Solar garden light ideas
Solar garden lighting ideas: 18 pretty, energy-saving ideas |
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(Image credit: Sparkle Lighting/Ben Anders/Rockett St George)
Smart solar garden lighting ideas offer a sustainable and decorative way to light your outdoor space. Helping you to make the most of your garden after sundown, solar garden lighting ideas will create a cozy and welcoming area for you to relax on a late summer evening.
As with all outdoor lighting ideas, well positioned illumination can turn patios into extra rooms, illuminate dark borders and corners and illuminate key features such as trees or sculptures. Solar garden security lighting can also help keep your garden safe.
'Nothing fits more naturally into your garden than adding solar garden lighting ideas.,' says Mark Feldman, chief home officer of Riverbend Home . 'Not only are they eco-friendly, they come in very different styles so you can add something classic, like these black lanterns, along the edge of your garden, or you can have some fun and add a great touch of whimsy amongst your plants. If you love a splash of color, mosaic gazing globes are a great choice to place beside a garden bench.'
Solar garden lighting ideas
Why design a garden with solar lights? It's a no-brainer. Solar power has transformed backyard lighting ideas. Not only can the fittings be cable-free, but they cost nothing to run and can be moved around whenever you choose.
Powered by specially designed batteries which store energy from the sun during the day, they automatically switch on at dusk, providing a soft glow for several hours at night. It’s a good idea to position the solar cells in a sunny spot, to get the best charge during the day. If you're still unsure of where to start, make sure you know how to install garden lighting before you begin.
'There are three major types of solar garden lighting options: post-top and pole lamps, ground or tabletop floor lamps, and recessed or accent lighting that fit flush into the wall,' says garden expert and founder of Urban Organic Yield Lindsey Hyland.
'Depending on your personal preference, you can choose a low light scheme with a perimeter set of lamp posts along the yard; an illuminated pathway leading up to and around your home; or subtle lighting that accents your flowerbeds, trees, and other landscaping features without being too bright or obtrusive.'
1. Add decorative solar stakes to your border
(Image credit: Sparkle Lighting)
Solar garden lighting ideas are a great way to illuminate dark borders and add interest to your plot come nightfall. Drawing the eye down the length of the garden they provide a pretty backdrop, whether viewed while relaxing from the patio or from the window of your home.
Consider solar garden lights with interesting architectural structure to add height and character. These pretty Wild Fennel solar stakes are a natural fit amongst the tulips and will look pretty in the day time too.
Solar stakes are one of the easiest solar garden lighting ideas to install. Simply stake the lights in the location you want and then stake their adjoining solar panel out of sight, just make sure that it's still in receipt of sunlight.
Come nightfall your garden will be a blaze with pretty twinkling lights.
2. Use solar lighting to illuminate borders and greenery
(Image credit: Sparkle Lighting)
If you have trained climbing plants up a fence or on the walls of your house, then consider integrating solar garden lighting ideas into the design to illuminate the foliage and blooms. The perfect partner for living wall ideas, they will bring an added dimension of character to your scheme and will extend the wall's interest into the evening.
There are plenty of trellis ideas that would provide the perfect framework to the best climbing plants that would look great alongside solar garden lighting ideas.
3. Incorporate solar lights into your front porch
(Image credit: Lights4Fun)
Solar garden lighting ideas are not just limited to stakes and spot lights. There are a plethora of different designs to suit every style and situations. If you're looking for front porch lighting ideas, then a hanging solar light is a great choice.
Offering more of a lifestyle look than the harder staked designs, it offers a pretty glow that will provide a warm welcome to your home.
4. Use solar lighting ideas to light paths and driveways
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Don't forget to extend your solar garden lighting ideas into your front yard landscaping ideas, after all the front of your house needs to extend a warm welcome to visitors as well as offering a clear path to the front door.
There are plenty of different front garden lighting designs, however, solar is a great low maintenance option that requires minimal disruption to install. This is particularly useful for front yards which usually feature more hard landscaping than backyard ideas.
'Solar is often the money-saving, hassle-free option for lighting the front of your house. With solar, you don't have to worry about plugs, outlets, or cords. Solar lights use rechargeable batteries to power them. When the sun is up, your lights are charging! The batteries can also last up to seven years.
As long as solar lights get enough sun, they're a reliable option. If the electricity goes out in a big storm, the lights remain on so you can safely get into your driveway. You don't have to worry about power surges or brownouts either,' says Mitchell Elworthy, founder and director of The Lighting Outlet .
5. Create a focal point with a selection of solar pendants
(Image credit: Cox & Cox)
Pendant lights aren't just for dining room lighting ideas – they can also make a beautiful statement as part of your patio lighting ideas. If you're looking to add a few pendant lights above an outdoor dining table or an outdoor sitting area, then solar is the best option.
Unlike electric designs, solar garden lighting ideas require very few wires. While some designs have a wired panel that can be staked into the ground, some designs, like these pendants, have their solar panel attached to the shade and so have an almost magical appearance of illuminating without being plugged in.
6. Use solar lights to line a driveway
(Image credit: Annabelle James)
Driveways can be difficult to navigate come nightfall. Their borders become less defined and as such adding solar garden lighting ideas alongside your driveway can offer a practical addition. They can also have a decorative benefit, creating a warm pathway to the front of your home.
'Do you have beautiful trees lining your driveway? Place driveway solar uplights under each tree to illuminate the landscaping. Solar-powered uplights come in a plethora of styles, sizes, types, and colors. Do you want to light all your trees along the length of the driveway but that feels overbright? Alternate some of the lights with different colors that aren't as bright as white lights,' says Mitchell Elworthy.
Illuminating the front of your home is also worth considering alongside other garden security lighting to help make your home as safe as it can be.
7. Use solar lighting ideas for low-effort illumination
(Image credit: Rockett St George)
If you don’t have a power point for mains electricity outdoors, solar-powered lights can be used instead.
They look pretty and are a versatile option that will fit with most schemes, as you’re not dependent on a cable to the mains power supply. However, they don’t throw much real light and only last as long as the sunlight charge. Therefore, if you live in an area with low-levels of sunlight, solar lights are best reserved for decorative lighting rather than essential illumination.
Fairy lights are brilliant for covering fences, screens or shrubs and creating a pretty backdrop to your space, while hanging solar lanterns paired with pretty candles provide the perfect atmospheric illumination for an al fresco evening.
8. Trail lights over an archway to guide the way through your garden
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
Adding structure and height into your garden is a key part of your garden design. However, when night falls, your hard work becomes invisible. Consider integrating solar garden lighting ideas into your arches and arbors to illuminate these features and add height to your plot come nightfall.
Pair with the best evergreen climbers for interest in both day and night.
9. Choose a solar lantern for a sustainable and flexible option
(Image credit: Lighting Lover)
For cozy, intimate lighting sometimes all you need is a lantern or two. Perfect for placing on a garden coffee table or al fresco dining table, they provide gentle illumination and can easily be moved when needed.
With its sophisticated minimalist aesthetic, these sleek steel lights feature an inset solar panel and integrated LED bulb, meaning nothing compromises its elegant design.
10. Go eco with outdoor solar lighting
(Image credit: Future / Brett Charles)
Who needs electricity or candles when the sun can do all the work? Outdoor solar-powered lights have come a long way in the past few years, with the latest good-quality designs providing a strong glow. Here, a simple solar light fixture positioned next to a cozy dining spot will do all the hard work come evening.
11. Light a garden path or walkway
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
Lighting also serves a practical purpose in the garden, especially when you have a path and steps. Post lights are usually cemented in place, though the more easily-fitted solar garden lighting ideas do the same job yet are simply screwed into place.
12. Fit low-level lights on a garden path
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton )
Low-level lights can either be fitted close to the path edges to wash over the paving or be set further back, creating pools of light. Make sure any solar garden lighting ideas are angled to avoid glare.
13. Use solar outdoor lighting to show off planting
(Image credit: Future / Ben Anders)
Solar garden lighting ideas work best when it is planned in layers, with some areas left dark so that others stand out more.
Choose a few larger features to highlight with a spotlight, which can either be set into the ground on a spike, or fixed to a tree branch to direct a pool of light downwards.
If the solar light fitting is black or olive green, it will blend into the background.
14. Create ambience for al fresco dining
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
If you’re lighting a terrace or patio that’s attached to the house, it helps to think of it as a room. When installing garden lighting, choose lights that provide a wash of light on to an exterior wall. Lighting low features such as a raised planter, low wall or bench by the dining area from beneath is effective, casting a warm glow on to a decking or paving and creating a wonderful ambience for garden parties.
15. Light up a garden party
(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)
Inexpensive string lights are one of the most versatile solar garden lighting ideas. Wound around branches, decorating the entrance to a gazebo or trailed along the top of a garden fence, there are so many different outdoor string lighting ideas and they’re the summer equivalent to fairy lights.
They come in all sorts of fun designs, including mini lanterns and stars and you can find string lights with a solar panel at one end, or alternatively opt for plug-in lights.
16. Hang solar string lights on a tree
(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)
Many of us abide by the ‘right plant, right place’ mantra, so the same applies to lighting. Choosing the right types of solar garden lighting ideas for the right spots will help create a range of effects – from pools of light that highlight plants on the ground to stake lights that illuminate a garden path.
Even a string of fairy lights strung through a small tree or lanterns hung from branches will make eye-catching features as dusk falls. To save energy use, go for solar lights. As well as keeping the costs down, these have the added benefit of giving out a warmer light.
17. Consider the surrounding wildlife
(Image credit: Lighting Lover)
Artificial light can affect wildlife, disturbing garden birds, disorientating moths that use natural light to navigate, and affecting the breeding cycles of certain animals.
The key to minimizing disruption to any wildlife in your garden is two-fold.
Firstly, stick to solar lights or warm, soft bulbs rather than bright, dazzling lights or floodlights. And secondly, think carefully about positioning: direct light down and choose step lights with hoods to reduce the glare.
18. Charge your solar lighting
(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)
Have you ever wondered why your solar lights have stopped working? Fret not! You may need to reposition them during the day. The panel on solar-powered lights should be in a bright position during the day, and not shaded by foliage. Try moving your panels to a space that receives more daylight to get your solar garden lighting ideas back to their bright selves.
Can I put solar lights in my garden?
Yes, you can put solar lights in your garden. In fact, solar garden lighting ideas are one of the easiest ways to add lights into your garden. Consider a few spike lights to instantly transform your space.
'One of the best things about solar garden lighting ideas is that they are powered by the sun, so you don't have to worry about replacing batteries or plugging in lamps.
In addition, solar lighting doesn't produce any emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option. And since it doesn't require any wiring, solar garden lights are a great way to add some light without having to do any major construction or electrical work,' says Lindsey Hyland.
Do solar powered outdoor lights work in winter?
Yes, solar powered outdoor lights do work in winter. Believe it or not, the sun is still mighty powerful in the winter, even if we can't see it with the naked eye. And as outdoor solar lighting is waterproof, it can be left outside all-year long.
'Solar-powered spike lights come in so many different styles, colors, sizes and are energy-efficient. Look for spike lights with an IP rating of 54-65. This means the lights resist dust and weather. When using outdoor lights under a patio or porch roof, a high IP rating isn't as important. If you're lining a driveway or outside walkway, use lights with at least a 54 IP rating,' says Mitchell Elworthy.
Do outdoor solar lights really work?
Yes, outdoor solar lights really do work. Not only are they cost-effective, but they are also an eco-friendly way to illuminate your gardens and walkways. They also require limited maintenance, and are easy to install, as most modern solar landscape lights are completely wireless.
What are the brightest outdoor solar lights?
One considerable drawback with solar landscape lights is that they’re not as bright as electric fixtures. We recommend that you choose a solar light fixture that has a built-in battery to provide up to eight hours of illumination, and a built-in sensor that will turn on automatically at dusk, and turn off at dawn.
How can I light my garden without electricity?
You can light your garden without electricity by using solar garden lighting ideas. Avoiding the disruption of laying wires underneath your patio, borders and paths, solar lights are easy to install and will turn on automatically.
However, the only downside is that they need to be placed in an area that receives ample sunlight during the day as they won’t charge if they are placed in shaded areas.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
With contributions from
- Holly ReaneyContent Editor and Sub-editor
Outdoor lighting ideas: 32 ways to create a cozy glow
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Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)
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 fireplaceA 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.
30 photos of evening gardens - Roomble.com
Garden and plot
2022-03-04T07:20:56+00:00 2022-03-02T21:02:54+00:00 Ideas for the garden: 30 photos of evening gardens 2022-03-04T07:20:56+00:00 Are you looking for original solutions for garden lighting on a country plot? Here are 30 best ideas for you! Ideas for the garden: 30 photos of evening gardens
Are you looking for original garden lighting solutions? Here are 30 best ideas for you!
A suburban area is not only potatoes and Colorado beetles. This is also a garden with paths and ponds, warm meetings with friends at sunset around the fire and, of course, stylish and always cozy lighting in the yard. Acutely lacking imagination and ideas for the garden of your dreams? We will help!
During the day - garden stools, at night - lanterns with gentle light pouring from the cracks.
Stumps illuminated from the inside will fit into the design of any country yard and garden.
With such lighting of the outdoor terrace-deck, you will not only emphasize the borders along the perimeter, but also add coziness to your home. And with minimal investment - spectacular, informal and practical.
Another example of a successful and creative lighting idea in the garden: "watering" flowers with moonlight. Instead of a watering can, you can use an old kettle, jug or other utensils, which are probably hidden in your shed just in case.
The plates are cleared, the guests are tired, it's time to move to a relaxation area (eg patio) for leisurely conversations to the sound of crackling logs ... An outdoor fireplace is part of a cozy garden lighting system at night.
Such a creative outdoor "chandelier" will cost you only the cost of candles, which you will arrange in glass jars. The sand in which the candles are buried can be dug up, and the design of the chandelier itself can be thought out to the best of your ability.
Do you have an outdoor garden seating area? With a hanging garland, you can create an imitation of the starry sky - practical and spectacular.
Such garlands with large bulbs have already become classics in the history of design elements. The secret of the demand for such "lamps" is simple: fabulous lanterns create a sense of celebration. You can add romance to the comfort of evening gatherings with the help of thick candles in glass decorative jars.
Do you have chic flower beds, alpine slides, flower gardens, or maybe fantastic marrows that you are ready to brag about even at night? Illuminate them from within. Solar-powered lanterns hidden in the foliage will not eat up a kilowatt of your electricity and will highlight the main attractions of the garden.
Every staircase in your backyard needs lighting for the safety of everyone in the household. There are many options for lighting stairs and steps. Choose the best and highlight all potentially dangerous places on the site, including wooden decks, ponds, and more.
Some of the most convenient garden lights are those that are inserted into the ground with a slight movement of the hand. Naturally, solar-powered (you can save in style and with a twinkle).
Editor's note:
— It doesn't matter which garden lights you choose: store-bought, homemade, solar-powered, or mains powered. It is important whether they combine decorative and functional properties. During the day, their task is to decorate the garden, at night - to illuminate. When choosing lighting for garden paths and steps, choose the softest and most gentle, so as not to injure your eyes at night with blinding spotlights.
When looking for garden lights, don't forget the front door of your country villa. The porch and the door itself should not go "into the darkness" for security purposes and from the point of view of modern country design.
Facade lighting with an original exterior is becoming more and more popular every year. It is not necessary to highlight the entire wall - a small area (for example, near the front door) is enough to highlight the details.
With the help of spotlights, you can highlight the most attractive parts of the garden - favorite flower beds and pumpkins, sculptures, a pond. The balance of light and shadows is achieved through the appropriate installation of lighting fixtures.
Moroccan style is light and concise. Moroccan-style lighting is primarily soft light, openwork lamps with oriental motifs, and most often miniature domes with eyelets that crown these same Moroccan lanterns. Such lamps can be hung in the garden or used as floor light sources.
It's easy to add magic to warm home evenings with friends and family in the open air if you know how to organize lighting in the country. Garden spotlights (can be hidden in flowerbeds), an outdoor fireplace and, of course, garlands on a tree will help create the right atmosphere.
Lampposts of this type perform not only aesthetic functions: light romantic lighting in the garden can be achieved by placing thick candles in jars inside the lanterns.
The idea of "Christmas" lighting with garlands is good both on holidays and on weekdays. Cozy garlands, soft benches, a stylish seating area and a festive, almost New Year's mood in the middle of summer. It takes very little to be happy.
Flowerpot lamps are getting more and more popular every year. These decorative elements not only illuminate the garden and delight the eye, but also serve as aesthetic original flower beds. Experts recommend combining such flower pots with classic ones - made of ceramics, wood, and so on.
For country evening holidays of local significance, the gazebo is an ideal place to relax. Daylight is absolutely useless here - the atmosphere of the country "grace" requires soft and subdued, almost intimate light. For example, solar-powered lamps (just stuck into the ground), a garland over the table and candles in transparent pendant lamps.
Country style: outdoor dining. A simple, practical and elegant solution. It is ideal if, for example, a green onion will grow in a flower pot (box) on the table.
Editor's note:
- When choosing a lighting option for your suburban area, focus not only on aesthetics and functionality: remember about electricity bills. Forget about incandescent lamps - they can go broke in one summer. Replace them with halogen and fluorescent lamps, solar-powered lamps (they are quite enough for night lighting of the garden), LED strips and garlands, fluorescent tiles, long-lasting candles. However, there are more modern solutions, such as fiber optic lighting. In addition, you can think of a lighting on / off system. The ideal option is motion sensors and an automatic relay that will work when darkness comes, in particular, around the perimeter of the garden, and turn off by morning.
A little more Morocco for decorating a suburban area. Bulb lamps will fit perfectly into the design of an outdoor outdoor living room, patio, deck-balcony or gazebo in the garden.
Lighting your way to your home is one of the main tasks when planning a lighting system for a suburban area.
An option that is gaining popularity is the LED serpentine strip for illuminating garden paths.
The right choice of light sources for the garden will extend the sweet hours of doing nothing in the fresh air after dark. And it will also help to design the site in accordance with a single design idea.
Lights in the garden are primarily used to illuminate the boundaries of pedestrian areas and to safely move around the garden. You can illuminate the paths with light miniature columns and modest "floor lamp" lanterns. When sticking lamps along the path, remember that it is not recommended to cross their illumination radii.
Another nice outdoor dining area. Creativity is everywhere with us! Light sources "woven" into the vine - what could be more beautiful ... Except for dinner with friends in this garden oasis.
A fireplace without a flame also has the right to life! A cute idea for an intimate and magical lighting of a terrace or patio, as well as for a cottage aesthetic that is gradually replacing the garden from the countryside.
Add some color and celebration to the atmosphere of countryside relaxation. A non-standard solution in garden design is Chinese lanterns, charming in their simplicity and elegance.
Beautiful idea for creative lighting in the garden. Illumination of shrubs and trees with the help of garlands is far from new, but still a relevant option for country lighting.
Even an ordinary housewife can install LED strips. A modern, affordable and simple way to illuminate the suburban area.
The absence of a fence is a reason to highlight all potentially dangerous areas. Both along the perimeter of terraces and balconies (with built-in spotlights), and in the garden itself.
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Landscape lighting ideas for pleasant summer evenings
If you are a happy owner of a country house or cottage, you cannot doubt that landscape lighting plays an important role.
Have you thought about the visual appeal this will add to your home? What about the safety of the site for family members? Indeed, with the onset of darkness, decorative plantings lose their clear outlines and it becomes very problematic to move around. We've rounded up some great landscape lighting ideas that you can implement today and plan for in the future.
Lanterns along brick edging
Illumination of tracks does not carry the task of full illumination. The lights along the path are a navigational path in the dark, no one can make excuses for trampling your lawn. In addition, the presence of such lighting will allow you to take care of the lawn even in the dark. And each walk along such an expensive road looks like a trip to an exotic place. This is one of the landscape lighting ideas that is easy to implement, beautiful and very functional.
In landscape interiors, recessed lights are perfect for implementing this idea.
Such models have a high degree of IP protection, designed specifically for outdoor use. Models can be built into both the wall and the floor.
Driveway lighting
Driving in low light conditions is a recipe for disaster that you can avoid with simple measures. The solution is to provide any of the many lighting options for your driveway. You may need to turn to professionals to implement more complex ideas, but it is worth the cost and effort.
See how stylish street lights look in a driveway lighting group. When creating your design, pay attention to the combination of several light sources. This will make the surrounding area brighter.
Solar lights
Solar lights are eco-friendly and help reduce the burden on our planet. They are easy to maintain and also economical. When installing lights, make sure they are located where they can be exposed to sunlight.
Luminous figures
Another popular way to create landscape design is to use original LED lamps for street and interior lighting: luminous LED furniture, LED flower pots and tubs for flowers, as well as decorative 3D illuminated figures.
Stair lighting
When illuminating flights of stairs, the biggest priority is functionality. The stairs are used at any time of the day, so the issue of lighting is relevant. The lamps are positioned to illuminate every step and eliminate the possibility of injury. You can also use LED strip lights to light up the stairs. It should be noted that built-in lamps are in particular demand for illuminating steps.
Garlands
Patios in country houses are nice, and well-lit patios look just great. Use lamps of different sizes above the table to give your setting more atmosphere. Hanging garlands well illuminate the whole space and people, you can see each other's faces and have interesting conversations.
Fairy lights strung on the branches or trunk of a tree - this is what you need on summer evenings. You can easily throw a party or have a nice dinner with your parents. Because it's all easy to install and plug in, save you some money.
Street poles and lamps
One of the best lighting options for connoisseurs of meaningful decor. Tall lanterns look good for illuminating lawns, paths and entrances. Smaller ones are great for illuminating a porch, small areas or highlighting a pool area, alpine slides, recreation areas. There are models with a motion sensor, which saves electricity. Small models perfectly decorate the garden, illuminate the paths. The choice of street poles and lanterns is diverse and can be selected according to your wishes.
It's great to come up with lighting ideas that showcase the best spots in your home while also improving visibility. These landscape lighting ideas are easy to maintain and easy to implement.
Their cost will vary depending on the type you choose and you can choose an option for any budget. Let there be a cozy light in your home!
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