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Ideas for garden lights


20 Garden Lighting Ideas to Make Your Plants Shine

By

Erica Puisis

Erica Puisis

Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. She's contributed to Forbes and smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Published on 05/20/22

Reviewed by

Kathleen Miller

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

welcomia / Getty Images

Enjoy the beauty of your landscaping even at night by adding garden lighting. The most popular options for garden lights are spotlights, stake lights, or string lights—all of which can be solar or battery-powered.

When deciding on the best garden lighting options, consider your purpose. Are you looking for an ambient glow or seeking brighter light to increase visibility along pathways and water features? Warm, soft light is great for giving gardens a glow, while larger, brighter bulbs are typically a better pick if you want to illuminate tripping hazards or keep wandering feet out of your flower beds.

Whether you have a large garden bed, vertical garden space, or container plants, get inspired with these 20 different garden lighting ideas.

Outdoor lighting ideas: 32 ways to create a cozy glow

(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)

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These outdoor lighting ideas are just what you need to add that all-important glow at dusk. It's not one to overlook, as it can really transform your backyard – in terms of both practicality and style.

There are so many lighting possibilities to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. With the right designs, you can quickly add interest to a patio space, highlight key features such as your favorite plants, draw attention to a garden pergola that's set up for alfresco dining, or even create warmth in a shadowy corner. Experiment with different lights for different areas and don't be afraid to layer them up: think spotlights on steps, uplighting on trees, or cozy lanterns around outdoor seating, for example. 

To help you narrow down your options and elevate your space once the sun sets, we've rounded up the best outdoor lighting ideas, from on-trend festoon lights and pretty fairy lights to more practical designs to light pathways and doors. It's amazing what the best outdoor lights can do to make a plot look magical.

Beautiful outdoor lighting ideas to illuminate your space

Garden lighting is one of the easiest ways to create drama and ambiance after dark. These beautiful schemes are sure to get you inspired.

1. Light up zones of activity

Lights by Signature and Aquaterra Outdoors created this gorgeous setup

(Image credit: Lights by Signature/Aquaterra Outdoors/Photography: Jimi Smith Photography)

A long, narrow blank slate of a backyard in Celina, Texas, needed depth and a unique design. Lights by Signature teamed with Aquaterra Outdoors to bring elegance and fun to this yard, which now features several zones for relaxing and entertaining family and friends.  

Signature used Techlight LEDs for tree lighting and SPJ Lighting LEDs on the back pathway to give the yard a soft and luminous glow, giving the space the ambiance of a serene getaway. Working with a narrow space around the fire pit, Signature installed customizable tape lighting (strip lighting) for a clean, modern look. This technique takes the focus off the narrow space, creating an optical illusion of depth, according to Signature owner Scott Beverly.

Directional path lights were installed along the walkway and edges of the sitting area. The path lights guide the homeowners and their guests to the other side of the pool, where an inset grill and bar area anchor the space. Downlights in the outdoor kitchen keep the space illuminated for the chef or for anyone who swims up to the bar. More tape lighting was added around the countertops and steps. 

Uplights keep the edges of the yard lit. And we love the pool lighting here too: another line of customizable tape lighting that emits a colorful glow and can be changed with a smartphone app.

2. Add twinkling festoons above a hammock

These festoon lights from Beaumonde are the perfect choice for this scene

(Image credit: Beaumonde)

Consider festoon light ideas for setting a laid-back tone for your garden's chill-out zone. They tend to be affordable, as well as easy to install. 

String them up around a covered deck or patio and you'll be tempted to use the area well into the evening – especially if you've added in plenty of comfy seating and chic accessories. And, if your structure overhead is strong enough, why not bring in a hammock as a fun addition?

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3.

Go for modern wall lights for your front door

Smarten up your front door with chic lighting from Davey Lighting

(Image credit: Davey Lighting)

All front gardens need illuminating when night falls, especially around the front door. But why go for one light when you can have two? Symmetry always looks smart, after all. 

These modern black wall lights make a stylish statement against white cladded walls, and complement the door's design to a tee. Exposed bulbs add a sense of industrial-chic, whilst pretty pink roses bring an element of softness to the scene. It's a lovely way to welcome both you and your guests to your home.

4. Layer lights at different heights

Step lights safely guide the homeowners from their house to their patio in this scheme by Artscapes Living

(Image credit: Artscapes Living/Photography: George E. Brown Photography)

As a child, Pragya Mishra spent time in the jungles of Nepal for her father’s job. At night, workers delivered lanterns. 'It brought me such incredible joy to see the lights disperse, and joy still washes over me when I think about it,' says Pragya, the owner of Artscapes Living . 'Lighting is a big part of my design process because I want to recreate that joy for my clients.'

Pragya layered outdoor lighting at different heights for this large backyard project in McLean, Virginia. 'It's important to consider what attracts your eyes,' she explains. 'You can use lighting to define outdoor rooms and pathways in your space.'

The extensive project was a complete backyard overhaul that added a pool, a second-floor deck, a covered patio, an outdoor dining and entertainment area, and a few seating spaces to admire the landscape. Pragya used CAST lighting because she believes the fixtures are sleek, durable, and cohesive with the yard's design. She opts for LED bulbs, which don't overheat, and are crucial for down-lighting.

Safety was also a significant consideration, and the designers needed to illuminate the pool and multiple garden steps. Pragya considers placement crucial in highlighting focal points and creating separation between various outdoor rooms. 'There is nothing more off-putting than a bright bulb shining in your eyes as you walk through a yard, and I can’t stand a runway of lawn lights flanking a sidewalk,' she says.

5. Position lighting near water for a magical view

These dandelion clock solar lights from Sparkle Lighting create an enchanting scene

(Image credit: Sparkle Lighting)

Soft light reflecting off of water will always look magical. So, if you've got a garden pond, think about how you can combine it with your lighting for an awe-inspiring scene.

These dandelion clock designs look utterly enchanting on a gently sloping bank nearby, creating an other-worldly view from the far side of the water. If you're looking for an alternative option, think about installing pond lights beneath the water – they'll offer a bewitching glow and, when positioned carefully, will help to highlight pretty aquatic plants, too.

Try hanging pendants as part of your outdoor lighting ideas to make a striking statement – these ones are from Nedgis

(Image credit: Nedgis)

Does your outdoor space include a sturdy patio cover such as a pergola or gazebo? As well as keeping your seating sheltered, they're perfect for hanging statement pendants from. 

Architectural patio lighting designs like these are a fantastic way to elevate a contemporary plot. Crafted from durable, painted aluminum, they bring an industrial tone to this dining scene, especially in conjunction with the black table. 

Meanwhile, plenty of climbing foliage adds a textural element to the setup and offers a soothing dose of green.

7. Dress up a small urban deck

Step lights guide the way in this setup by Echo Beach Construction

(Image credit: Echo Beach)

Deck lighting is an important factor in illuminating a garden, and this is a gorgeous example.

The owners of a 15-x-30-foot urban deck and garden in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, hired Craig Threndyle of Echo Beach Construction to illuminate the space and install lights that would complement the yard’s features at night but not overwhelm or standout. 'We wanted to keep the vibe nice and mellow,' says Craig. 

Using low-voltage outdoor lighting, Craig installed sconces on the fence and uplights for the garden bed and to backlight the wooden bench. He credits the homeowners – an architect and designer – for designing the project.

Craig found the fixtures easy to install and work with. He built a floating step that comes off the landing, with under-mounted Hyve 22s, two per step. Halo downlights were used for the wall sconces, while the garden features three mini-scope uplights. 

'The homeowners were a dream to work with,' says Craig. 'Since they are downtown, they didn’t want it to stick out like a nightclub but they still made sure to highlight some of the striking features. '

8. Shine light on major focal points

A garden of trees in downtown London illuminated by John Cullen Lighting

(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)

How do you create a private garden in a city of nine million? Plant lots of tall trees to obscure surrounding skyscrapers. Here, key plantings include field maples (Acer campestre) and yews (Taxus baccatta). The trees' feathered foliage allows light to wash into each area of the garden while concealing the towering buildings.

Created by Osada Design , with illumination by John Cullen Lighting , the extensive city garden features Kew 60 spotlights and directional Hampton 60 floodlights. These LED fixtures come on spikes, making them easy to move around the garden during the changing seasons.

Like many water features, the rill looks beautiful when illuminated in the evening, as movement and refraction create patterns that reflect on the surrounding space. Overall, it's a perfect example of how landscaping with lights can add drama and impact.

9. Kick back, El Paso style

A sleek setup from Go Designs

(Image credit: Go Designs)

In hot and dry El Paso, Texas – which borders Mexico – a low-maintenance backyard looks beautiful without lots of plant life. Go Designs owner George Ocampo created a linear design for a small backyard that makes innovative use of space with hardscape features. These include concrete rocksalt deck pads, horizontal cedar privacy fencing, and a raised platform patio with built-in limestone benches. 

The focal point is a sleek, modern fire pit made of raw steel veneer, limestone, and stainless steel fire fixtures. Concrete platforms feature step and path lights that beam upward and accentuate the fire pit patio. 

Around the corner is another privacy fence, and faux turf to practice yoga, have a picnic, or enjoy watching movies or sports projected on a wall. George used Volt and YardBright up lights, flood lights, step lights, and accent minis. When the yard is lit up at night, 'it almost feels like you’re in a downtown urban park,' he says.

10. Go for soft solar lighting in sleek styles

These chic LED lights are from Go Modern Furniture

(Image credit: Go Modern Furniture)

LEDs are an easy choice when it comes to backyard lighting ideas. There's none of the hassle with plug sockets, nor the dangers of open flames. Futuristic designs like these are ideal for casting a dreamy glow across your garden at dusk, and can be moved around the space to suit you. 

Invest in more than one in different sizes for a sculptural look. Then, pair with minimal, low-level furniture and natural stone paving for a soothing oasis of calm. Don't forget a neutral outdoor rug underfoot for extra comfort – our best outdoor rugs buying guide has lots of lovely picks.

This beam pendant from Cuckooland adds a sophisticated lighting solution to an outdoor dining space

(Image credit: Cuckooland)

Ensure your outdoor dining ideas can be enjoyed well into the evening come rain or shine with the help of a slimline hanging light like this. Not only does it have a built-in heater for keeping the ambiance toasty, but there is also a dimmer to switch up the mood whenever you like.

Its sleek lines and charcoal hue look wonderful against the dark wooden cladding of a veranda, offering a grown-up vibe. A smart table and chic chairs make the perfect match for the style.

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12.

Add feature lighting to a fireplace

A stunning design by Surfacedesign, Inc demonstrates how good outdoor lighting ideas can create a show-stopping effect

(Image credit: Surfacedesign, Inc)

This uber-contemporary plot has got us falling heads over heels thanks to its considered design and bold sweeps of stone. Uplights draw the eye around the space, catching the elegant branches of small trees and showcasing subtly textured materials. 

The real show-stopper, however, has to be the generously-sized outdoor fireplace at the heart of the garden. Our favorite part? The staggered and recessed light fixtures that adorn it – which also double up as a climbing wall for the homeowner.

13. Wrap string lights around a pergola to create a twinkling canopy

A twinkling pergola overhead is a lovely addition to this corner sofa in a setup by The Solar Centre

(Image credit: The Solar Centre)

Pergola lighting always looks magical and transforms these sheltered spaces into inviting places to gather with friends after dark.

We love how this one has been used to create a twinkling canopy with layers of string lights. Lots of comfy cushions and throws add to the cozy vibe.

14. Accentuate the beams of a covered patio

An on-trend space to shelter, illuminated by Olson Weaver Lighting Design

(Image credit: Olson Weaver)

Olson Weaver Lighting Design custom-built linear LED cove lighting to bounce light off this striking pergola's cathedral ceiling. 

The fixture uses a 4.5-watt-per-foot, 2700k linear tap light with a 120-degree beam angle to achieve this, according to Tony Weaver of Olson Weaver. He's happy with how the ceiling glows. 'Indirect lighting is hands-down my favorite light layer,' he says. 

When using reflected light in a landscape setting, it's always a challenge to specify the right amount of light output for a fixture, says Tony. 'The color of the material lit will impact the total amount of light that gets reflected. As a result, you must adjust the fixtures' light output so that space is neither over nor under lit,' he adds.  

The light fixture has both warm white and color-changing options. 'On a day-to-day basis, warm white is the norm, but it's fun to use colors for special occasions.'

15. Go for a trio of complementary pendants

The Monsieur Tricot garden lamps by Tribu from Go Modern Furniture

(Image credit: Go Modern Furniture)

If you're looking for something a little different for your garden lighting ideas, designs like these might be just the ticket. They're crafted from knitted, weather-resistant rope, which gives them a unique aesthetic that fits perfectly into boho or tropical schemes. What's more, the intricate design will cast beautiful shadows across your patio or terrace, and the brightness can be dimmed to suit the mood.

We love how a set of three has been used for greater impact in this display above. Hung from a leafy branch overhead, they certainly elevate the scene, but could be suspended from a pergola, too.

16. Cozy up a courtyard

This lighting scheme may be subtle, but it still brings warmth into this minimalistic space

(Image credit: Paul Raeside/Future)

Good lighting is important in gardens of all shapes and sizes, and courtyard gardens are no exception. These boxed-in plots with high walls and plenty of paving can feel cold and uninviting, but even a minimal setup can be given a boost of warmth with lovely lights.

Take this scene, for instance, which sports a duo of fuss-free wall lights and spotlights for a subtle yet stylish glow. Flickering candles in amber-hued jars add to the atmosphere and offer a form of organic movement.

17. Embrace a whimsical look

A pretty addition for a garden tea party

(Image credit: Claire Richardson/Future)

If you're planning a special get-together this season, why not take a cue from this pretty tealight holder above? With the addition of fresh blooms, it feels extra magical. We think it would make a gorgeous centerpiece above a table laden with cupcakes, neatly-cut sandwiches, and bowls of fruit punch.

Of course, you wouldn't need to wait for a particular occasion to enjoy a backyard party lighting look like this – there's no reason you can't add a sense of whimsical grandeur to any meal spent alfresco.

18. Introduce flower-shaped lights to your containers

These charming daisy stake lights are from Lights4fun

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

If you want to take your window box ideas up a notch, then something like this is a failsafe approach. They're fun, they're pretty, and you can bet that they'll bring a smile to both children and adults alike. 

Look for garden solar light options like these for a super-easy update. Then, tuck them amongst your favorite blooms for an enchanting view from both indoors and out. 

We love how these contrast against the deep red tones of heucheras, but they'd look just as lovely amongst cosmos, dahlias, or even lime-green alchemilla mollis.

19. Add a woven style to your enclosed patio

This striking pendant shade is from Nedgis

(Image credit: Nedgis)

Enclosed patios are a real extension of the home, offering you shelter from the elements all year round. They can be styled similarly to an indoor room too – with the likes of comfy sofas, outdoor rugs, a coffee table, and of course, stylish outdoor lighting ideas. 

To keep the vibe harmonious, stick with a limited range of colors or textural finishes, such as neutral hues or – like in this scene – woven rattan details. The eye-catching, oversized pendant here works fantastically alongside the furniture and cover overhead, for instance. We also like how the nearby potted plant adds to a subtly tropical tone with its architectural foliage.

20. Weave fairy lights around a trellis

This light-up ivy trellis from Robert Dyas is perfect for pepping up a blank wall or fence

(Image credit: Robert Dyas)

Trellises for gardens are brilliant features. Not only are they stylish, but they are also super versatile: you use them as a screen between garden zones, to pep up blank walls with clambering climbers, or to top existing walls for an extra boost of height and privacy.

Whichever option you've gone for, try winding a string of pretty, outdoor-friendly fairy lights around the structure. It will only up the overall effect and bring the best climbing plants to life at nighttime. If you're looking for a super low maintenance option, look for a design that already has lights attached, like this faux ivy display.

21. Make a feature of your hedges

These LED net lights from Lights4fun can be used to illuminate hedges

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

Add interest to your landscaping with hedges by using LED net lights. They create a twinkling border and help to soften the dense look of hardy planting. 

The nets are so fine that you won't be able to tell they're there, even in daylight – so all you'll notice is the gentle shine of the LED bulbs come evening.

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22. Light up your tree for a magical effect

Show off your favorite trees with fairy lights from Cox & Cox

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Trees are a valuable part of any garden, providing structure and a focal point around which planting schemes are designed. 

Make the most of yours by trying out some outdoor tree lighting ideas. These fairy lights create a magical scene at night when the leaves and branches come to life in the glow.

The Fraser Grey bamboo lantern duo from Lights4fun makes for a cozy vignette

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

Lanterns give off such a lovely soft glow and you can rest assured you won’t need to keep rebuying pillar candles if you go for LED versions.

These designs above each come with an LED candle that runs off batteries, plus there's a six-hour timer so you can set them to come on just as dusk falls. Perfect. 

24. Add structural lighting with posts

Guide the way with these black outdoor path lights from Oliver Bonas

(Image credit: Oliver Bonas)

If you have a long or wide walkway that could do with some lighting – whether that's because it's a key part of the space or because it leads to a living or dining area – consider adding statement path lighting with some posts. 

These designs have a sleek, modern look that will complement structured gardens perfectly.

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25. Keep it subtle with stakes

These Moving Flame solar stake lights from Lights4fun can be used to illuminate borders and beds

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

Smaller, more slimline stakes are also a great choice for outdoor lighting for paths. And, they can also be used to great effect between planting to highlight favorite flowers or bring attention to a container garden. 

These ones are solar-powered, so they can be placed anywhere in the garden without the worry of having to switch them on and off each night.

26. Try globe lights for an architectural effect

Eye-catching globes are a fun way to add light – these are from Stone Globe Lights

(Image credit: Stone Globe Lights)

Want to make a feature of your outdoor lighting ideas? These dome-shaped designs look like a spherical stone sculpture by day, but by night they light up with a warm glow for an eye-catching architectural display. 

27. Bring the indoors out with a floor lamp

Jump on board with indoor-outdoor living with a standing light – this one is from Cox & Cox

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

We've already sung the praises of using 'indoor' lighting in the form of pendant lights outside, but it doesn't stop there: you can even buy floor lamps designed for outdoor use.  

Go for a slimline design so it'll slot into even a very small garden, and if you choose a solar-powered design, it won't need to be connected to your mains supply.

28. Light up pathways with flush-to-the-floor lights

Floor lights, such as the ones pictured from The Garden Lighting Shop , are an understated lighting option for illuminating paths

(Image credit: The Garden Lighting Shop)

On a practical level, you might need outdoor lighting ideas to help you and your guests make their way around your garden. If you're not keen on posts or stake lights, consider using lights that sit flush to the floor for a more subtle option. 

They'll also help to highlight plants along your border, adding an extra architectural element to your space. 

29. Hang outdoor lighting from a parasol for a chandelier effect

Elevate outdoor dining with solar pendant lights from Ella James  

(Image credit: Ella James)

If you use one of the best garden parasols for shade in a dining area, consider keeping it up at night and using it as a base from which to hang pendants.

These solar pendant lights create a chandelier effect above this dining set, but fairy or festoon lights wrapped around the pole will look equally effective.

30. Up the drama with light-up planters

These Pure Smart LED 40 remote control planters are from Elho

(Image credit: Elho)

Discreet lighting can create a welcoming ambiance for the evening garden at any time of year. Plants take on architectural qualities when uplit, with the angled lights enhancing the shape of leaves. 

Choose uplights that are either recessed into the ground or set on moveable spikes for illuminating plants and the trunks of potted trees, as they can be shifted to suit the mood. Or, choose modern garden planters with built-in LED lighting that can be controlled with a phone app.

31. Integrate lighting into your furniture to elevate a piece

Weave lighting around outdoor furniture for an extra cozy experience, as seen in this scene from Cuckooland

(Image credit: Cuckooland)

Make even more of a feature of the garden furniture in your outside space by framing it with fairy or festoon lights and creating a nighttime focal point; like this inviting and romantic setup.  

This works best for more permanent pieces like outdoor sofas and benches. Try wrapping small LED lights around the back of a newly painted bench for instant charm.

32. Combine light and warmth with a patio heater

The Heatsail patio heater from Cuckooland illuminates areas whilst keeping things toasty

(Image credit: Cuckooland)

If you're looking for outdoor lighting, chances are you're planning on spending a decent amount of time in your garden in the summer evenings – and you'll need a heating source to stay comfortable as the temperature drops. 

One of the best patio heaters can do two jobs at once, keeping you warm and emitting a cozy glow that will see you through plenty of barbecues and alfresco dinner parties.

How do you choose a garden light?

When you start to plan your outdoor lighting design, choose which areas of the garden you would like to illuminate, and think about why. Perhaps you'd like to add something twinkly to a particularly attractive tree for an added dose of atmosphere. Or, maybe you're on the lookout for something more practical to line your pathways.

Although not always essential, you may decide to stick with a theme that complements already-existing features. For example, if you have a lot of traditional metal fixtures and cottage garden ideas in your plot, you may wish to pick antique-style lighting that blends in with the environment.

When choosing your garden lights, Lights4fun suggests considering how you would like to power them. 'If there isn't access to power, battery and solar lights are great alternatives,' they say.

'Battery lights are perfect for popping in flower beds and greenery. Solar lights are even easier; simply place them in a sunny spot and they'll automatically illuminate each evening,' the team continues. 'If you have access to outdoor power, this lends perfectly to big and bright festoons swagged around your outdoor space.'

Think about your budget, too – our guide on how much does garden lighting cost is full of helpful advice to help you plan your scheme.

If you live within five miles of the coast or an estuary, Jamie Moxey, Design Consultant at Dusk Lighting , suggests choosing coastal lighting. This is built to withstand the salty air and won’t corrode. 'Apart from that, choosing lighting is a personal preference and dependent on what you want to achieve,' he says.

Create a welcoming seating area by stringing outdoor fairy lights from Lights4fun on your pergola

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

How bright should outdoor lights be?

The brightness of garden lights is determined by personal choice, as says Jamie Moxey of Dusk Lighting. However, it can be influenced by the objective – whether you want it for decorative, functional, or security purposes, he adds. 

'For security lighting, you would be looking for brighter lights than if you were looking to add decorative lighting for an alfresco dining area for summer evenings. Brightness is determined by the lumen value – higher lumen results in a brighter light which is important for goals such as deterring intruders and illuminating pathways.

'These choices will also be determined by the size of the outdoor space,' Jamie continues. When illuminating a larger space, you would benefit from brighter lights.

Pathway lighting of 100-200 lumens is suitable. For more atmospheric lighting, a range of 50-300 lumens will work well to create attractive interest whilst avoiding glare.  Floodlights used for security should be much higher, at around 700 lumens. Why not double it up with one of the best security cameras for even more peace of mind?

Softer outdoor lights like these from Lights4fun can be all that's needed to illuminate the way

(Image credit: Lights4fun)

Should all exterior lights match?

'For exterior lighting, the key to a cohesive-style finish is a design flow rather than a strict matching policy,' says Jamie Moxey.

One common method to achieve this sense of flow is to select a color finish or texture which will unite the exterior lighting on the property, Jamie explains. This may also be used when choosing key garden furniture pieces. 'For example,' Jamie continues, 'you may decide that all of the exterior lights will be selected in black with an element of copper.' You could then mirror this palette for your outdoor seating ideas, or accessories.

'The most important aspect of exterior lighting that should match is the color of the light emitted,' Jamie adds. 'This is called Kelvin and it will be specified in the product details when you are browsing.'

The team at Lights4fun favor warm white lights. 'Hang fairy lights up high, line your dining table with candles, and place stake lights in your shrubs,' they recommend. 'The warm glow is sure to create a cozy space to host friends and family over the summer months.'

The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up, as was the surrounding New Forest where she lived. Her appreciation for the great outdoors has only grown since then. She's been an allotment keeper, a professional gardener, and a botanical illustrator – plants are her passion.

Interesting ideas for DIY garden and garden lighting: 7 workshops

The romance of the evening garden… It is composed like a mosaic of many nuances, among which light plays a leading role. Unfortunately, the lighting of the suburban area is sometimes given an undeservedly secondary place, although the “beam of light in the dark kingdom” is necessary elementarily in order to move freely through your possessions in the evening. Not to mention the fact that the beauty of plants, hidden in the dark, is able to light up with new colors and acquire unexpected fantastic forms. It is enough just to skillfully “play” with the light, applying some interesting ideas for lighting and decorating garden lamps.

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Truly, garden lighting is akin to art - it can create unprecedented effects that are born from the union of plants and decorative lighting. You just need to bring to life some “educational” ideas for giving - with your own hands you can transform your garden so much that from an inconspicuous, no different from many others, it will turn into a fabulous corner that can touch you at any time of the day.

Evening illumination of the dacha will not only add some mystery to the garden, but will also allow you to safely move around the territory of the plot

Your garden house and country landscape will look natural during the day and mysterious in the evening, if you successfully combine the functionality of lighting with its decorative effect. What are the tasks assigned to the lighting of the garden plot? Depending on the function and location of outdoor lamps, the following types of summer cottage lighting can be distinguished:

An important condition for the proper organization of the dacha lighting system is the preservation of the aesthetics of the garden during the daytime, that is, lamps for night illumination should not disturb the harmony of the dacha landscape. To fulfill this condition, it is enough to choose lighting fixtures of natural shape and / or made from natural materials. A widespread technique for decorative garden lighting is luminous stones that absorb solar energy throughout the day and give it off at night in the form of a mysterious glow that flows softly, as if from inside the rock.

Original lighting, placed in dense vegetation, will create a cozy atmosphere in a secluded recreation area

Glow-in-the-dark air butterflies and dragonflies coexist naturally and unobtrusively with garden plants

Or maybe you prefer a group of colorful butterflies on long twigs stuck into the ground that will enliven the lawn during the day and glow at night? And how do you like a dwarf suddenly peeking out from behind a bush with a lamp or a luminous frog perched under a large leaf? Such original solutions will give your dacha individuality and originality, to the delight of you and to the good envy of your neighbors.

In addition to the artistic impression, it is necessary to think over the technical side of lighting the dacha. The use of alternative light sources based on solar energy is the most economical option for garden lighting. In addition, this type of lighting will not spoil the appearance of the site with long electric cords stretching along the flower beds and paths, as it consists of an autonomous battery pack and a group of lamps connected to it.

The unusual illumination of trees in the form of luminous wells is so mysterious that one inexorably wants to look into this depth

Artificial flowers in the form of solar-powered lamps will harmoniously fit into the landscape design of the garden

It is more logical to place lights connected to the mains closer to the house - to illuminate the facade, entrance group, terrace, since these areas require more active light, and laying a short wiring will not require significant labor costs and financial investments.

Decorative focused lighting is the most expressive lighting created by an accent beam of light and aimed at an original landscape composition - a flower bed, a pond, a tree or just a beautifully shaped flower. With such directional lighting, it is important to correctly balance the intensity, color spectrum, pattern of the light spot and the location of the light source. An interesting idea for illuminating a garden can be groups of lighting fixtures located under trees with an unusual crown - in the evening, directional light will draw the silhouette of a tree and create a bizarre pattern of shadows on the ground.

Evening illumination of the garden draws the outlines of plants so subtly that they sometimes take on a fantastic, unreal look

Illumination of garden paths does not imply an abundance of powerful lamps - these can be small spots or light sources built into the ground, giving only a hint of lighting on both sides of the country "fairway" and indicating the direction of movement. A more thorough “navigation” requires stairs, which can be illuminated by lamps mounted in the steps or in the flight of stairs. The main idea that can be applied is to illuminate the stairs with a large number of lamps in the form of improvised candlesticks from glass jars or tins, grouped along the edges of the steps. Such a move will give the garden a romantic entourage in the best possible way, and it will not be difficult to make such miniature light sources with your own hands.

You can learn more about how to organize the illumination of paths in the country from the material: https://diz-cafe. com/dekor/podsvetka-dorozhek-na-dache.html

Illumination of the gazebo in the garden and the path leading to it will be the key to a pleasant evening pastime with the family in the open air

Patio, terrace or gazebo lighting is the way to keep your holiday home accessible in the evening, on rainy or cloudy days. Since the lighting based on the accumulated solar heat is not too bright, it is better to use electric light sources for illuminating common areas. It can be floor and table, built-in and spotlights or whole “garlands” of lamps suspended from the ceiling. Beautiful multi-colored bottles, complex lampshades made of plastic or wood, bright balls of beads or an extravagant design made of shiny metal - it is up to you to choose the design of the central lighting in the relaxation area. Depending on what kind of atmosphere you want to give to the place of “social meeting”, the lighting can be chamber and cozy, or more festive and bright.

An unusual and slightly fantastic effect can be achieved by placing many ball lamps on long rods along the path

The main requirement for security lighting is its intensity and location in crucial places for site security control - near the gate, at the entrance to the house, around the garage, along the perimeter of your property or in other places where valuable equipment or summer cottage inventory is located . As a rule, security lighting systems are formed using powerful LED lamps and are subject to certain rules - both in terms of placement and design, so in this case it is better to choose industrial options for light sources.

A comparative review of garden lamps will also be useful: https://diz-cafe.com/dekor/obzor-svetilnikov-dlya-sada.html

An excellent solution for lighting a summer cottage - pots for plants that accumulate light during the day and emit it at night

A floor lamp that has fallen into disrepair, retired kitchen utensils, plastic utensils that have served their purpose and other seemingly useless things will now be useful to you for the “production” of country lamps. Everything will be used - from glass containers to grandmother's services - a little imagination, a little patience and all the rarities, standing with one foot in the landfill, will turn into lighting fixtures that bring you light and joy.

In order to make a country lamp, you do not need to spend a lot of money - look in your grandmother's chest and you will find everything you need for creativity there

Option #1 - glass bottles

Fantasy lamps made from waste glass containers can transform your garden, and will not cost a single penny. An ordinary glass container can be turned into an amazing lamp without any effort. Take a bottle of an original shape or an unusual color, put multi-colored small beads, polished glass, transparent balls on the bottom that will reflect light. Wind the multi-colored wire around your finger so that you get spirals and place them in a vessel. Fix a small flashlight with silicone in the neck of the bottle - this will be a light source that is convenient to turn on and off as needed.

When buying liquor, look closely at the shape and color of glass bottles - now they will come in handy for you to create homemade lamps

Interesting shades for hanging chandeliers can be obtained from glass containers of different shapes and sizes. But how to cut off the bottom of the bottle? Yes, easily! Tie the bottle with a thin rope soaked in kerosene or gasoline at the level of the desired cut, and pour cold water into the bottle clearly up to the line marked with the rope. When you set fire to the rope, the bottle will burst and an even cut will form, which you just have to grind a little so as not to cut yourself. Now you can fill the electric cord into the ceiling and connect the bulb holder.

By cutting off the bottom of a glass bottle and fixing the metal plate on the pin, you get a handy candlestick for lighting the garden

For a more powerful light source, tie a few colorful bottles with wire and hang them from the ceiling of your gazebo, patio, or summerhouse. In the event that bottle colors seem a little gloomy to you, take stained glass paints and paint the glass, showing your imagination and your innate sense of harmony. And do not be afraid to give yourself free rein - you can always remove the not entirely successful fragment of stained glass painting with a solvent and update it. Even better, if you entrust the mission of painting bottles to children or grandchildren - both you will remember and the kids will be happy.

A little creativity and a glass bottle will make an expressive wall lamp in the form of a stylized torch. To do this, a hole is drilled in the tightly screwed cap of the bottle, through which kerosene is poured inside and a wick made of natural rope or a stainless steel tube pre-impregnated with the same combustible mixture is filled.

Pouring a combustible mixture into a bottle and filling the wick inside, you will create a lamp in the form of an impromptu torch

The alternation of bottle-plafonds with candles and flowers gives a home-made chandelier on a metal frame an unusually natural look

Why should a New Year's garland gather dust in anticipation of the next New Year? Place it in a champagne bottle and you will have an expressive garden lamp. Too lazy to make something for a long time, but it hurts to be original? Wind the thread or rope around the bottle absolutely arbitrarily, but so that there are gaps, and apply paint of your favorite color from a spray can onto this kind of cocoon. When your “painting” dries a little, unwind the bottle. Unusual? Move on.

Candlestick bottle is original due to the idea of ​​a candle holder in the form of a spiral, fixed in the neck with a ring

Option #2 - from glass jars

The main problem of a glass container as a base for a homemade lamp is an absolutely transparent surface that does not scatter light. The task that you face in the process of making a glass lamp with your own hands is to fragmentarily decorate a transparent vessel in such a way that it nevertheless works in places through the light - it diffuses and smoothes the light from a candle or light bulb placed inside.

To make it easier to remove the melted wax from the bottom of the candlestick jar, pour some sand or pebbles into it

What can be done with a prosaic, but beautiful in outline jar, left as a memory from once eaten exotic pickles? It all depends on the style in which the new lamp is conceived. If you want country style, wrap the jar with jute rope, fixing it on the glass with silicone glue. Do you want vintage style? Cut into narrow long strips of colorful chintz, cotton lace or guipure and “dress up” your jar in great-grandmother's outfit. Do you like techno style? Take out the voltage coils and diode lamps from the old TV or tape recorder - wind the copper wire around the jar. Stick cylindrical bulbs of LEDs as a decor - they will refract and modify the flow of light even more, and the lamp will turn into some kind of object of alien origin.

Unlike bottles, glass jars are rarely multicolored - paint them with bright stained glass paints

An original idea for decorating a dacha lamp in the pop art style is painting a jar with multi-color luminescent paints applied to the inner surface of a glass jar in the form of irregularly shaped spots. Accumulating sunlight during the day, at night the jars will emit a soft, unobtrusive glow, shimmering with juicy shades of neon blue, pink or lemon. By arranging glass containers of different heights and diameters, painted with matching phosphors, you can create a bright compositional group in your garden by illuminating the path to the house, an alpine hill or a flower bed.

A jar coated with a myriad of small phosphor dots emits a soft, elegant light

Option #3 - from cans

After drinking beer and eating sprats in tomato sauce, do not rush to throw tins into the trash - everything will come in handy in the dacha household. For example, to implement extraordinary ideas in creating country lamps that can give your garden an unforgettable look.

What is needed for this? Hammer, nails of different diameters and a cylindrical piece of wood. Sketch the motif of the drawing on paper - it is desirable that it be not a very complex closing ornament. Now attach your sketch to the tin, and put a piece of wood inside it - it will protect the tin from deformation. Punching holes at equal distances with nails, transfer the design to the jar - you will get holes through which delicate light will leak.

An ordinary beer can can be turned into an exotic lamp due to the pattern formed by small holes

Who would have thought that the union of canned food and wooden clothespins could make such an unusual lamp

Option #4 - building materials

After the construction of a dacha, various building materials often remain - cement, plaster mixes, liquid nails, etc. It is impossible to store such mixtures for a long time - they quickly absorb moisture and are taken in lumps, but the hand does not rise to throw away. Do not despair, here are a couple of fresh ideas on how you can attach building goods for the benefit of business, namely, to create country lamps.

Using unnecessary residues of cement and plaster mixtures, you can make a fairly original lamp

Take a large and a small plastic bottle, cut off the bottom and insert one into the other, securing them with a threaded pin. Turn the resulting design upside down and install it, say, on a tin can of a suitable diameter. Mix the cement mixture and fill the space between the two bottles, shaking the mold occasionally to evenly fill it. After the solution hardens, cut the bottles and release the cover.

Forming separate fragments from cement mortar, connect them together - you will get a patterned lamp-egg of unprecedented beauty

Option #5 - wood and rope

After picking up small but expressive dry twigs, stick them overlapping in a chaotic manner on a children's inflatable ball. Once the glue has set, carefully detach your construction from the balloon and deflate it. The eco-style lampshade is ready, you just need to fill the light bulb and connect the lamp to the network.

Waste branches from cut trees will be an excellent material for creating a country lamp in the form of a ball

In the same way, using inflatable balloons, make a lampshade in the form of a hemisphere from jute rope. To do this, draw a border on the ball and, gradually gluing the intersections, wrap it with a rope. After the glue dries, gently deflate the balloon and detach the rope cover from it.

Snow-white openwork rope lamps will create a festive atmosphere on your terrace or patio area

In order to make a lamp out of wood, it is not necessary to be able to plan or saw - there are a lot of ready-made wooden semi-finished products that you just need to skillfully apply.

If you twist the birch bark into a cone shape, you will get a very delicate and elegant lampshade for the lamp

Do not rush to get rid of stumps - you can make not only a stool, but also an extravagant country lamp

Option #6 - Plastic

Plastic bottles have been used for a long time both in the tail and in the mane for a variety of country crafts. What our inventive people did not come up with, conjuring with "very skillful" pens over plastic bottles. Not wanting to lag behind the mass trend, we are in a hurry to offer our version of the "utilization" of a plastic bottle by creating an extraordinary lamp.

Here's an unusual lamp - whether a hedgehog, or an insect, can be obtained from an ordinary plastic bottle

Lamp-ball made of plastic. 1. Cut off the bottom 2. Glue 3. Bend along the radius 4. Form a ball 5. Install on the base 6. Connect to the network

Lamp shade made of plastic leaves. 1. Cut out the rectangles 2. Cut out the leaves 3. Melt the edges with a soldering iron 4. Connect the leaves with wire

So, we cut the bottle into rectangles, from which we cut out the leaves. We melt the edges of the sheet with a soldering iron, giving it a more natural shape. We burn 2 holes with a red-hot needle and thread copper wire without insulation into them. We collect branches from individual leaves and form a spherical ceiling from them.

You can make decorations and unusual crafts for your garden from plastic bottles, read about it: https://diz-cafe.com/dekor/iz-plastikovyx-butylok-dlya-sada.html

Don't rush to throw away disposable cups after a party - better glue them into a cute multi-colored lamp

Buy ping-pong balls, glue a few circles out of them, and then connect them vertically - a futuristic chandelier is ready

The original chandelier can be made from other plastic products - disposable tableware, plastic cups and ping-pong balls. Due to the inherent conical and spherical shape of these products, gluing them will steadily lead you to create a spherical or cylindrical lamp.

Bright lamps made of colorful beads

will be the best way to create a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere in your country house.

Stringing large plastic beads on the wire, twist it into a spiral and form a spherical shade of small diameter. You can get a fairly original chandelier for a summer residence if you arrange balls of beads of different colors and diameters, attaching them to the frame on long suspensions.

Old CDs and records cluttering up your closet are now very useful - they will make amazing dacha lamps

Here is a unique lamp idea for music lovers - those who have a house filled with old music drives - discs and records. Surprisingly, old CDs can make a wonderful lamp. It is enough just to drill, having previously marked with a marker, 5 holes at an equal distance from each other around the circumference of the disk, not getting too close to the edge, and then fasten the disks with wire to each other. Such a multifaceted structure can have any diameter, depending on the intended size or your patience. If it is assumed that the lamp will be floor or table, then glue 3-4 erasers to one of the disks, which plays the role of the base. By hanging a few disk balls from a metal plate, you will get an original futuristic chandelier to illuminate the terrace or patio area.

Corrugated plastic pipe transforms perfectly into a shell lamp - you just need to fill the pipe with a light cord

Option #7 - from old housewares

The most convenient thing in metal household utensils is the already existing perforation, which can create light spots of unusual beauty. A prosaic grater, colander or strainer are ready-made lampshades for your homemade lamps. Having disconnected the handles from the two sieves, tie them with wire - you will get a ceiling in the form of a ball. Disguise rust spots or peeling enamel by coating your creation with bronze or silver paint from a spray can - a retro lamp with a technogenic flavor is ready.

Drill holes in an old saucepan with a drill or put a light bulb in an ordinary grater - you will create indescribable lighting effects

Don't rush to throw away your grandmother's services in creepy roses with a thin cobweb of small cracks - glue the saucer to the cup with super glue, drill a hole for the electrical wire - and the vintage lamp will become a true decoration of a nostalgic summer house or gazebo. Even an old tureen can be an excellent lampshade for a country kitchen - carefully make a hole in its bottom, thread an electric cord and secure the cartridge.

An old faience service that you inherited from your grandmother is perfectly modified into a retro lamp

We hope that the interesting ideas , proposed by us will help some Plyushkins find a worthy justification for their craving for accumulating unnecessary things. Now they have the opportunity to breathe new life into old things by creating unusual lamps for their favorite garden.