35 garden lighting ideas to breathe life into your outdoor space after dark

A great way to make the most of the warmer weather by continuing to enjoy your garden after dark, and to do that, you'll need to consider which garden lighting ideas will enhance your space.

All the best cosy garden ideas involve warm lighting to adds ambience, and you can make a real feature of your space by framing the area with lights.

'Long gone are the days of garden lighting being synonymous with just a simple flood light or porch light – the aesthetics are now equally important,' says Rachel Morris of home and garden lighting experts 4lite.

'The choice, style and functionality of available products have rocketed, allowing you to upgrade your outdoor space in a variety of ways, whether it’s adding a cosy glow to extend your evening or completely transforming your garden.'

And many garden lighting ideas won't just make your outdoor space look beautiful – they'll also lend extra security and safety throughout the year.

Rachel Morris

Rachel has more than a decade of experience in the lighting industry, joining Ansell Lighting in 2013. More recently, she joined 4lite, Ansell Group’s consumer lighting brand, where she has worked for the last four years, marketing a wide range of lighting solutions, including smart light technology.

Garden lighting ideas

While there are a handful of garden lighting mistakes you ought to avoid, so long as you take experts' advice for illuminating your outdoor space, we guarantee you'll be inspired to use your garden all year round, even well after summer has passed.

Here are some of our favourite garden lighting ideas that you can use to upgrade your outdoor space.

1. Keep it cosy

While it's easy to get carried away with all the shapes and styles of garden lighting available (and for good reason!), it's important to consider the bulb itself and what kind of light it'll be emitting.

'Some types of external lighting can be too hard on the eyes which is why we always recommend using warm white LED lighting for outdoor spaces – something with a colour temperature in the region of 2700K -3000K,' advises Piero de Marchis, director of Detail Lighting. 'This bathes the area in a wonderful golden light that feels cosy and comforting.'

2. Go for solar-powered products

Solar-powered lighting has many benefits, so it's easily one of our top garden lighting ideas.

'The major benefit of solar garden lighting is that it's free to run,' says Rachel from 4lite, comparing this type of lighting to the cost to run a lightbulb.

'Powered by the sun, solar lights won’t cost a penny in electricity. Energy usage analysis by 4lite reports that switching to solar lights can reduce annual garden lighting bills by just over £10 per bulb, compared to a traditional incandescent bulb based on 1,200 hours of usage. For 10 lights across the garden, that adds up to a yearly saving of £105.'

Solar lights won't just save you money – they're easy to set up, too. 'As they’re wireless, solar garden lights are much easier to install than mains-powered or hard-wired lights,' says Rachel. 'Being portable, there’s more flexibility around where to locate the lights as they don’t need to be close to a power socket or need new wiring – also meaning you save time and money on employing an electrician for installation.'

3. Style festoon lighting

Festoon lights are among the most popular garden lighting ideas thanks to their versatility. They can be styled in various ways, whether draped over pergolas, between trees, or used to dress a patio. They provide both ambient and practical lighting that's easy to put up.

Festoon lights are also widely available as solar-powered products, meaning you won't need to worry about plugging them into the mains or staying on top of batteries.

4. Get cosier with candles

If you want to go natural with your garden lighting ideas, candles can set a gentle ambience outdoors. Choose large pieces as standalone features, taking care to avoid placing them near flammable objects, or put them inside lanterns for a cosy, rustic feel.

Use citronella candles like the Price's Citronella Tealights from Amazon as a way of getting rid of mosquitoes and stopping them from spoiling your time outdoors.

5. Go smart with garden lighting

If you already use smart lighting inside your home, why not consider using it in your garden as well? It's a handy tool that won't just make life easier, but also save you money long-term.

'Introducing smart home technology into the garden can save money on energy bills, as well as increasing functionality,' says Rachel from 4lite. 'Using affordable smart bulbs, you can set schedules to turn lights on and off at set times of day or when the sun sets so you’re only using them when needed.

'They’re fully dimmable, so you can reduce your lighting output to make further savings. 4lite’s smart lights also offer energy usage stats in the associated app so you can track how much you’re using and identify where you can make savings.'

Many smart lighting products also offer a range of colour options which help change up the look and feel of an outdoor space.

6. Light up a pergola

If you're looking to brighten up your pergola ideas, there are various ways you can use garden lighting ideas to make a stunning feature of the structure.

‘Lights can be perfectly weaved through the gaps to create an artificial starry sky right overhead as you enjoy an evening with family and friends,’ suggests Andrea Tellatin, CEO of Twinkly.

Twinkly's smart Festoon lights, available at Amazon, can be customised and controlled from an accompanying app, which even lets you change the patterns and colours of each LED at the tap of a button. Alternatively, you can hang the lights from trees, bushes and plants to truly enhance and illuminate some of your favourite areas.

7. Consider lighting effects

Angling your garden lighting in certain ways can create dramatic effects across the space.

'Get creative by throwing light onto walls, creating silhouettes, and making reflections across water features for added drama and texture,' says Rachel from 4lite. 'This creates a different look to your garden between day and night.

'To help you visualise the final look, experiment with different light angles using a torch and notice the shadows created and the effect they have.'

8. Think about durability

Permanent garden lighting ideas need to be able to withstand whatever challenges the weather can throw at them.

‘Carefully consider the placement of your lighting as this will determine the design as well as the IP rating you will require,' explains Jo Plant, head of design at lighting brand Pooky.

'To simply explain IP ratings: use IP44 damp-rated fixtures, for sheltered spaces – such as under pergolas – while for the more exposed areas where there could be direct or indirect contact with rain, you will need IP65 wet-rated fixtures.'

'Apart from functionality, also opt for materials that are not only eye-catching but robust. Brass and chrome always age well outside, and on a bright day, they beautifully catch the sun.'

9. Illuminate steps and paths for safety

Steps are one of the most dangerous parts of a garden's landscape – especially after dark. Thankfully, there are lots of garden lighting ideas you can try out to illuminate your steps.

Strip lighting can be installed under each riser which lights up the step below. Alternatively, hooded spots can be inlaid into the walls of the steps. These should be hooded and directed to point downwards to prevent them from dazzling.

10. Install a fire pit to create a cosy ambience

One lighting idea that you may not have considered until now is installing a fire pit. We've even rounded up some of the best fire pits we've tested to better assist you in your decision.

‘Not only are fire pits a great light source for your garden, they’re also warm and create an inviting atmosphere for your garden,’ says Tiger’s garden building expert, Sam Jenkinson.

Whether you only have a small outdoor space with limited space to play with or a much larger, sprawling garden, fire pit ideas come in a variety of different sizes and designs to meet your needs.

Similar to the safety precautions you should take when using a patio heater on decking, make sure to keep the fire pit a good distance away from any plants or flowers, overhanging trees or fences, and install it on a flat natural surface such as concrete, gravel, stone, slate or brick, or on a fire-resistant composite.

11. Incorporate architectural lights into your borders

Your garden is a carefully curated space and therefore must look beautiful during the day as well as at night. By day, these Stone Globe Lights are disguised as solid stone spheres that bring texture and structure to your garden border ideas.

By night, they are illuminated, creating striking orbs that provide a beautiful focal point. They're available in low- and medium-voltage, or solar-powered, to suit all types of gardens.

12. Add height to your garden by illuminating trees

During the day, trees provide architectural structure in the garden, but your garden's definition may get lost once the sun sets. To add height to your garden at night and make a small garden look bigger, simply entwine the trunks and larger branches with solar-powered string lights to add depth to the space and create an atmospheric glow.

These warm white solar fairy lights from Lights4Fun also have a rechargeable USB battery which enables you to enjoy the twinkly lights even on days with less sunlight.

13. Use mirrors to maximise your garden illumination

We all know the mirror's power to reflect light around a dark room and make a space look bigger. Little did you know, this also applies to the garden. During the day, garden mirror ideas will encourage light into dark spots and create the illusion of spaces beyond.

However, with some strategically positioned festoon lights, a mirror can also increase the power of nighttime illumination, throwing light back into the space.

14. Dress a table with portable lighting

Portable garden lighting ideas are a great way to add layers to alfresco dining areas.

An elegant portable lantern will allow you to enjoy the beauty of candlelight while protecting the delicate flame from the wind. Alternatively, pair it with an LED candle for an authentic look that will last well into the night.

15. Layer lighting around a garden table

'When it comes to outdoor lighting ideas such as patio lighting, you want to create a layered lighting scheme with different sources at various heights just as you would in your interiors to help ensure there is good lighting and you can change the mood and feel of the space,' advises Reilly Gray, founder of garden furniture brand SUNS Lifestyle.

'By planning your garden lighting ideas and ensuring you have multiple sources, you will be able to create ambience whilst ensuring there's ample lighting for however you're using the space.'

For the perfect outdoor dining experience, pair festoon lights with solar-powered candles and lanterns on the table and surround with floor lamps to create a laidback ambience.

16. Don't underestimate wall lights

Outdoor wall lighting is a great starting point for garden lighting ideas. Not only will they provide a layer of security, but they'll add an extra layer of style.

'Outdoor lighting can also be highly effective at creating something from nothing. A wall that you might not think twice about during the day can become a dramatic feature at night with clever lighting,' explains Piero from Detail Lighting.

'By aiming a wide beam of light from below or above, a wall can be washed with light and bring its warm tones to life. Alternatively, positioning the beam closer to the wall can catch and accentuate the natural texture of the wall itself using light and shadow.'

'However, if you have a modern home with a "perfect" finish, any slight imperfections and undulations would be exposed by positioning the light close to the wall. So consider the position of your exterior lighting carefully – possibly even experiment at night using a wide-beamed torch to see how light affects the surface.'

17. Line your driveway with lights

An easy way to elevate the look of your home is by lining your driveway with lights – even more so if you've got a clean driveway you want to show off.

Using solar lights in this instance will not only save you money on your energy bill but the lights will automatically come on when it starts to get dark. Not only does this make your driveway look much more aesthetically pleasing but it also guides you and guests to your front door when it does get particularly dark.

Just remember, if the position of your driveway doesn't get a lot of natural light, you may have to opt for wired lights instead, since solar lights rely on the sun to shine once it gets dark. Whether you select staked lights or bollards, both add interest to otherwise plain driveways.

18. Illuminate a small space

Thoughtful lighting is important when working with small garden ideas. In a cosy courtyard or petite patio, add subtle and small spotlights to add interest without cluttering up the space. Raised high, you won't be losing any square footage for dining or planting.

Choosing a style and tone that blends in also means they won't act as a visual distraction when not in use.

19. Add atmosphere to al fresco dining

Mix and match garden lighting ideas to add depth and atmosphere to dining spaces. Start by using wall lights to zone the space and add hurricane lamps, lanterns and candles to finish the look to perfection.

'Entertaining outdoors has become increasingly popular and with that, more attention is being paid to the ambience of our external living spaces such as patios, dining and cooking areas,' says Piero from Detail Lighting.

'Lighting in outdoor entertaining areas should be subtle and intimate lighting that relaxes guests and encourages conversation. Consider soft indirect lighting and use surfaces to absorb and diffuse light.'

'Strategically situated dimmable LED linear lighting and inground lighting can create a feeling of floating whilst thoughtful pendant lights and ceiling lighting can illuminate faces and table settings.'

20. Highlight thoughtful planting

When adding garden lighting ideas to your scheme, start by studying your garden throughout the day and into the evening. If you've got some beautiful flower bed ideas that you're particularly proud of, that could be a good place to start.

'It’s important to study how light falls on your outdoor spaces and understand what it looks like as daylight fades,' advises Piero from Detail Lighting. 'Then you can decide what needs garden lighting ideas and how. Also, you may have trees or shrubs that would add drama with carefully placed lighting.'

21. Be inspired by your interiors

Take your interior style into your garden lighting ideas for true indoor-outdoor living.

'Gone are the days when the choices for garden lighting were limited to plain, uninteresting white security type lighting; today’s modern designs are just as stylish and varied as those you would find inside the home,' notes Marketa Rypacek, managing director at Industville Ltd.

'We have seen an emerging shift to take the industrial, rustic, and stylish look from inside the home, out into garden spaces. Add atmospheric lighting such as stylish metallic walls and outdoor pendant lights, to set the ultimate ambience for your friends and family to enjoy.'

22. Add interest to a trellis

Combine your garden trellis ideas with your lighting for a two-in-one win. Empty tin cans, painted and will holes punched through become the perfect setting for candles to sit, casting pretty shadows when lit and looking pretty during the day.

Consider sticking to battery-powered tealights, at Amazon to stop any dry wood or foliage from catching a spark.

23. Add a touch of fun by clustering orb lights

We mentioned orb lights being used to create a focal point in a garden border. But you can create even more visual interest and add a fun touch by clustering this style of light.

‘Orbs, with their curved organic shape, add a softness to any space which has long been popular among designers,’ outlines Marlena Kaminska, designer at ValueLights. ‘Inspired by the trend of bringing the indoors out, this style has been particularly popular this year due to its versatility. Lightweight and battery powered, these lights look great in the comfort of your home but are also perfect for bringing a soft glow to your outdoor soirees.’

‘To elevate the sophistication of your garden, use multiple orb lights as a pair or three together to create a visually interesting sculptural element,’ concludes Marelna. You can also add a luxe look by opting for a soft off-white or glowing hue. Or go bolder and have more fun by switching up the colours.

Consider these Shapelights solar-powered colour-changing spheres, at Amazon which are energy-efficient, offer a variety of colours to cycle through and come in different sizes to browse through.

24. Get flexible with a rechargeable lamp

Make your outdoor lighting ideas flexible so you can illuminate where and when you need to. As we mentioned earlier when we touched on portable lanterns, the latest garden trend is undeniably the best rechargeable lamps. 'They are ideal for taking outdoors when the occasion calls,' says Jo from Pooky.

'A little piece of lighting that will bring a warm twinkle to your patio and pergola areas once restrained by lack of power outlets or cord lengths. They can be taken anywhere, particularly helpful as evenings draw in or to your garden to bring the party outside.'

25. Create a simple centrepiece

Fill terracotta pots with sand and push in some dinner candles, to make a simple centrepiece to place on your table outside. Odd numbers of candles feel visually balanced, so use three standard-size candles or try seven or nine skinny tapers.

26. Opt for a mini lamp post

An elegant option for outdoor lighting ideas is to choose a lamp post-style design. Ideal for both front garden ideas and back, many designs rely on solar power to light them, so won't need to be attached to the mains to light up your garden.

Lamp post lights work wonderfully in symmetry so opt for one on either side of a patio or one on either side of a front gate.

27. Light up your balcony

A balcony may be small, but it's perfectly formed and would still benefit hugely from some garden lighting ideas.

'When lighting your balcony, outdoor wall lights are a must, usually on either side of the entryway leading out onto the balcony for a symmetrical and balanced appearance,' advises Julian Page, head of design at BHS.

Alternatively, if you are trying to flesh out a rented garden idea, Julian suggests going for garden lighting solutions that don't require wiring. 'Opt for solar-powered lighting, or perhaps a rechargeable outdoor table lamp or lantern, ensuring that it is waterproof for resistance against outdoor weather conditions.'

28. Mix and match styles

Don't feel like you have to choose just one style of lighting for your garden, opt for several at different levels to create an ambient glow. A string of mini paper lanterns will look lovely strung along a garden fence above seating, while lanterns of different shapes and sizes work perfectly doted around the floor.

Festoon lights will work well draped over and around trees and branches, or could even by gathered into a pool and sat in a shallow pot.

29. Use uplighters to highlight zones

Clever lighting is the key ingredient for bringing wow-factor to your garden at night. Don't be afraid to mix and match styles, using uplighters to enhance planting, walls and hanging pendants in covered areas to create cosiness.

The use of uplighters draws the eye up, creating depth to a garden landscape. This can help to clearly define each zone of your garden layout ideas, from a vegetable plot to a dining spot.

30. Line the decking with spotlights

Sink spotlights into a decking area to highlight the edging and cast a warm glow to ensure all levels and steps are clear to make out when walking around the space.

Choose low light emitting bulbs for your deck lighting ideas to ensure they don't shine too bright, so not to shine directly into the eyes.

31. Mix and match lanterns

Decorative metal lanterns are going from strength to strength as the must-have modern room accessory. From living rooms with a Scandi feel to the centrepiece on an industrial-chic dining table, these adaptable place-anywhere mood setters are at home in any scheme. Remember their origins as the earliest way of lighting up Victorian streets and herald them as the perfect indoor/outdoor accessory.

The sheer joy of these contemporary beauties comes from the colour choices and shapes - there is one to suit every garden and every design personality.

32. Stake out a path of solar light

Solar-powered stake lights are one of the most affordable and effortless means of lighting for a garden. You simply peg the stake into the lawn, along a garden path or in flower bed borders to secure the design in place.

Better yet, they are moveable and therefore allow a layout to be changed, or even take them with you should you move.

33. Hang fairy lights for a magical touch

Add some sparkle to your home, inside and out, with a set of unique fairy light designs. Fairy light ideas bring a magical quality to any garden: this simple strip of fairy lights interwoven inside a parasol are the perfect touch for an ambient social spot.

A little light goes a long way at night. Use lighting selectively and remember that darkness can be used to conceal areas.

34. Make pretty DIY paper lanterns

Ensure your garden, roof terrace or courtyard is a safe space to navigate after dark by placing low-level lights. Place lighting a short distance off the ground, directly on the surrounding walls or garden borders to shine a light at ground level.

Avoid making the bulbs too bright, you don't want this to be the main lighting – merely there for creating awareness and ambience.

Nothing makes a bigger garden lighting impact than the repetition of lights on a darkened path – for both striking simplicity and after-dark safety. With a garden party in mind, these steps are smartly lit with decorative paper bags, which can be bought with a pretty punched design. Or, you can even create it yourself with a hole-punch and a few minutes of your time as an easy DIY project.

Try our simple homemade lanterns for your next garden party, made with a paper bag weighted down with gravel, a hole punch and an LED tealight. Placed on either side of your garden steps, they'll light your guests' way and look totally charming.

35. Go for colour-coordinating lanterns

If you are fortunate enough to have a garden in full bloom, light up your flora and fauna with lanterns. Especially now, with LED battery-powered candles at their most efficient and cost-effective, you can avoid any risks involved with real candles while still providing a striking glow.

The gentle pinks and red of these silk and paper lanterns are just perfect for enhancing the natural palette of the rhododendrons. We don't know about you, but this looks just beautiful.

FAQs

How can I light my garden cheaply?

'It’s easy to get carried away with garden lighting with a whim to illuminate everything, but less is more,' says Rachel Morris from 4lite. 'Choose fewer, quality lighting products to create simple but stunning scenes, directing light where you want it rather than wasting energy by lighting up the whole sky. Invest in robust good quality products which will last longer and can be used all year round.

'To save money on your electricity bills, look for LED bulbs which use 85% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer so you won’t need to replace them as often. To reduce energy usage further, motion sensors will switch on lights only when you need them while robust solar lights eliminate energy usage altogether – and as they don’t need hard wiring, they’ll also save money on installation costs too.'

What type of lighting is best for outdoors?

The best type of garden lighting ideas are those that are outdoor specific, weather-proof and will create an ambient glow.

'When choosing light fittings for your garden, consider LED and compact fluorescents, which produce light more efficiently, last longer and create zero toxic elements,' advises Michael Meiser, lighting expert at Lumilum. 'Opt for warm-white light bulbs of around 2700K in colour temperature. These aren’t too harsh but create enough light to illuminate outdoor areas when it gets dark.'

'Also, consider the brightness – 50 lumens is plenty for low background lighting, 100-200 lumens to light up a path and up to 700 lumens is enough for a small patio. And rather than going for brighter if you have a bigger space, look to distribute light instead.'

Following all of these expert-led tips, we're certain you're probably stocked up with some of the best and beautiful garden lighting ideas to last you a long time. So long as you keep these lighting solutions in mind, you'll curate an outdoor space that you'll enjoy all year round, irrespective of the season.