang them on your patio. The good thing about this particular model is that it uses two different power sources. They are powered by both solar panels and AA batteries, so there is always a backup source. They are also very bright and come with a small wireless remote control for added convenience.

Stainless Steel Outdoor Solar Lights 12Pack

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Of course, you also have more typical and classic outdoor solar lights to rely on. They are very cheap, versatile and also very comfortable. They are perfect for illuminating paths and you can also lay them out casually in your backyard or garden to create a nice and pleasant atmosphere at night. They absorb light during the day and store it, then turn on automatically at night. They are very easy to assemble and have stakes so you can easily stick them into the ground. You can also display them in other ways if you are creative.

U-miss 4PCs Solar Lights

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These solar street lights are pretty simple too, but they look like small torches. You can place them on your patio, porch, or anywhere else you see fit to add some special lighting to that space. They have a warm and soft glow and use solar energy that they collect during the day. No batteries or cords needed, they turn on automatically at night. They are also very durable and waterproof, so you can always safely leave them outside. The best part, of course, is the flickering flame.

GIGALUMI Masons Pendant Solar Lights

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Going back to all the magical outdoor theme we had, take a look at these lovely lights from stone jar. They are really cute and you can place them anywhere. They come in packs of six and require no wiring or batteries. They collect solar energy during the day and use it at night, creating a soft glow and adding decorative lighting to the space around them. When fully charged, they provide up to 8 hours of light. The fairy lights inside each jar are a bit like fireflies. Each of these lanterns is 3.2 inches in diameter and 5.3 inches high.

GIGALUMI Solar Pathway Lights, 6 pcs, Set

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These path lights look magical in their own way. They are brighter than regular road lights and have a more detailed design. They emit a warm white light and are made of metal with a beautiful bronze finish that gives them an elegant, antique feel. You can lay out several of them around your lawn or garden and use them to mark paths or illuminate certain areas. Put the stake in the ground and that's it. They are solar-powered and provide up to 10 hours of light on a full charge.

Conclusion

When it comes to backyard lighting, it's important to choose the option that best suits your needs and desires in terms of decor, style, functionality and budget. You want to make sure your budget includes not only lighting costs in terms of the initial purchase, but also long-term costs such as maintenance, replacement, and repairs. Your monthly utility bill will increase (unless they are solar-powered), so set aside for that too! Use the various guides to find the best lighting for your backyard.

Top 11 backyard seating ideas • inTrends

You look out the window at your backyard and want something better. It's small, but you're determined to turn it into a livable place. Maybe you could convert it into an outdoor living room. Or do you like a summer kitchen.

A small patio can still serve you well despite the lack of square meters. You just need to reduce the size of the furniture and find the right design. So why not check out these fun small patio ideas in your backyard and do something about your boring patio?

Inexpensive Backyard Ideas

You won't need to hire a contractor to remodel your small patio. Do a DIY project and make an inexpensive patio renovation. Even with minimal investment, you can enjoy beautiful outdoor space.

If your patio is covered with concrete, try another cover on top. Artificial grass will look lush green all year round, hide ugly concrete, and create a comfortable base for your outdoor living space. Other popular ideas for a small seating area are to paint concrete or lay tiles. Then lay down an outdoor rug to give the space a living room feel.

If you don't have concrete, try using fine gravel. You can cut the grass, level the ground, lay the landscape underlay, and then lay the gravel. It is simple, modern and easy to maintain.

Backyard Gazebo Ideas

Just because you have a small patio doesn't mean the sun isn't bad when you're there. If you're avoiding using your backyard for lack of shade or cover, then why not build a gazebo? Then you will have a covered patio that you can enjoy all year round.

Pergolas are popular in backyard patio ideas because they can be scaled to suit the space. For a small patio, you will need a simple structure that you can assemble yourself. There are simple ones made of wood. Others are more elegant and use metal, composite materials and concrete.

You can even make the top of the pergola movable to change the angle, to protect from bright direct rays as the sun moves across the sky.

Simple backyard seating ideas

Having a small patio means you have to go out of your way to create a beautiful space. A few ideas for an outdoor patio in the form of a selection of furniture, plants and decor will do. They will make a small patio look overly stylish, but to some it will seem sloppy and cluttered. Take a look at the suggested over-the-top and meticulously manicured patios and pick out some simpler but more suitable ideas for you. Place some potted plants around the coffee table and set up a couple of chairs.

Or place two armchairs opposite each other with a coffee table in the middle. For a tiny patio, mount a fold-out table into the wall and arrange four bar stools around it. So you will have a bar counter.

Backyard Lounge Furniture

When choosing outdoor furniture, consider the fit of the space. Resize as needed so they don't clutter up the patio. You should be able to move freely around your living room. Look for furniture with a more open design and legs. They will make the space more open and airy.

Use the same principle for potted plants. Resize the pots according to the space you plan to place them in. Instead of opting for bulky and wide planters, opt for something tall and narrow. They take up less space and also visually increase the height, which is good for your patio.

Modern ideas for a small backyard seating area

A modern approach to a small backyard turns it into a useful area. You can simply upgrade your BBQ grill or build an entire summer kitchen. Then you can cook, eat and relax without having to go inside the house. This backyard design will require plumbing and electricity in the home.

Another option is to create a quiet backyard garden. Your little backyard will be your mental retreat from the stresses of the world. Plant tall trees, bushes, and other plants with large leaves. This will muffle the street noise from the side.

Then add smaller colorful plants to attract butterflies and birds. Add a small fountain or pond for relaxing sounds of nature. Complete the space with a small seating area where you can enjoy the atmosphere of relaxation in search of peace of mind and balance.

Ideas for a paved recreation area

Using paving stones, bricks or stone to pave open spaces is not a cheap idea. Fortunately, your patio is small, so it is in your power to improve it with paving stones or bricks, without large financial expenses. You can even choose something more creative, like stone tiles or noble stone.

Try paving stones or stone in different colors and sizes. They are able to give your patio an individual design and visual interest. They will also help the space look more sophisticated and out of the box. It is best that paving stones or stone are laid by professionals. It is in your best interest that the installation is durable and stable, which means that you will definitely need experience with these materials.

Narrow backyard seating ideas

If your patio is long and narrow, work with the space, don't fight it. Instead of placing a standard table and chairs next to it, look for a long and narrow option. Then build a bench attached to the wall and place chairs on the other side. This approach reduces the width requirements. Another option is to purchase a coffee table and some chairs for it. They are smaller and do not require much space.

Consider hanging a hammock along the length of your patio. It will create the perfect seating area for relaxing with a good book. If a hammock isn't your style, build a long bench along your patio. Place a pillow on it for comfort. You can also make a small fire pit and place chairs around to fill the space.

Small Patio Pools

Just because you have a small patio doesn't mean you can't have a pool or hot tub. Think about how to place a small-sized pool in it and create a recreation area around it. Your water-filled pool will refresh your family during the hot summer months. Ideal for 1-1.5 meters deep with plenty of built-in seating.

If you don't just have a medium sized patio or a large yard with a full size pool, turn it into an outdoor shower. Install a shower stall outside the house and run water from the house to it. You can add a bamboo screen for privacy, it will make the shower a little more structured.

Fire pit ideas for small backyards

The great thing about fire pits is that they come in a variety of styles and sizes, and you're sure to find the right one for your yard. If you can’t find a suitable option, build your own, inspired by stone patio ideas.

When choosing a fire pit, consider the size. It must fit proportionately into the space. This will allow you to easily move around the patio while lit, and it should also be large enough to provide enough warmth during the colder months.

Think about what kind of fuel it will burn on. Some fire pits are made for wood, others use propane gas. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the type you choose will depend entirely on your preference.

Backyard Lounge Lighting Ideas

Adding lighting to your small backyard will create a cozy atmosphere and make the space feel special. The light will also allow you to spend more time in the backyard. The setting sun will no longer prevent you from enjoying the outdoors.

The most popular option is to hang garlands. These are electrical cables with large bulbs evenly spaced for even and warm light. Hang them along the fence or hang them from above to illuminate all areas of the territory. The more garlands you add, the more light you will have.

Be sure to buy durable outdoor luminaires. You may also need tall poles dug into the ground to support the lanterns, as the lanterns can be heavy.

Another simple option is to add candles. They are a great alternative if it is not possible to connect a garland from outside. Place large candlesticks or special lanterns around your small yard to give the area a romantic glow.

Decking ideas for a backyard seating area

Too often a small backyard turns into a mud pit. Don't be discouraged if your yard looks like this. It's hard to maintain a healthy lawn when it's tiny. The solution is to remove all the dry and withering grass and lay down a deck.

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