The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Lighting Types

Explore string lights, solar lamps, uplighting, path lights, and more

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Outdoor lighting does more than just brighten your backyard—it sets the mood, adds safety, and extends the hours you can enjoy your space. Whether you're creating a cozy patio retreat or illuminating your garden walkway, choosing the right lights can transform your landscape into something magical.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the most popular types of outdoor lighting—from twinkling string lights to dramatic uplighting—so you can design a glowing space that suits your style and function.

✨ 1. String Lights: For Instant Ambiance

Few things bring instant charm like string lights. They’re affordable, easy to hang, and versatile enough for nearly any space—from pergolas and patios to fences and trees. Our recommended string lights https://amzn.to/3Gv2DIp.

Why we love them:

• Create a warm, inviting glow

• Perfect for dinner parties or everyday lounging

• Available in solar, plug-in, and LED options

Style tip: Drape them overhead in a zigzag or canopy pattern for a café-style feel.

🌞 2. Solar Lamps: Eco-Friendly and Wire-Free

Solar lights are powered by the sun, making them a smart, sustainable choice. They’re ideal for areas where running electricity would be tricky. They are also an easy solution for smaller spaces. While these sometimes don't last forever they do keep producing quality light as long as you are willing to do annual maintenance on the batteries. Here are some of our favorites:

RGB Spotlights - https://amzn.to/3Idilsc

Path Lighting - https://amzn.to/46pwU5S

Uplighting / Pucks - https://amzn.to/3IccNOL

Lanterns - https://amzn.to/3TqbgqC

Best uses:

• Garden beds

• Walkways

• Fence posts or deck rails

Keep in mind: Make sure they receive full sunlight during the day to charge properly. In shady areas, look for high-efficiency solar options with longer battery life.

🌿 3. Path Lights: Define and Guide

Path lighting serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. It illuminates walkways for safety while subtly showcasing your garden’s edges and curves. We highly recommend using wired low voltage landscape lighting. This option is a lot more custom and has more option to choose from. These lights are worth the investment in time and money.

Our Favorite Low Voltage Landscape lights:

Leonlite - https://amzn.to/4ev355X

Sunvie - https://amzn.to/45Os8yL

Sunvie (uplight) - https://amzn.to/4nyaFki

Features to look for:

• Low voltage or solar-powered options

• Weatherproof construction

• Consistent spacing for even lighting

Design tip: For a natural look, stagger lights instead of placing them in a straight line.

🌳 4. Uplighting: Dramatic and Architectural

Uplighting adds drama by casting light upward onto trees, shrubs, or structural features like a trellis or wall. It’s a powerful way to add depth and dimension after dark. Uplighting trees and shrubs is a very easy way to illuminate dark corners of the yard to make backyard spaces more inviting. Try utilizing RGB (RED, GREEN, BLUE) lighting for custom lighting options and holiday charm.

Some of our favorite uplighting options:

Sunvie (in ground well) - https://amzn.to/4nyaFki

Leonlite - https://amzn.to/4kjxc1C

Leonlite (RGB) - https://amzn.to/4lc1p3Z

Ideal for:

• Highlighting mature trees or climbing plants

• Emphasizing textures like stone or brick

• Creating shadows and focal points

Pro tip: Use warm white LEDs for a natural glow that flatters plants and wood.

🏡 5. Wall Lights and Sconces: Stylish and Functional

Mounted lights near doors, patios, or garage areas provide much-needed illumination and a polished look. Many options now include dusk-to-dawn sensors or motion detection for added security.

Our picks:

Top Right - https://amzn.to/3TnBwSw

Top Left - https://amzn.to/3I8UDgD

Hammered Copper - https://amzn.to/46wDAiC

Why they work:

• Add structure and symmetry to your exterior design

• Improve visibility around entry points

• Blend style with safety

Tip: Match the metal finish to other hardware for a cohesive look.

🔦 6. Spotlights and Floodlights: For Security and Utility

These high-powered lights are designed to illuminate large areas or deter unwanted visitors. Use them thoughtfully to avoid washing out your garden or overwhelming your space. We typically use these in the front of our exterior doors for security purposes. We use landscape floodlights at the perimeter of our yard for large scale lighting in the darker corners of our yard and garden.

Our favorite Security Floodlight:

Wyze Floodlight Camera Pro - https://amzn.to/3GtQ4wU

Our favorite landscape floodlight:

Brizlabs RGB Floodlight - https://amzn.to/4ko5r8b

Best for:

• Driveways and side yards

• Dark corners

• Motion-activated zones

Balance tip: Pair with softer lighting (like string or path lights) to avoid a harsh, overly bright effect.

🔥 7. Lanterns and Portable Lights: Flexible and Decorative

Want lighting that moves with your mood? Lanterns and portable LED or candle-style lights are ideal for tabletops, steps, and lounge areas. They’re a great option for renters or spaces where you want flexibility. Lanterns add an amazing touch to outdoor spaces and can be fully customized to fit the mood and aesthetic. We love using rechargeable LED table lamps when dining outdoors, they provide the perfect glow and ambiance.

Here are our favorites:

Solar Lanterns - https://amzn.to/45TWWOG

Wireless rechargeable LED Table Lamp - https://amzn.to/3Icljxd

Use them to:

• Create cozy nooks on side tables

• Add glow to garden benches or swing chairs

• Light up a picnic or backyard movie night

💡 Design Tips for Layering Outdoor Lighting

To get the most out of your outdoor lighting:

• Combine different types for both function and atmosphere

• Stick to warm white bulbs for a soft, natural look

• Use timers or smart plugs to control lighting schedules

• Keep light pollution in check—aim lights downward where possible

🌼 Final Thoughts

The right outdoor lighting can make your garden feel like an extension of your home—welcoming, safe, and effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re spotlighting a favorite tree, defining a path, or just stringing up some cozy glow for dinner on the patio, every light adds a little more magic to your space.

So go ahead—flip the switch, light the candles, and let your garden shine.