How To Add Yard Lights (Easy Way)

If you’re looking to add some extra sparkle to your backyard, you’ve come to the right place. We have all kinds of yard lights that will turn your outdoor space into a party paradise. 

From string lights and electric torches to twinkle lights and candle holders, we have everything you need and none of it will burn through your wallet!

How to Install Outdoor Landscape Lighting | Ask This Old House
Takeaways
Adding yard lights to your outdoor space can enhance its functionality and esthetics.
Proper installation and anchoring is important for the safety and longevity of your yard lights.
Before installing yard lights, take into consideration the layout of your outdoor space and the specific areas you want to illuminate.
There are various techniques and materials available to improve water drainage, absorb sound, and add privacy to your backyard space.
Landscape lighting can add to the overall ambiance of your outdoor space and provide added safety and security.

String Lights

String light is a great way of adding light to your yard. They’re easy to install and inexpensive, but their versatility makes them especially useful for many different occasions.

String lights can be used for weddings, parties, and other festive occasions. They are also great for lighting up pathways and flower beds. 

If you don’t have much outdoor space available but still want some added illumination in your yard then string lights may be a perfect choice!

If you are experiencing issues with standing water or excess moisture in your backyard, check out our guide on how to achieve better yard drainage. Our guide offers easy and effective solutions for improving water drainage in your yard.

Led Spotlights

LED spotlights are great for lighting up a small area. These lights can be used to highlight a specific area, like your mailbox or front door. 

They are also good at lighting up other things in your yards such as your lawn furniture, trees, and shrubs.

Led Projectors

Projectors are a great way to light up a specific area. They are used in clubs, bars and restaurants. 

They can also be used for home parties or any other occasion where you want to highlight something specific. 

Projectors come in all colors, ranging from white to blue and even red! They’re energy-efficient, easy to install, and will add some fun into your life!

Looking for an easy way to absorb excess water in your backyard? Our guide on how to absorb water in backyard offers great tips on methods and materials that can help reduce moisture in your outdoor space.

Led Floodlights

LED floodlights are used for a multitude of outdoor lighting. They are especially useful for security, landscape, and decorative lighting. 

These lights can also be used for commercial purposes such as sign illumination or building exteriors.

LED floodlights come in a variety of colors and sizes to suit the needs of any particular application.

Electric Torches

Electric torches are handheld lights that you can use to illuminate dark areas. They are portable, affordable and easy to install. 

Electric torches come in different sizes and prices; you can choose one that fits your needs best.

Excessive noise can be a disturbance when spending time in your backyard. Follow our guide on how to absorb sound in backyard for tips and advice on improving the acoustics of your outdoor space.

Lanterns

Lanterns are a beautiful way to add light to your yard. You can hang them from trees, put them on tables, or even place them on the ground. 

Lanterns are easy to install and affordable, so you can get as many as you need for your outdoor event. They come in all different shapes and sizes so finding the perfect size for your space will be easy!

Lanterns are great for outdoor parties and barbecues because they create a warm glow that adds romance to any occasion.

Lantern Inspiration: 5 Ways to Add Charm to Your Outdoor Space

StyleDescription
Vintage LanternsAdd a touch of nostalgia with vintage lanterns that can be found in antique shops or flea markets.
Moroccan LanternsCreate a bohemian vibe with intricately designed Moroccan lanterns that cast soft, colorful light.
Mason Jar LanternsGet crafty and create your own lanterns using mason jars and candles or battery-operated lights.
Paper LanternsAdd an element of whimsy with brightly colored paper lanterns that can be hung from trees or pergolas.
Rustic LanternsEmbrace the charm of the great outdoors with rustic lanterns made from wood, iron, or other natural materials.

Torch Lights

Torch lights are a great way to add lighting to your yard without having to spend much money. These lights should be used at night, as they don’t provide enough light during the day.

Torch lights are best used in areas where you want decorative lighting, but not necessarily functional lighting. They’re perfect for lighting up paths, trees, and statues so that they stand out from the rest of your yard!

Adding privacy to your backyard can be a great way to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Check out our guide on how to add privacy to backyard for ideas and inspiration on creating a private outdoor oasis in your backyard.

Twinkle Lights

Twinkle lights are a great way to add a bit of twinkle to your yard. They’re easy to install and require no wiring, so they can be used for more than just Christmas. 

If you want to use them year-round, consider purchasing LED lights instead of traditional incandescent ones.

If you want to really brighten up the night sky, look into installing some color-changing LED strips along your gutters or around trees in your yard. You can also use these same types of lights inside for special occasions like birthdays or holidays!

Candle Holder

If you’re looking for a more traditional option, consider installing some candle holders. Candle holders are easy to install and come in a wide variety of sizes. 

They can also be adjusted depending on what type of look you’re going for. Candles will add an elegant touch to your yard light, but if you want something that’s more festive or fun, consider other options below:

Properly anchoring your yard lights is important for safety and longevity. Our guide on how to anchor backyard lights provides tips and step-by-step instructions on how to anchor and secure your outdoor lights in a safe and efficient way.

Step Lights

Step lights are a great way to add light to your yard. They are easy to install and come in a variety of styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Step lights can be used to illuminate steps and pathways, adding a nice ambiance as you approach your home. 

They also make it easier to see when walking at night if the ground is uneven or rocky, giving you added peace of mind when returning home late at night.

Step lights can also be used in driveways and gardens by illuminating walkways while remaining unobtrusive on the landscape.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is a type of lighting that is installed into the ceiling in your home. It can be used in a variety of ways, but typically it will be installed as part of an overall ceiling design. 

The most common use for recessed lights is to help light up an entire room, but they can also be used to highlight specific areas and features within the room.

When planning on installing recessed lights, there are things you’ll want to consider before installing them yourself or hiring someone else to do it for you:

  • How much work will I have to do? Is this something I’m willing/able to tackle?
  • What kind of tools will I need? Is there anything special required for installation?
  • What if these things aren’t available at my local hardware store? Do I need another place where I might find what I’m looking for?’ etc

A Lot Of Ways To Add Yard Lights

There are several ways to add yard lights. You can choose from solar and electric, motion-sensing or not, gas-powered or battery-powered, and even ones that have a built-in camera for security purposes. Once you know what type of light you want for your property (and how many), it’s time to decide where to put them.

The main thing to keep in mind when considering where to place your new yard lights is safety. There are some pretty obvious locations: under an overhang at the front door, or around a pool or hot tub area. 

But there are also some less obvious choices: along walkways leading into the house; near staircases leading into basements; on decks or patios even if they’re covered to help prevent falls.

By stairs leading down from exterior doors; around pools (especially those with deep ends); around ponds in high visibility areas like sidewalks near street corners; anywhere else that people need help seeing their way!

5 Easy Ways to Add Yard Lights

MethodDescription
Solar LightsInstall solar-powered lights that recharge during the day, eliminating the need for electrical wiring.
String LightsCreate a charming and inviting ambiance with string lights that can be draped from trees, pergolas, or other outdoor features.
Path LightsIlluminate pathways and walkways with low-voltage path lights that are easy to install and can be powered with a simple transformer.
SpotlightsHighlight your trees, shrubs, and other landscape features with spotlights that can be angled and adjusted to suit your needs.
LanternsAdd a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space with lanterns that can be hung from hooks or poles to create a soft, warm glow.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add some light to your yard, there are a lot of options. If you want to go simple and cheap, string lights and LED spotlights are good choices. 

If you’re willing to spend a little more money on something more permanent, then electric torches or step lights might be better for you. Whatever kind of lighting system you decide on installing in your yard, make sure that it is safe and won’t cause any fire hazards during use!

Further Reading

If you’re interested in learning more about lighting and landscape design, check out these helpful resources:

Volt Lighting: How to Install Landscape Lighting: A comprehensive guide to installing landscape lighting, including tips on lighting design, fixture types, and installation techniques.

Just a Girl and Her Blog: How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lighting: A step-by-step tutorial on installing low voltage landscape lighting, with helpful photos and detailed instructions.

This Old House: How to Put in Landscape Lighting: A guide to planning and installing landscape lighting, including tips on fixture selection, placement, and wiring.

FAQs

What is landscape lighting?

Landscape lighting refers to the use of outdoor lighting fixtures to illuminate and accentuate the features of a property, such as trees, walkways, or architectural details.

What are the benefits of landscape lighting?

Adding landscape lighting to your property can offer numerous benefits, including improved safety and security, enhanced curb appeal, and increased functionality of outdoor living spaces.

What types of landscape lighting fixtures are available?

There are a variety of landscape lighting fixtures available, including spotlights, pathway lights, uplights, accent lights, and more. Each type of fixture serves a specific purpose in landscape lighting design.

How is landscape lighting installed?

Landscape lighting can be installed in a number of ways, depending on the type of fixtures being used and the layout of the property. Installation methods may include direct burial, mounting onto surfaces, or using stakes or other mounting hardware.

Can landscape lighting be installed as a DIY project?

Yes, landscape lighting can be installed as a DIY project with the right tools and knowledge. However, it’s important to ensure that all electrical work is done safely and up to code.