41 Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Yard (2024)

Room Design

Outdoor Spaces

• 01 of 41

  Rattan Lanterns

  

  Rattan is a trending choice for outdoor decor and it also makes a great option for outdoor lighting. Globe-shaped lanterns in various sizes provide visual interest and ambient light.

  Be sure to check the durability of the materials you choose. True rattan may not weather well in wet conditions, while options made from resin will offer better durability.

  Continue to 2 of 41 below

• 02 of 41

  Patio Lighting

  

  Give a petite space bright lights with a string of small bulbs. You can opt for neat rows or crisscross the strings of light for a more eclectic vibe. The intensity of illumination is determined by the bulbs you choose and the number of lights you use.

  Go with fewer string lights for a softer glow or add more rows of bulbs for better visibility while spending an evening on the patio.

  Continue to 3 of 41 below

• 03 of 41

  Privacy Fence Lighting

  

  Give your privacy fence a glow-up by hanging individual string lights. This look doesn't require symmetry or perfect placement, and it works well whether you hang the lights vertically or horizontally. For easy ambiance, use lights with a dusk-to-dawn timer.

  Continue to 4 of 41 below

• 04 of 41

  Doors and Windows Lighting

  

  If you want to set your home aglow, use string lights or flexible LED light tubing to outline doors and windows. This idea is best suited for backyard hideouts and is an effective and easy way to jazz up your home's exterior while also softly outlining the door on a dark night as you make your way back inside from the firepit or hot tub.

  Continue to 5 of 41 below

• 05 of 41

  Tree Lighting

  

  If you're searching for a good spot to hang string lights, sometimes all you have to do is look up. String lights in trees can turn dark or shadowy areas of your yard and garden into an illuminated oasis, ready for dining, socializing, or peaceful reflection.

  Choose solar or battery-powered string lights if you don't have access to a nearby electrical outlet.

  Continue to 6 of 41 below

• 06 of 41

  Plant Lighting

  

  For potted trees or plants, use a stake light to provide spotlight illumination. Aside from providing a focal point (even at night), the light source highlights the foliage.

  You can either use several small solar lights to create a halo of light around the plant or a single light source to backlight a larger plant, as seen in this backyard design from Lady Landscape.

  Continue to 7 of 41 below

• 07 of 41

  Paper Lanterns

  

  As an alternative to the soft ambiance of string lights, consider hanging paper lanterns instead. Use lights of varying diameters to add illumination and visual interest.

  Keep in mind, though, that the lanterns aren't weather-proof, so expect to hang them ahead of your special event and pack them for safe storage once the occasion is over.

  Continue to 8 of 41 below

• 08 of 41

  Layered Lighting

  

  Indoors or outdoors, using a variety of lighting layers can add dimension and versatility to your space. This pergola combines string lights for ambiance with an overhead fixture for a more direct beam of light.

  Use just one or both light sources, depending on the mood and festivities underway. For the best effect, remember to match the color temperature of all fixture light bulbs.

  Continue to 9 of 41 below

  See Also

  String Lights Are the Key to a Charming BackyardGet Your String Lights in Shape with Popular Patio Light Hanging Patterns - Yard EnvyHow to Hang String Lights on Your Patio27 Enchanting Patio String Lights Ideas to Adorn Your Backyard

• 09 of 41

  Wall Sconces

  

  Wall sconces provide illumination and decor in one attractive package, and are a great choice for outdoor lighting on feature walls.

  Many options provide soft background light but if you want more illumination, look for cylinder lights that cast upward and downward beams of light, as seen in this photo from Lucide Lighting.

  Continue to 10 of 41 below

• 10 of 41

  Patio Lanterns

  

  Outdoor lighting doesn't always come from above. Ground lanterns, as seen here in a modern square shape, can be placed wherever you need them around patios, pools, and other outdoor seating areas.

  The soft glow harmonizes with the light fixtures used to provide illumination in the covered patio, giving the entire pool area a cohesive lighting plan with enough illumination for any activity.

  Continue to 11 of 41 below

• 11 of 41

  Pergola Lighting

  

  Pergolas provide welcome shade during the day, but adding outdoor lighting kicks up the ambiance at night. String lights and hanging pendants both make popular picks for pergola lighting.

  Don't be afraid to mix and match lighting styles to achieve the right lighting effect for your space.

  If you choose hanging lights, as seen in this space from Upstyle Your Home, it's usually best to center them over your seating arrangement for light distribution and design balance.

  Continue to 12 of 41 below

• 12 of 41

  Path Lighting

  

  Don't overlook the importance of path lighting. A welcome greeting to visitors and a practical safety measure, use outdoor lights at regular intervals along walkways to help guide the way. Solar lights are often a go-to choice since they require no battery replacement and will turn on at dusk.

  Continue to 13 of 41 below

• 13 of 41

  Lantern Posts

  

  Pathway lighting can come in a variety of forms, but the post-and-lantern option seen here harmonizes with the wooden handrail on the other side of the path. The glow of the lanterns leads the eye up the pathway, while lighting the steps. Opt for solar-powered lanterns if you're looking for an alternative to hardwired outdoor lighting options.

  Continue to 14 of 41 below

• 14 of 41

  Statement Lights

  

  Two large globe lights break the mold of traditional house lighting fixtures. The orbs illuminate the space by night while providing visual contrast to the more rectangular features of this house by day.

  When choosing porch lighting fixtures, think about the functional features of the lights you choose without overlooking the opportunity to make a statement right at the front door of your home.

  Continue to 15 of 41 below

• 15 of 41

  Wraparound Porch Lighting

  

  Recessed can lights lend a soft, inviting glow on a wraparound porch. This Craftsman-style home has abundant windows and cedar plank siding that add charm but leaves little space for wall-mounted fixtures making the cans a practical and aesthetically pleasing option.

  Continue to 16 of 41 below

• 16 of 41

  Front Door Lighting

  

  A well-lit front door is practical for safety reasons, but also gives your home a welcoming look. By using a pair of lighting fixtures on either side of the door, you double the illumination, which can be helpful as you search for your keys or greet guests at night.

  Give attention to the size and scale of the light fixtures you choose. Don't overwhelm or crowd the doorway, but don't underwhelm the area with too little light from undersized fixtures.

  Continue to 17 of 41 below

• 17 of 41

  Recessed Path Lighting

  

  The recessed lights of this wooden entryway preserve the modern aesthetic of this home while highlighting the edge of the path for safety. This option can be built into walkways of various materials, but recessed walkway lights are most popular and practical for wooden and stone entryways.

  Continue to 18 of 41 below

• 18 of 41

  Pendant Light

  

  A pendant light outdoors can serve the same function as a well-placed indoor fixture, providing illumination and eye-catching decor. A great application for this outdoor lighting idea is to use it over a patio set. By day or by night, the hanging light serves as a focal point for a cozy conversation corner.

  Continue to 19 of 41 below

• 19 of 41

  Light Canopy

  

  Even without a pergola or gazebo, you can set the stage for your outdoor seating area with a canopy of string lights. The easiest way to achieve the effect is to use a net of string lights, but you can also use individual strings of light to achieve the same look. It gives the effect of a covered seating area using illumination, but doesn't require the installation of a permanent structure.

  Continue to 20 of 41 below

• 20 of 41

  Illuminated Front Steps

  

  This outdoor lighting idea uses a variety of LED light sources to make this walkway glow. The steps are easy to navigate, thanks to wall-mounted light sources and stake lights further up the path. The upward-facing spotlights, built into the pathway, illuminate the landing area while highlighting the texture and form of the feature wall.

  Continue to 21 of 41 below

• 21 of 41

  Outdoor Dining Room Lights

  

  Dining on the deck or patio is one of life's simple pleasures, but if you don't want to dine in the dark, you'll need to install a light source for use after the sun goes down. This contemporary home features a pair of hanging light fixtures that provide plenty of illumination over the table and seating arrangements.

  Lighting for outdoor dining serves a practical purpose but can also add ambiance to the area and enhance the feeling of a true outdoor living space. Be sure to choose fixtures that are damp or wet-rated for safety and longevity, since lights in outdoor areas will be exposed to moisture and precipitation.

  Continue to 22 of 41 below

• 22 of 41

  Cozy Candlelight

  

  If you don't have the know-how or budget for hardwired outdoor lighting, you can still light up your patio or deck with candlelight. Romantic and chic, battery-operated candles give you that gorgeous glow, without worries over melting wax or fire hazards.

  Make this look more effective and attractive by using plenty of candles in various sizes and placing them at different heights in your outdoor space, including on the ground and tables or other outdoor fixtures.

  Continue to 23 of 41 below

• 23 of 41

  Under-Eaves Lighting

  

  Adding lights underneath the eaves of a roof is another unique option for outdoor lighting. This villa has can lights that illuminate in both directions, though the top beam of light is amplified to draw the eye upward.

  When deciding where to place under-eave lighting, pay attention to architectural details and functional features. On this tropical villa, the lights are placed on either side of the door walls and along the side of the home for full illumination around the perimeter.

  Continue to 24 of 41 below

• 24 of 41

  Bulb String Lights

  

  Sun shades are usually designed with the day in mind, but when illuminated from underneath, they give off an attractive glow. In this hot tub oasis, the sunshade is lit from below with string lights, adding to the privacy and ambiance of this outdoor space.

  Continue to 25 of 41 below

• 25 of 41

  Feature Lighting

  

  For homes with unique architectural features, like cut-outs and recessed areas, consider designing your outdoor lighting to highlight these architectural details. In this example, the stone wall seems lit from within, providing plenty of light underneath the portico and up the stairs.

  Continue to 26 of 41 below

• 26 of 41

  Fence Illumination

  

  You can illuminate the borders of your backyard with fence lighting. These LED lights spaced at measured intervals along the privacy fence cast a glow on the fence above and garden bed below. Use them to softly illuminate your landscaping and provide a visual identifier of the fence line.

  Continue to 27 of 41 below

• 27 of 41

  Fence-Mounted Lights

  

  Light up your yard or pool area with fence spotlights. Unlike stake lighting which lights up the area from below, mounting lights on your fence provides downward directional illumination. Evenly space the lights for centered beams of light along the perimeter of your area.

  Continue to 28 of 41 below

• 28 of 41

  Summer Party Lights

  

  Outdoor lighting is a key element of backyard bashes, but your party lights don't need to be limited to tabletop options or tiki torches. Instead, use battery-powered LED string lights inside of mason jars for a firefly-like glow. Affix the battery pack to the lid of the jar and hang it from trees or hooks around the party area.

  Continue to 29 of 41 below

• 29 of 41

  Pathway Lanterns

  

  Stepping stones lead the way across a yard or garden, but can quickly blend into the surroundings under dark or shadowy conditions. Cast illumination on your path with a series of ground lanterns.

  Using battery-operated or solar-powered lights eliminates the need for hardwiring or permanent installation. In this example, the lanterns are staggered on either side of the path and nearby illumination from tree spotlights gives the area added brightness.

  Continue to 30 of 41 below

• 30 of 41

  Layered Patio Lighting

  

  If you have a large backyard, be sure to layer the lighting so that each area is well-lit and the outdoor space has a balanced feel. Brophy Interiors lit the exterior of this large Southern California home with a variety of lighting sources. The large semi-covered back patio is illuminated with integrated string lights in the wood-clad ceiling.

  The steps leading to the backyard have integrated lighting for safety purposes, and the planters that run the width of the patio below are illuminated with landscape lighting.

  Continue to 31 of 41 below

• 31 of 41

  Oversized Pendant Light

  

  Hang an oversized pendant light from a mature tree to create a cozy feel on a backyard deck, like this space from Desiree Burns Interiors. The large woven pendant light anchors the dining table and complements the wire chairs to create an indoor-outdoor feel.

  Continue to 32 of 41 below

• 32 of 41

  Outdoor Floor Lamp

  

  Create an al fresco living room feel on your backyard patio with an outdoor floor lamp. This space from Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design includes a metal and rattan floor lamp with a boho-style feel that is both functional and stylish, providing ambient light for an outdoor seating area that invites relaxation.

  Continue to 33 of 41 below

• 33 of 41

  Backlit Glow

  

  Give your home facade a backlit glow by using integrated uplighting and downlighting. Brophy Interiors lit the front steps, walkway, retainer wall, and facade with a mix of warm integrated lighting that softens the contemporary look of the home.

  The driveway and three-car garage are lit with a mix of integrated uplight in the landscaped paving stones and integrated downlighting from above for a harmonious feel.

  Continue to 34 of 41 below

• 34 of 41

  Coordinating Patio Lights

  

  Use coordinating light fixtures to give a patio a polished and cohesive feel. This outdoor patio from Emily Henderson Design is lit by farmhouse-style lanterns on the walls. An extra layer of industrial bulb string lights with a complementary look is hung beneath the slope of the roof to provide additional ambient light that makes the outdoor dining area feel inviting and ready for entertaining.

  Continue to 35 of 41 below

• 35 of 41

  Warm Brass Porch Lights

  

  Choose a warm-toned metal and warm bulbs to create a welcoming glow on the front porch. Brass light fixtures complement gold-toned hardware on this front porch from Leanne Ford Interiors that adds a warm glow to the all-white facade. Woven textures and oversized bunches of dried flowers add more layers to the look.

  Continue to 36 of 41 below

• 36 of 41

  A-Frame Facade Lighting

  

  Use outdoor lighting to highlight the architecture of your home facade. This A-frame cabin in the Catskills of New York from AHG Interiors is illuminated with large warm string lights that highlight the shape of the facade.

  The rest of the home is illuminated with additional string lights, in-ground lights around the pathway, and smaller LED lights along the deck that wraps around the back of the house for an even glow that complements the warm light that glows from within.

  Continue to 37 of 41 below

• 37 of 41

  Dropped Ceiling Lights

  

  Simple dropped ceiling lights will add a timeless feel to your covered back porch. Emily Henderson Design installed a pair of black industrial metal lights from the white painted shiplap ceiling of this back porch seating area for a rustic farmhouse feel.

  Continue to 38 of 41 below

• 38 of 41

  Hurricane Candle Lanterns

  

  Modern black metal and glass hurricane candle lamps filled with pillar candles will provide an ambient glow at night while adding a sculptural decor element during the day, like this cozy outdoor deck from Jess Bunge for Emily Henderson Design.

  Continue to 39 of 41 below

• 39 of 41

  Outdoor Kitchen Lighting

  

  Illuminate an outdoor kitchen with bright white sconce lighting that will allow you to prepare meals safely and easily after dark. This back patio grill space from Cathie Hong Interiors includes a minimalist black wall sconce with a modern look that floods the countertop with light for prepping meals.

  Continue to 40 of 41 below

• 40 of 41

  Sculptural Star Light

  

  Hang a sculptural glass and metal light fixture from a wooden pergola to bring some whimsical starlight onto your outdoor space, like this Palm Springs patio from Jenn Pablo Studio.
  

  Continue to 41 of 41 below

• 41 of 41

  Indoor-Outdoor Lighting

  

  In a modern home with large glass windows that are visible from outside, coordinate your lighting fixtures for a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. This home from Cathie Hong Interiors has simple, modern globe light fixtures on the exterior and interior that blur the lines between inside and out, creating a warm and welcoming curb appeal.