8 Outdoor Lighting Ideas To Light Up Your Backyard at Night

Having your backyard well-lit doesn’t just add to the aesthetic appeal of your living space–although that is one major perk. It also increases functionality and safety, giving you a broader part of your home that you can use well into the evening. From fire pits to lanterns to landscape lighting, the possibilities are endless for keeping your backyard well-lit.

Below, we’ve outlined some outdoor lighting ideas that can transform the ambiance of your backyard, whether you’re throwing an outdoor party or just enjoying some downtime in the fresh air.

The Importance Of Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting isn’t just about brightening up the darkness; it plays a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic, safety, and functionality of your outdoor spaces. Having your backyard well-lit makes the space more functional since you can use it at night and not just during the day. The right type of lighting can completely transform a backyard’s aesthetic, creating a cozy and magical feeling. Even a small outdoor space benefits from the proper lighting.

The right lighting scheme can highlight architectural features, landscaping, and focal points of the home. When you combine great outdoor lighting with high-quality outdoor furniture, you can turn a simple backyard or patio into a cozy space for hosting friends or relaxing by yourself. Below, we’re sharing 8 outdoor lighting ideas to help you transform your backyard at night.

1. Glowing Patio Lanterns

A glowing patio lantern is a versatile and functional lighting option. This adaptable type of lighting fixture can enhance the beauty and elegance of your outdoor living space while also providing a useful amount of light. The movability of a lantern makes it versatile and practical for any sized backyard or patio.

There are many different styles of glowing outdoor lanterns made from all different materials (including paper lanterns and more durable ones), allowing you to choose a lantern that fits the overall theme of your home and personal style.

Hang your lantern from a tree in your yard, from the top of a covered pergola, or a lantern stand. The soft, diffused light that is emitted from lanterns adds a cozy and intimate feel, perfect for hosting guests or enjoying a quiet evening to yourself. The Acorn Lantern is a high-quality, modern lantern that adds adequate light and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space.

2. String Lights Magic

Lighting is always functional, but when you use outdoor string lights, it really transforms the whole feeling of your backyard. There are many different ways that you can hang string lights in your backyard, and you can choose from several styles and designs, allowing you to tailor your outdoor lighting to your own personal style and preferences. Hang outdoor string lights in trees or over the top of a covered patio to create a warm glow and whimsical feeling.

3. Fairy Lights in Trees

When it comes to creating a magical and intimate ambiance in your backyard, few things compare to the soft glow of fairy lights. Fairy lights are not only easy to install but also create an ambiance that doesn’t compare to other lighting options. Lighting is much more than just functional since it affects the whole feeling and design of an outdoor space. One of the most enchanting trends in outdoor lighting is fairy lights placed in trees.

Fairy lights can be plugged into an electrical outlet using an extension cord, or you can opt for a battery-powered option. Not only are fairy lights fun and beautiful, but they’re easy to install as well, enhancing your outdoor spaces during any season.

4. LED Deck Lighting

LED deck lighting is one of the more functional backyard lighting ideas since LED lights are typically easy to install and last for a long time. These lights can be intentionally placed to enhance the design of your home, illuminating the architecture and landscaping of your backyard. They can also be used as step lights, placed on or around steps for added safety measures. One benefit of LED lights is that they use less energy than other lights, making them better for the environment. They also come in many forms, from pathway and garden lights to wall sconces with LED bulbs.

5. Solar-Powered Pathway Lights

Solar-powered lights serve an important function of highlighting pathways and steps so you can see where you’re walking at night. This outdoor lighting option is practical, easy to use, and affordable. Transforming the lighting of your outdoor space doesn’t have to involve a hefty budget or complicated installations.

Solar lights come in different forms, but typically, they just need to be stuck into the ground along any pathways or steps that you have. The top of the light has a solar panel that absorbs the sun’s rays throughout the day. The light then automatically turns on when the sun goes down. This is an easy and convenient lighting solution that offers safety and aesthetical appeal.

Because solar path lights are free from wires, they are easy to install. You can effortlessly incorporate solar lights into your outdoor living space by lining your garden paths, greenery, flower beds, walkways, or stairs.

6. Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting systems include light bulbs and fixtures that have sensors and automatically turn on based on what they detect in the environment, such as movement or darkness. A remote, smartphone, or voice control can also control these lights.

Smart lights can be adjusted in their intensity and color based on the user’s preferences. Not only do smart lights enhance the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor space, but they also offer convenience and energy efficiency.

A smart lighting system makes it easy for you to change the color and brightness of the lights you have installed, allowing you to adjust your lighting based on certain events or seasons without changing the bulbs. Many outdoor lighting systems also come equipped with motion sensors, which provide an extra layer of security for your outdoor spare.

7. Outdoor Light Fixtures

Outdoor light fixtures, such as sconces, pendant lights, and ceiling fans, come in many forms and styles. Installing a new fixture might require professional help, but it can completely change the aesthetic of an outdoor space. Changing out old accent lighting fixtures can freshen up your outdoor space and help provide balanced lighting for the entire space.

8. Fire Pit or Chiminea

Fire pits and chimineas provide lighting and aesthetic appeal. You can incorporate a fire pit into your home’s design by selecting a size and style that fits. Both fire pits and chimineas come in many different styles, with plenty of unique and modern options. Not only do fire pits provide warm light, but they also serve as a great conversation piece when you have guests over. Combining a firepit with some durable outdoor chairs and outdoor dining sets makes for the perfect hosting space.

Final Thoughts

Lighting is an essential aspect of any home that should never be overlooked. How you light up your outdoor space in the night sky influences its usability and safety. Without proper path lighting (and outdoor lighting in general), you likely won’t be spending much time in your backyard after the sun goes down, but with just a few small adjustments, you can transform your dark outdoor space into a well-lit and beautiful space for enjoying the fresh air with friends or on your own.

Some lighting options, such as smart lighting systems, recessed lights, and outdoor light fixtures, are more intricate and difficult to install. While others are more convenient and DIY-friendly, such as string lights and a modern lantern.

If you want to get the most out of your outdoor lighting, choose a high-quality and durable light that is versatile and easy to install. Our Acorn Lantern has an aesthetic appeal and modern design. It is a durable and compact device that provides substantial lighting. Simply place this lantern on a tabletop or floor, or hang it from the stand to convert it to an outdoor floor lamp, illuminating your space easily and effectively.