A simple string of lights can create a tranquil ambiance. ATTRIBUTION: Wonderlane (Flickr)
When the weather gets hot, many of us prefer to remain in our comfortable air-conditioned homes. When the sun goes down and the air cools, it’s the perfect time to step outdoors and enjoy our backyards or patios. If you only have the moonlight to illuminate the way, you may find it difficult to safely spend time outdoors at night. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to light up your outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy your lawn when entertaining or just spending a quiet evening alone.
Illuminate Walkways
Light up paths, walkways, and drives to make walking through your landscape at night safe and easy. There are numerous options when it comes to path lighting, from simple solar-powered stake lights that slide into the ground to decorative lanterns staggered on either side of the walkway. When choosing path lights, subtlety is key. The lights should illuminate the walkway without being distracting or creating glare.
Plant Nature-Inspired Accent Lights
Nature-inspired accent lights resemble real plants but light up at night to create a subtle glow. These garden lights are generally solar-powered, which eliminates the need for any electrical work. These illuminating plants can be added to your garden, placed along a fence line, or displayed around a seating area.
Install Paver Lights
Paver lights can be installed on patios, pool decks, and walkways to illuminate areas and enhance the aesthetic appeal of any outdoor space. These innovative outdoor lights are powered with solar LEDs encased in protective cases designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments. Paver lights are also scratch-resistant, waterproof, and nearly maintenance-free.
Display Glow-in-the-Dark Planters
Glow-in-the-dark planters create a stunning effect at night. Some options are solar-powered, while others require electricity. You can also make your own glow-in-the-dark planters for your landscape by spraying a regular container with glow-in-the-dark spray paint. Spray one light layer of spray paint, allow it to fully dry, then add another layer for optimal coverage.
Wrap Outdoor Plants
Even when the stars are not out, you can enjoy a starry night in your own backyard with the use of starry lights. Wrap starry string lights around trees and plants to create a whimsical outdoor environment. When choosing string lights, ensure that the product you choose is waterproof and designed for outdoor use.
Define Perimeters With Rope Lights
Rope lights, also referred to as tube lighting, can be used to illuminate walkways, add a subtle glow to decks and patios, or highlight focal areas of your landscaping. If using rope lights on the ground, use garden staples to keep the tubing in place and prevent a tripping hazard.
Hang Up Lanterns
Lanterns are effective at lighting up outdoor spaces and are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and designs. Paper lanterns are an affordable option for those on a budget. Insert battery-operated lights to create a soft glow. Decorative store-bought lanterns, powered by candles, electricity, or kerosene, can also be hung from trees or poles in your backyard.