Read the sequence from the top before cutting, painting, or moving pieces.
The well fitted 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 memorable backyard lighting options 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 memorable options.
This post contains affiliate links. See our full disclosure policy here.
Light sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6
memorable Backyard Lighting options
(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 striking walkway light strands here: 1 2 3
Add some cloth “sails” to a pergola (walkthrough here) and string up some lights for ambiance.
Painter’s canvas combined with string lights Anything Pretty for Bekob
Purchase patio-well fitted 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!
Handmade 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 well fitted on this Handmade pergola, too! or on this simplified version:
Want to just store those lights on off seasons? look at this great string light storage system for storing lights.
Plus more great outdoor lighting on the next page –>
See all the great outdoor lighting options:
page 1 page 2 page 3
straightforward outdoor chandelier — just add a string of lights to a wire basket!
Handmade garden chandelier made with icicle lights Candie Cooper
Purchase inexpensive light strands here: 1 2 3
This is such a fun chandelier option! Pair tea lights with mini votive holders or jars, hung from a wire basket.
Planter cork chandelier with glass votives and candles Popsugar
Use traditional tea lights or battery-operated tea lights (safety first!)
These large bulbs hung over the table are vivid!
Hanging light bulbs over tablescape Bright Bold & striking
Purchase similar lighting here: 1 2 3
Wine bottle tiki torches Etsy
Criss-cross light strands above your main area, and weave them through your deck railing.
Globe lights strung aroun the deck and above Local Milk
Purchase these pretty light strands here: 1 2 3
Another straightforward outdoor chandelier
Handmade Hula Hoop Chandelier Hative
Purchase inexpensive white light strands here: 1 2 3
More striking ways to use Christmas lights year-round –>
See all the great outdoor lighting options:
page 1 page 2 page 3
Mini paper globe lights strung around the patio are well fitted!
Paper globe string lights Martha Stewart
Purchase these cute lantern strand lights here: 1 2 3
Great way to upcycle an old chandelier! Light it up
Metal chandelier wrapped in lights Wedding Chicks
Purchase these lights here: 1 2 3
These lights are so well fitted for a spring or summer outdoor party!
Festive string lights Better Homes and Gardens
Purchase similar lights here: 1 2 3
Handmade geometric light columns Martha Stewart
A pergola is great. A lighted pergola is better!
Globe string lights woven through a pergola Apartment Therapy
Buy similar globe lights here: 1 2 3
Handmade unique garden lanterns The Garden Love
And who says that outdoor lighting is just for summer? Some fun outdoor lighting made our backyard snow even more magical!
Strings of lights in the trees Bekob
Purchase outdoor lighting here: 1 2 3
See all the great outdoor lighting options:
page 1 page 2 page 3
———————————–
More outdoor living options to make your yard memorable
