15 landscape lighting ideas to make your yard glow.

1. Light up walkways with path lights.

Photo credit: Candela Outdoor Lighting

Path lights are practical and stylish. They not only illuminate your outdoor walkways, but they can also discourage guests from trampling over your plants.

The key to effective path lighting is placement. You want them close enough together to light the whole walkway, but not so close that it’s too bright. You might be inclined to have the lights directly across from each other. However, it usually looks more balanced if you alternate them in a staggered pattern.

Related: 15 landscaping tips and tricks for beginners.

2. Use lighting to emphasize your yard’s best plants.

Photo credit: Tampa Nightscapes and Designs

 Uplights are an excellent way to accentuate the features of your home that you’re most proud of, like architectural traits, artwork or landscape design. These lighting fixtures can create a dramatic effect by casting a strong beam of light on one focal point. You can also cast a soft glow on a large area for something more subtle.

When you install uplights, angle them carefully to avoid creating a glare. A landscape lighting specialist can help you avoid casting large shadows and recommend the best spotlight for your needs.

3. Make your stairs safer with step lights.

Photo credit: Candela Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor stairs are a massive trip hazard in the dark. Add mounting step lights to improve visibility for anyone walking up or down the stairs at night. A small light source at ankle level will make your stairs safer without being overwhelming.

Step lights can go on the underside of steps or the sides for a more modern look. LEDs are ideal for step lights because they produce strong light without using much energy.

4. Hang string lights for cozy ambiance.

String lights are a stylish and versatile lighting technique. Hanging them on a deck or patio can make your outdoor space a welcoming spot to get some fresh air in the evening. 

Other places you can hang string lights include:

• Fencing
• Trees, shrubs, bushes and hedges
• Pergolas and arbors
• Rails on stairs and decks

String lights come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, each of which creates a different mood. Warm white or yellow bulbs are a good option for an intimate atmosphere. Larger bulbs can add a more playful and whimsical effect.

5. Showcase large trees with moonlighting.

Photo credit: Ambiance Outdoor Lighting

 If you have large trees in your yard, moonlighting produces a beautiful nighttime display. This lighting technique relies on lights high up in the tree and pointed downward. The result simulates the soft, diffused light of the moon.

Moonlighting is a practical way to light a large area of your yard. It also highlights the unique shape and texture of the trees in your yard.

6. Highlight water features in your yard.

Photo credit: Zenscapes Landscape Lighting

Water features like ponds and swimming pools are a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. The creative use of light fixtures highlights your pool even after the sun goes down. 

There are several different ways to light a pool or pond. For example, an underwater light source will result in a glowing effect that highlights the water’s movement. You can also use above-ground lights to play off the water’s reflection.

Related: 21 beautiful and functional pool landscaping ideas.

7. Light a large area with floodlights.

Although floodlights and spotlights are similar, they have different applications and uses. Rather than illuminating one focal point, floodlights cast light on a large area like a driveway or garden. Besides making an outdoor space more welcoming for guests, floodlights can also deter intruders.

8. Shine a light on your fire pit.

Photo credit: Martin and Quin Landscape Design 

A fire pit makes the yard an ideal space for gatherings, even when the temperature drops. Some well-placed path lights or torches can enhance your fire pit’s ambiance. You can also light your fire pit by suspending string lights from posts or a pergola.

Be sure to choose lights that can withstand the elements. And don’t use lights that are too bright or overpowering, as this will ruin the welcoming atmosphere.

9. Set the mood with garden lights.

In the sun, a flower bed is a dazzling sight. But with garden lights, it can shine even brighter after dark. Lighting your garden will transform it into an enchanting space you’ll love to spend time in.

There are many lighting techniques you can use to illuminate your garden. In addition to path lights and bollards, you can use globe lights for a more magical feel.

10. Use understated ground or in-floor lights.

If you don’t want light fixtures to be visible, ground lights are a subtle option. Ground lights, sometimes also called well lights or in-floor lights, go into a small hole in the ground to provide uplighting while concealing the fixture. These fixtures are ideal for lighting pathways, trees and plants, decks and more.

11. Use lanterns for a touch of warmth.

Lanterns are a timeless outdoor lighting option compatible with any aesthetic. They come in many styles and can use electricity or candles to produce light. You can choose something sleek and modern or rustic to go with your style. In addition to hanging lanterns, you can also place them on tables as accent pieces.

12. Add bollard lights to your driveway or steps.

These versatile lights are both stylish and practical. Similar to path lights, bollard lights are vertical posts that light an area of ground. 

They can be hard-wired or solar-powered. You can place bollard lights at the edges of a driveway or steps to guide visiting guests. 

13. Play with colored lights.

Photo credit: Dazzle Lighting Co

Color is an essential element of lighting design that can add curb appeal to your front yard or enhance the atmosphere in your backyard. As you consider lighting ideas, think about how the color of the lights adds to your outdoor space. 

Particularly for water features, colored lights are a visually striking addition to your landscape lighting. With smart bulbs, you can change the color of your outdoor lighting to suit your mood.

14. Consider eco-friendly solar lights.

For almost every type of outdoor lighting, there are solar-powered options. When you use solar lights, you don’t have to worry about wiring them or running up your utility bill. However, you have to make sure the small solar panel has easy access to sunlight.

15. Hang lights along your fence.

Photo credit: Northern Pacific Scapes

In your backyard, hang up some string lights or lanterns across your fence to add accent lighting. This is a great idea the next time you decide to host an outdoor event in your backyard.

Related: 53 front yard and backyard landscaping ideas for any budget.

Find a top-rated landscape lighting professional today.

While some outdoor lighting ideas are easy enough to do yourself, more involved projects may require help from a professional. The easiest way to find a qualified lighting technician is with Thumbtack. Download the Thumbtack app today to hire a landscape lighting professional near you.

Related: How much does landscaping cost?

A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.