Who says the fun has to end when the sun goes down? Say goodbye to dark and gloomy backyards, and welcome a space illuminated with outdoor lighting. Installing the right type of lights can add an inviting ambiance to your home, making it an excellent place for nighttime gatherings with family and friends. With these backyard lighting ideas, you can bring a new level of style and brightness to your outdoor space.
For more backyard ideas, you can also check out our DIY Outdoor Deck Ideas and DIY Above-Ground Pool Decks. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to create an intimate outdoor seating area or a brightly lit poolside retreat.
Path Lighting
Path lighting provides soft to moderately bright illumination. It helps you navigate walkways and adds an attractive highlight to them. Place the lights on the ground with stepping stones leading to backyard features like a fountain or flower beds to emphasize their contours.
String Lighting
String lighting is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere. Hang them over an outdoor seating area or patio to add some romantic ambiance. String lights come in various colors and sizes, so you can find the one that suits your needs. They also look great draped around trees and backyard features like trellises and arbors. Use them to create a line or border around the perimeter of your yard, giving it a beautiful and inviting look.
Outdoor Wall Lighting
Outdoor wall lighting can make a statement and provide much-needed illumination. Choose an outdoor wall light that fits in with the exterior of your house, or go for something more modern to give it a unique touch. Open-bottomed wall sconces are also a good choice for wall lighting since they provide the most light downwards onto recessed areas.
Deck Lighting
Deck lighting is essential for creating an inviting and safe outdoor living space. Install small spotlights along the edges of your deck to provide visibility in the dark, or put down post cap lights to add even more light. Doing this will help with safety and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for you and your guests.
Wall Mounted Lanterns
Wall-mounted lanterns can enhance the appearance of your outdoor decor and draw attention to architectural details like transom windows, arches, or decorative wreaths above the door. Usually installed near the back door, these lanterns emit a gentle glow and are fixed onto a plate on the wall with the metal and glass exterior mounted to the wall.
Paper Lanterns
You can also hang paper lanterns around your backyard for a fun and unique twist. These colorful decorations create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere that will set a great tone for any outdoor gathering. Make sure you hang them on a tree branch or across your yard for the best effect.
Outdoor Fireplace
A romantic outdoor fireplace is a great way to add heat and light to your backyard. Not only does it provide a comfortable ambiance, but it will also help with lighting during nighttime gatherings. Choose one that complements your home’s style, and ensure you follow all safety guidelines when using it.
Floor Lamp
Add extra light with a floor lamp if you have a lounge area in your backyard. These lamps come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that suits your needs. Place it near the seating area to create an inviting atmosphere for family and friends.
Table Lamp
For a more traditional look, you can opt for a table lamp. Place it on an outdoor coffee or side table to add brightness and charm to your backyard seating area. If you’re entertaining guests, you can even use it to light up your outdoor dining table in a very chic way.
Outdoor Chandelier
Wanna make a bold statement? An outdoor chandelier is the way to go! It can come in various shapes and sizes and take your backyard from drab to fab with just one piece. Hang it over the dining or seating area for a hint of glamour and sophistication that will have everyone in awe.
Landscape Lighting
Landscape Lighting, Spot lighting, or Up-lighting illuminates specific plants or decorative features by directing focused light upwards. Consider utilizing standard-voltage fixtures that can be positioned either at ground level or slightly elevated. This type of lighting can make taller objects, like trees, stand out with bright beams over longer distances, while more minor garden elements, like shrubs, can shine with discreet well-lights.
Backyard Pool Lighting
If you have a pool in your backyard, pool lighting is necessary. This type of lighting can make the area look more inviting and help to keep your family and friends safe by illuminating the edges of the pool or hot tub. Choose waterproof lights and heat resistant for a long life span. You can also choose from various colors and hues to create an ambiance that matches your style.
Here Are Some Tips
Sometimes figuring out how to start when adding lighting to your backyard can be challenging. Here are some quick tips we have to help you out before you begin:
- Start with the basics – Install a few wall-mounted lanterns or spotlights near your yard’s doors, decks, and other significant features.
- Place lights at different heights – Put down post cap lights on your fences or line walkways with low-level path lights for a dramatic effect.
- Position lights in different directions – By placing lights in various directions, you can create shadows that give your yard more depth and interest.
- Use natural materials – If you want to maintain the garden’s character, choose lighting fixtures made of natural materials like wood, stone, or copper.
- Test out different light colors – Experiment with different colored bulbs to bring out the beauty and colors of your plants and features in your backyard.
With these tips, you can create a beautiful, inviting outdoor oasis perfect for entertaining friends and family. With the proper lighting, you can turn your backyard into an enchanting evening and have a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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