Backyard Light Ideas

As the days get longer and warmer in the Spring, we start to spend more time outdoors. Whether we’re grilling, gardening, or just enjoying a book in the fresh air, we want to make the most of our outdoor spaces. But as the sun starts to set, it can be hard to keep the party going. That’s where outdoor lighting comes in—with the right lights; you can extend your backyard fun well into the evening hours and even all year round.

If you’re looking for some lighting ideas for the backyard, we have a list of DIY backyard light ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

String Lights 

If you have trees or posts, stringing lights from them is the obvious choice for backyard lighting and can be a great way to give your backyard an upscale feel. It can take your backyard to another level of warmth and intimacy.

Try wrapping trees with string lights to add a warm and welcoming glow to your outdoor space. If you have a hammock, fire pit, or seating area nearby, these make great places for the lights to shine! For a cozy atmosphere, go for warm white LED string lights. But if you’re looking for something more fun and festive, try multicolor or red, white and blue strings.

Deck railings, lattices, and garden arbors are the perfect places to drape string lights and icicle lights for a touch of festive backyard magic. If your structure has vines or flowers growing on it, weave the lights around them carefully, so you don’t damage the plants. If necessary (to keep things tidy), use zip ties or twist ties to hold light strings in place along the edges.

Try string lights on your shed if you want to add a festive flair to your backyard! If your shed has a shingled roof, you can use Christmas light clips to hold anything from mini lights to icicle string lights in place.

A backyard fence is perfect for string lights and creatively displaying them. It’s easy to install globe string lights along a wooden fence using the natural grooves between each post. You could also use any lighting, from mini LEDs to icicles! This is easily one of our favorite outdoor string light ideas because it looks fantastic and doesn’t take much time or effort to put up.

While string lights are common, there are a lot of creative uses for them and they’re a good foundation for backyard light ideas.

Solar Lights

Solar lights are a great way to light walkways, patios, and decks. They come in so many different shapes and sizes that it is easy to find something that fits your style. Once you start to look into it, you’ll discover there is no shortage of solar lighting ideas for the backyard.

You can use solar-powered LED stake lights or lanterns to line your path for garden pathways. Solar post cap lights are also perfect for decks and steps. These are great for decks because they can be mounted on top of posts or along the railing and provide plenty of bright light!

If you want to liven up your patio area, try using solar-powered string lights. Hang them from any structure, like an arbor or pergola, or string them around your deck railing for a bright and cheery look.

For the ultimate outdoor party area, hang up some solar-powered paper lanterns! These are perfect for adding a festive vibe to any backyard gathering. Or you can use them to create an intimate dinner setting with your closest friends or family.

Lanterns

Backyard Lanterns come in all shapes and sizes. From solar-powered electric lanterns with a lightbulb to paper Chinese lanterns. And they bring a romantic and whimsical feel to any backyard space. Plus, they’re perfect for adding extra light without being too bright or overwhelming.

You can hang or place lanterns from trees, posts, or arbors for a subtle and soft glow. Try using electric lanterns in shades of white or red to create a cozy atmosphere. If you prefer something more fun, go for paper lanterns in all colors! Just be sure to use them with caution near any open flame.

One idea for using lanterns in the backyard is to hang them from tree branches or poles, creating a string of glowing orbs that adds a touch of whimsy and magic to the space.

Another option is to place the lanterns on the ground along pathways or in strategic areas such as seating areas or fire pits. This creates a warm, inviting ambiance and provides practical illumination for outdoor activities.

A third idea is to use the lanterns to highlight specific features or areas in the backyard, such as a water feature or a garden bed. This adds visual interest and depth to the space and draws the eye to these elements.

Another option is to cluster several lanterns together, creating a focal point or gathering space in the backyard. This creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere and can be especially beautiful when the lanterns are illuminated at night.

Finally, consider using the lanterns as part of a DIY backyard lighting project, such as filling them with candles or small plants to create unique, personalized decorations for the backyard. This adds a personal touch and allows for endless creativity and experimentation.

Fairy Lights

No list of lighting ideas for the backyard would be complete without fairy lights. Fairy lights are a great way to add sparkle and whimsy to your backyard. These tiny string lights come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for any atmosphere.

You can hang fairy lights from trees or posts to create an enchanting look. Or wrap them around railings or furniture for a starry night look. You could even hang them from planters or fence posts to light up any space.

One idea for using fairy lights in the backyard is to drape them over tree branches or bushes, creating a sparkling, ethereal effect. This adds a touch of whimsy and magic to the space, and is especially beautiful at night. Another option is to use the fairy lights to outline the perimeter of the backyard, either along the ground or suspended above it. This creates a subtle, ambient glow that adds warmth and elegance to the space.

You use the fairy lights to highlight specific features or areas in the backyard, such as a gazebo, a pond, or a garden bed. This adds visual interest and depth to the space and draws the eye to these elements. Another option is to wrap the fairy lights around vertical elements such as pillars or poles, creating a sparkling, cascading effect. This adds drama and movement to the backyard, and is especially beautiful when the lights are twinkling at night.

For an extra magical feel, you can string the fairy lights around the inner branches of large bushes and illuminate the natural trunk and branch structure inside for all to see.

Rope Lights

Traditional landscape lighting often uses single lights that stick up from the ground, but rope light can blend in more seamlessly with your natural surroundings. This option is also great for people who want to make unique, creative displays. Rope light can create continuously illuminated borders and beautifully follow landscapes’ contours and pathways.

One idea for using rope lights in the backyard is to outline the perimeter of the space, either along the ground or suspended above it. This creates a subtle, ambient glow that adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the backyard.

Another option is to use the rope lights to highlight specific features or areas in the backyard, such as a garden bed, a pond, or a deck. This draws the eye to these areas and adds visual interest to the space.

You can also create a string of rope lights in the shape of a word or phrase, such as “relax” or “summer,” and hang it in the backyard. This adds a playful, whimsical touch to the space and can be a fun conversation starter.

You can also wrap the rope lights around the trunks of trees or other vertical elements in the backyard. This creates a warm, cozy ambiance and adds visual depth and dimension to the space.

Chandeliers

Hanging chandeliers are a great way to add a touch of glamour and elegance to your backyard. Whether you choose an electric candlelit chandelier or pick out something with more sparkle and shine, these lights will set the mood!

String them up from trees or posts for a truly romantic feel. suspend them from tree branches or poles using ropes or chains. This creates a whimsical, ethereal effect, especially when the chandeliers are illuminated at night.

Another option is to install a pergola or gazebo in the backyard and then hang the chandeliers from the structure’s ceiling or rafters. This creates a focal point and gathering space in the backyard, and the chandeliers add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

You can also hang the chandeliers from the eaves of the house, over a patio or outdoor dining area. This creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere and provides ample light for outdoor meals and gatherings.

If you have a deck or fence, another option is to place the chandeliers on top of tall, sturdy stands or pillars positioned throughout the backyard. This allows for flexibility in terms of placement and creates a dynamic, playful effect.

If you want a more relaxed, rustic vibe, try suspending the chandeliers from the beams in a barn or backyard shed. This creates an inviting, country-esque ambiance and makes the space feel cozier.

Fire Pit or Chiminea

Fire pits and chimineas provide a cozy atmosphere for any outdoor gathering. They offer warmth and light, and their flames create beautiful shadows that dance across the walls. Plus, their smoldering embers keep everyone warm on cool nights!

If you want to take your fire pit or chiminea experience to the next level, you can add string lights to the area. Wind them around the poles or posts of the fire pit, or hang them from nearby trees and other structures for a magical effect.

You can also wrap the string lights around logs in the fire pit for an added touch of whimsy. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere and adds to the overall ambiance of your backyard.

Motion-Activated Lights

Motion-activated lights are a great way to add security, safety, and convenience to your backyard. These lights turn on automatically when motion is detected, so you won’t have to manually turn them on or off.

You can place these lights around the perimeter of your backyard to keep it illuminated at night, or you can use them to light up specific features, such as pathways or garden beds.

You can also install them along stairways or decks for safety and security. This helps to prevent slips and falls, especially in dimly lit areas.

For a fun twist on motion-activated lights, you can hang string lights around the backyard that turn on when motion is detected. This creates a romantic and inviting atmosphere and adds to the overall mood of the space.

Conclusion

Outdoor lighting is the perfect way to transform your backyard into an enchanting place where you can create lasting memories with friends and family. With the right lights, you can keep the good times going long after sunset! So go ahead, pick out some lights and start having fun in your outdoor space.

Regardless of your backyard’s lighting options, remember always to be mindful of safety. Check that all lights and electrical items are up-to-date and in good condition before using them. This will help ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and beautiful outdoor space!