Backyard and Landscaping Lighting Ideas (Photos)

Above is an example of some wild pool lighting. Check out our incredible pool lighting ideas photo gallery here.

A string of bulbs is a way to make your backyard space feel more lively and like an active party spot. This option does not require in depth installation and can be easily removed or replaced. See our outdoor hanging lights guide here.

In this yard there is a half wall dividing the patio from the rest of the yard. In the half wall there is installed step and path lighting. This not only illuminates the patio with ambient light but highlights potential trip hazards that would otherwise be hard to see at night.

Sconce lighting is a great addition to structures like archways. The sconce lighting casts light upward at the structure and down at footpaths. In this picture there are also light fixtures in the fountain which highlight this stunning feature. Source: Zillow Digs™

Here we see step lighting highlighting stone stairs. Without these step lights, it may be difficult to see the steps late at night. Tripping down these stairs could potentially be dangerous. For safety alone these lights are worth their weight. It is a bonus that they look great too.

Lanterns make for a wonderful lighting feature as they cast a great deal of light over a large area. Also, lanterns can be quite stylish. There are plenty of styles that can fit any decorating elements you have. Source: Zillow Digs™

This cute outdoor lamp has a unique visual appeal. The light cube casts light in every direction. It also gives your backyard area a special draw. 

A simple and effective outdoor lighting option is a single bright lantern placed up high. This drenches the area in light, making everything around illuminated and bright.

With an abundance of step and path lighting you can create a glow in your area. The light reflects off of the ground, creating an ambient light effect that is soft and bright. Source: Zillow Digs™

If you have a pavilion or overhang, you can bring typically indoor lighting to the outdoors. Here we see a chandelier hanging from an overhang on a lovely patio.

Placing lanterns along a structure is a good way to highlight the edge. These lanterns are around the perimeter of a deck. 

Many homes decorate trees with strings of lights around the holidays, but these kinds of lights can be used to great effect all year round. This tree is well lit by yellow string lights, creating a romantic glow. Source: Zillow Digs™

Underwater lighting is an amazing way to highlight your pool. The light reflects on the lining of the pool and is deflected by the pool’s water, making the pool appear to glow. This can make the pool a big draw at night.

Here we see some interesting outdoor lanterns. These stylish lanterns work in almost any space and can build an interesting and alluring atmosphere. 

Here is a unique and attractive backyard. There are a few different interesting lighting elements here that are very appealing. There is an outdoor bar that is completely illuminated from the inside, as well as a very large lantern shaped like an over-sized desk lamp. These creative lighting elements make this yard intriguing. Source: Zillow Digs™

Here is an overhang with a string of bulbs hanging down over a table and chairs. These bulbs create a close and intimate atmosphere for a nice dinner outside. See more of this home here. Designed by Baran Studio

One of the most classic sources of lighting aside from the sun is fire. Using fire is always an option for lighting up your space, as long as you are careful with it. You can do this through use of fire pits, torches, or lanterns. Fire gives an unmistakable and unique appeal to a space. Learn more here.

Hanging bulbs can be used in many ways. Stringing bulbs from trees is a great way to use nature to your advantage in your backyard. You can leave the bulbs bare to cast as much light in the area as possible or use a shade to direct and soften the light. Source: Zillow Digs™

If you don’t want the bulbs hanging down in drooping strings you can wrap them tightly around structures. This gives these structures a bit of a glow.

Sconce lighting on pillars and poles can highlight your fence area. If you have plants around your fences and you don’t others to tread on them, these lights can also make sure people will be able to see to avoid them. 

You can mix several kinds of lighting together to create a unique atmosphere. In this picture we see a number of different lighting elements working together to build a stunning light profile. Source: Zillow Digs™

One creative idea is to hang various contrasting lanterns from trees. In this picture, various lanterns hang around the space to create a floating-light effect. This can be a magical aesthetic.

The nice thing about a string of bulbs is that they can be strung between distant places, creating overhead light across that entire space. 

A combination of well lights and underwater lights can give a backyard a glowing effect. This warm and welcoming ambiance makes it feel as though light is erupting from the ground. Source: Zillow Digs™

With multiple strings of bulbs you can cover an entire area with light. If you have enough, you can even make a ceiling of light. See more of this home here. Designed by Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro Architects.

If you have a small outdoor space to light up, a single hanging light can do the trick. There are so many styles of lights that you are sure to find a stylish and functional light to fit your space. Shop The Look 

Tall lanterns are ideal for lining a path or driveway and guide people through the space. They are perfect for bridging the gap of light from one well-lit space to another. They can cast enough light to make things visible and don’t need to be too close together to be effective.

This chandelier provides a nice warm light to this backyard area. This is the type of lighting that is perfect for a romantic and intimate evening out in the yard. Source: Zillow Digs™

A string of LED lights is an amazing option for lining features of your backyard. This deck has a string of LEDs around the railing which perfectly outlines the space. 

Here is a great example of path lighting that leads from one area to another. There is also accent lighting highlighting a feature on the wall. This draws the eye to the space and increases the visual appeal.

The proper well lights can fit in with all kinds of landscaping. Here we see square well lights fitting in with the masonry of the walkway. These integrate perfectly with the design, and are sleek and appealing. Source: Zillow Digs™

A string of bulbs looks great draped against a wall. The wall can be used as a backdrop to reflect the light back out into the area.

Garden Lighting Ideas

There are many lighting features you can get for your garden. These features are interesting lighting aspects. They provide light from all direction as well as add a fun design aspect.

Well lights work great in a garden. When plants grow around the well lights the light shining upward gives your plants a warm glow.

Lanterns are a great way to provide light to a garden. This lantern has a nice iron look that brings an old English charm to your garden. 

Here is an interesting idea where fixtures are placed on the ground but left as standard light bulbs without shades or adornments. There are also rust colored lanterns hanging around the garden. This look has an industrial appeal, hearkening back to the era of steam.

Pairing your garden lights with other lighting features can tie together your garden theme. Here we see the well lights in the garden matching both the underwater lighting fixtures and the path lighting. Source: Zillow Digs™

Lining a walkway with glow in the dark bricks is a brilliant idea. If you want your garden to have a natural moonlit feel at night, but still want people to watch where they are walking, glow in the dark bricks highlight the path without adding much light pollution to your space. 

If you have a tree or two in your garden, you can hang strings of lights from the trees to create a magical firefly-like glow. Brighter bulbs can illuminate your flowers even more.

Here is another lantern that fits well in almost any garden. The lines on this lantern are all very natural and rounded, allowing it to fit in with the organic shapes of your plants. 

There are many different kinds of lanterns that can be used in your yard. Some are very minimal and provide light without making much impact on your design. Others have a very strong design presence and can be used to great effect to create a specific ambiance.

Here is a simple lighting element that does not take up much space. This sleek fixture can fit with many different kinds of landscaping designs.

Hanging lights can feel almost magical, like stardust or fireflies are dangling over your garden. It can transform your space from garden to fairytale with the flick of a switch. This would be an amazing place to escape to after the sun sets.

Here is another lantern with an iron look. This one has a bulb pointing downwards, providing focus and directing light to the plants underneath. No one will miss your spectacular garden with this lantern shining down on your plants.

Here we see a number of well lights casting light upward along the plants in this garden. With this type of lighting your garden and trees appear as beacons in the night.

A simple string of bulbs can be used in many ways. It is likely the simplest and easiest solution to your lighting needs. The things which can be done with a string of bulbs is only limited by your imagination. 

Here is an amazing and interesting idea. These planters have built in lights, making the potted plants lamps themselves! This is a beautiful idea that is sure to draw plenty of attention.

These stake lights are great for a garden. During the day they blend into the garden with their color and shapes. At night they provide light while keeping with your garden’s colorful theme. 

Combining many different lighting elements can make your garden almost as bright as day during the night. Using a number of different lights allows you to play with their various advantages to create a unique lighting profile. Source: Zillow Digs™

Here is a small and interesting lighting element. This light cube provides an interesting appeal while casting light in many different directions equally. These lighting features can be used solo, but if you have multiple you may choose to line them up or put them in a pattern to create different effects.

Stake lights are great if you want your fixtures kept somewhat discreet. When placed in small shrubs, the shrubs can help conceal the fixtures. At night it may even seem like your little shrubs are glowing.

Stake lights and directed lighting fixtures are perfect for highlighting paths and specific features in your garden. Pointing lights at features such as light colored rocks and walls can reflect the light over the rest of the garden, creating a softer feel. Source: Zillow Digs™

Here are a few lanterns that are very simple. If you want a lighting element that is functional and to the point, these are great options. This simple design is perfect for nearly any style of garden. 

Simple stake lights and well lights can work well together to light your garden from multiple different directions, bringing out the depth of your garden.

Here is an amazing piece. During the day, this piece looks like artwork – a colorful element to spice up your garden. But this piece also glows in the dark, working at night to make sure that your garden goes unscathed.