20 Amazing Backyard Lighting Ideas

The perfect backyard lighting sets a calming yet playful mood so you can enjoy the ambiance of the outdoors. During the warmer months backyard lighting extends your entertaining options and utilizes your outdoor space to its fullest potential. When it’s colder you can still enjoy the warmth and cozy feeling the right lighting creates. Even in the snow there’s no reason you can’t turn the lights on and get out and play! Here are 20 amazing backyard lighting ideas to inspire you to elevate your outdoor space. (feature image via Bright July)

But I am sure you are scratching your head, asking, “Why are we talking about this right now, it’s almost Christmas?”!!  Why not think about year round lighting when making light purchases for your Christmas displays (at least that is what I think!).  Get double or triple duty from holidays lights and enjoy them year round with these amazing ideas.

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Light sources: 1| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Amazing Backyard Lighting Ideas
(and where to buy great lights!)

Wrap lights around tree trunks for a festive and fun glow. 

Christmas lights wrapped around trees | Ruffled
Purchase inexpensive white lights here: 1 | 2 | 3

What’s more fun than a walkway lined with lights? String up larger globe lights on stakes for an inviting entry to any party.

Globe lights strung between posts along the walkway | Rustic Wedding Chic

Purchase beautiful walkway light strands here: 1 | 2 | 3

Add some cloth “sails” to a pergola (tutorial here) and string up some lights for ambiance. 

Painter’s canvas combined with string lights | Anything Pretty for Remodelaholic

Purchase patio-perfect globe strand lights here: 1 | 2 | 3

No pergola? No problem. Just string some lights overhead for a starry lighting experience. 

Small patio decorated with string lights | At Home In Love for The Home Depot

Purchase sparkly strand lights here: 1 | 2 | 3

A strand of globe lights around the perimeter of your deck is so homey!

DIY string lights on poles | Bright July

Purchase bulb globe lights here: 1 | 2 | 3

Give your umbrella some fun party lighting!

Lights strung through an umbrella | HGTV

Purchase mini globe lights here: 1 | 2 | 3

Lights in the tree, above the hammock — add a good book and it sounds like heaven to me!

Backyard hammock nook | Stephanie Lynn

Purchase these fun string lights here: 1 | 2 | 3

and these would be perfect on this DIY pergola, too! or on this simplified version:

 Want to just store those lights on off seasons?  Check out this great string light storage system for storing lights.

Plus more great outdoor lighting on the next page –>

See all the great outdoor lighting ideas:
page 1 | page 2 | page 3

Published: November 13, 2015Filed Under: Design Inspiration, Landscape Tagged: Design Inspiration, Lighting, Outdoor living, outdoor spaces

About Clarissa Earl

Clarissa is a wife and stepmom embracing life in the Land of Enchantment. She works as a nonprofit communication specialist by day and blogger by night. Some of her favorite things are Dr. Pepper, green chile, baseball, country music, and her yellow lab.