Enjoy your backyard, day or night, with these fun DIY backyard lighting ideas.
Its an especially great DIY backyard lighting idea for a small seating area.
Here, large trees make an easy, natural place to hang lanterns over an outdoor dining table.
Credit:Edmund Barr
Their bright colors add style even when the lights arent illuminated.
In climates prone to occasional rain, look for water-resistant paper or nylon lanterns.
Mixed Backyard Lighting
To truly light up your backyard, consider multiple DIY options.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
A pergola makes a great anchor point for pendant lights you wish to suspended above a table.
Here, simple outdoor pendant lights are set in Mason jars to lend a casual, vintage feel.
The fixtures are then suspended from a distressed wood overhang that surrounds a tree trunk.
Credit:Dana Gallagher
The neutral colors also allow the yellow chairs and patterned benches to stand out.
In this design, awhite arborserves as the perfect place to hang lights without adding additional structures.
Candles placed inside each lantern create a more natural, rustic lighting option.
Credit:Robert Brinson
These brightly-colored torches add interest to a planter, but they could also be spaced along a pathway.
Avoid placing them beneath trees and overhangs.
Outdoor Wall Sconces
Light up anoutdoor patioalong a garage with wall sconces.
Credit:Edmund Barr
This backyard lighting idea provides a lot of light from just a few simple fixtures.
Backyard Patio
Brie Williams
Frame apatio dining areawith simple string lights.
This design will illuminate the entire patio with just a few strings of bulbs.
Credit:Kevin J. Miyazaki
Adding a porch light to the back of this house helps illuminate the patio seating area.
A simple lantern design is both stylish and subtle at the same time.
This easy DIY backyard lighting doesnt require any electrical installation.
Credit:Ed Gohlich
Plus, you could move the large hurricane candles as needed to provide light where you need it.
In high-traffic areas, considerflameless candlesto prevent mishaps.
Border String Lights
Kim Cornelison
Typically, you picture string lights hanging above youroutdoor seating area.
Credit:Edmund Barr
However, this patio design adds a new twist by hanging them at waist height on the surrounding fence.
Its a simple, effective solution for defining a border while also brightening up a backyard.
But it also supports individual glass cups that can hold lit candles.
Credit:John Merkl
Whether you use real or electric candles, this backyard lighting idea is both rustic and romantic.
Wicker Lantern Backyard Lights
Laura Hull
Add lights throughout your backyard by hanging them from trees.
This simpleDIY backyardlighting can illuminate a large area without adding any permanent installations.
Credit:Jacob Fox
These wicker lanterns are easy to hang and can add light to almost any part of your backyard.
The location of the garage next to the patio provides a great spot to string up the lights.
At night, they can illuminate theseating areawith ease.
Credit:Ed Gohlich
Huge stars suspended over this casual dining area create a fun place for picnicking.
The stars add an interesting design element during the day and will twinkle and sparkle at night.
Backyard Bar Lighting
Meredith Corporation
Light up just enough space for late night home bartenders.
Credit:Brie Williams
A wall sconce installed above thisoutdoor barmakes it easier to mix up drinks for evening entertaining.
The simple fixture also fits the casual style of the bar thanks to its wicker shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
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Indoor and outdoor lights are not interchangeable.
Exterior door lighting is generally hung near the upper third of the door.
If you only hang one, place it on the side with the doorknob.
Credit:Edmund Barr
First, let overhead lighting from string lights, pendants, or lanterns wash over the area like moonlight.
Then, illuminate walkways in and out of the area with deck lights or small solar lights.
Finally, use table lighting (like candles and lanterns) to make the space feel intimate and relaxing.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Outdoor lighting should be soft, warm, and inviting.
Think twinkle lights, not flood lights.
In gathering spaces and seating areas, you might need closer to 500 lumens.
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Credit:Laura Hull
Credit:Bob Stefko
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Credit:Meredith Corporation
