35 Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Make Your Garden Glow After Dark
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, you may find yourself in need of garden lighting ideas to help light up your outdoor living space.
When the sun goes down, you should still be able to roam outside, enjoy your garden, and stargaze. With a variety of outdoor lighting features, you’ll be able to enjoy the evening air and host late-night gatherings that are comfortable, cosy, and well-illuminated. By carefully thinking about the types of lighting fixtures you need and the effects you want to achieve, you can create a magical outdoor space that glows and is ready to be enjoyed when day turns to night. Simple string lights, modern smart lighting, fire pits — there are tons of options out there. From subtle and elegant to bold and dramatic, the possibilities are endless when it comes to garden lighting ideas. Here, we’ll discuss them all. Read on for a plethora of garden lighting inspiration to brighten your garden and bring joy to your nightly gatherings.
How to get good lighting outdoors:
Purpose and placement
Start by thinking about how you want to use your outdoor space. Do you need to light a path, highlight plants or set the mood for alfresco dinners? Pinpointing where you need light most will help you choose the right fixtures and avoid over lighting the area.
Weather resistance and IP ratings
British weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to choose outdoor lights built to withstand the elements. Look for lights with a high IP (Ingress Protection rating), which tells you how resistant they are to water and dust. For exposed areas, IP65 or above is a safe bet.
Power source options
You’ve got a few options when it comes to powering your garden lights:
- Solar-powered lights are a popular, eco-friendly choice. They’re cost-effective and easy to install—no wires or plugs needed.
- Thanks to their flexibility, battery-operated lights are great for renters or temporary setups. Just make sure to keep spares on hand.
- Providing consistent, reliable brightness all year round, mains-powered lighting is a good choice if you want something more permanent.
Energy efficiency
LED bulbs are your best friend here, using less energy, lasting longer, and are available in a wide range of colours and brightness levels.
Style
Outdoor lighting should feel like an extension of your home—practical, yes, but also beautiful. Whether you’re drawn to a soft ambient glow, bold statement pieces, or sleek, minimalist fixtures, the right lighting can completely change how your garden feels after dark.
35 stylish and practical outdoor lighting ideas
1. Create a warm gathering place around a Firepit
Monterrey 6 Seat Rope Firepit Teak Bar Set in Grey - £3,499
Enhance the cosy ambience of your garden with a freestanding firepit or rising fire pit table. The fire will cast a warm, inviting glow across your outdoor gatherings to encourage storytelling and good times. Check out some other outdoor seating ideas to pair your fire pit with an inviting and creative sofa and chairs. There’s so much you can do with a firepit — thankfully, we have a whole other list of creative firepit ideas to check out.
2. Create Ambience with an LED Pergola
If you’re on the hunt for modern garden lighting ideas, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with an LED pergola. This shade structure with colour-changing lights will transform your garden into a glowing, atmospheric gathering area at night. For more on these high-tech and convenient garden additions, get inspired by our list of modern pergola ideas.
3. Set a fun tone with fairy lights
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor 1.8W LED 5m Warm White Fairy Lights in Black - £29.99
Hang string lights across your garden or patio area for a fun and romantic ambience. Or, for a great garden fence light idea, drape them vertically down the side of a barrier. You can also drape string lights across trees to add a touch of whimsy to your garden. Opt for traditional fairy lights or go unique shapes such as small lantern string lights.
4. Brighten a large space with Wall Lights
Paulmann - Outdoor Flame Insect Friendly 5.2W LED Single Output Wall Light in Anthracite - £45.00
Install elegant wall lights to add sophistication to your garden walls. You can place these on the outside of your house or on the walls of your screened-in patio. Wall sconces provide a convenient, permanent, and durable lighting solution for your personalised outdoor seating area.
5. Ensure safety with Step Lighting
Paulmann - Outdoor Layra 2W LED Solar Bollard Light in Brushed Iron - £21.95
Another essential garden light idea is step lighting. Add subtle recessed or embedded lights to stairs and pathways to improve both safety and aesthetics. Ensure that guests have enough light to navigate around at night, using stylish step lights to guide them through the garden.
6. Adapt to the seasons with Colour-Changing Lights
PergoSTET 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £3,999
Luna 6 Seat Teak Firepit Bar Set in Grey - £3,799
Switch up your garden lighting according to the seasons or holidays. Use coloured lights to match the mood of different festive occasions or times of the year. For example, cool-coloured blue and purple lights match a wintery atmosphere (take a look at our winter ideas guide for more) while warm orange lights match the changing leaves and pair great with our other autumn garden ideas.
7. Illuminate a Garden Walkway
Paulmann - Outdoor Classic 15W LED Bollard Light in Black - £65.00
Install lights along a meandering garden path to create a magical journey through your garden. Take in more of your garden with subtle pathway lights, creating a dreamlike night-time stroll.
8. Add Playful Orb Lights
Bob Large Table Light in Charcoal - £69.99
Want some unique, contemporary-looking light sources? Use globe-shaped lights to create a modern effect. Scatter spherical or rounded lights around your garden for a playful, otherworldly design.
9. Layer your Light Sources
Glow Challenger T2 3m Square Cantilever Parasol in Anthracite- £650.00
Combine various light sources to create depth, making your garden come alive after dark. Tall light sources, like pergola or parasol lights, pair well with low-to-the-ground walkway lighting and feature lighting.
10. Brighten the space for Alfresco Dining
Monterrey 8 Seat Rope Rectangular Teak Firepit Dining Set in Grey - £3,999
Enjoy alfresco dining with a beautifully lit table, creating a charming atmosphere for your meals. Drape string lights high above the outdoor dining table, light some candles on the tabletop, or place lanterns nearby.
11. Warm the space with Fire Lanterns
Höfats SPIN 90 Table-Top Fire in Grey - £114.99
A fire lantern is a super unique form of garden lighting idea that you won’t find just anywhere. Place portable fire lanterns throughout your garden to add a captivating, flickering glow to your outdoor space.
12. Spotlight Luxury with a Fire Pit Bar
Luna 6 Seat Teak Firepit Bar Set in Oyster Grey - £3,799
Create a captivating social hub with an upscale fire pit bar. A bar table with a built-in firepit can serve as both a light source and a great place to roast marshmallows, dine, and sip on drinks.
13. Consider Garden Solar Light ideas
Luxor Large & Small Floor Outdoor and Indoor Solar Lantern in Charcoal - £74.99 - £99
Harness the power of the sun with solar powered lanterns. These portable, lightweight, and beautiful lanterns are eco-friendly and efficient lighting options that you can place around a garden sofa set or dinner table.
14. Design Beacons of Light with Pillar Lanterns
Cosiscoop Pillar Lantern in Teak - £749
Place pillar lanterns strategically to evoke a rustic charm in your outdoor living space. These outdoor lighting ideas pair great with a firepit or candles, casting the glow of flickering flames all over the gathering area.
15. Reflect the Light with Mirrors
Cosiburner Build Up inc Glass - £499.00
One of our favourite small garden lighting ideas is simple but powerful... adding mirrors! A strategically placed mirror in the garden will reflect your garden light sources to create the illusion of greater space and depth.
16. Hang up Fire Lanterns
Höfats SPIN 120 Hanging Fire in Silver - £134.00
Fire lanterns are another truly unique feature to light up your garden. These Höfats lanterns include mesmerising, twisting flames that are sure to catch the eye of guests.
Hang these enchanting lanterns from a ceiling or shade structure to infuse your garden with a touch of magic.
17. Liven Up a space with Pendant Lights
Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat™ Electric 2000W in White - £829.00
Pendant lights aren’t just for the indoors. Bring pendant lights outside by hanging them from pergolas or patio ceilings. Pendant lights tend to add a sophisticated finishing touch to any space. They make great additions to an upscale outdoor kitchen.
18. Dine in ultimate comfort at a Fire Pit Table
Monterrey 8 Seat Rope Rectangular Ceramic Firepit Dining Set in Grey - £3,799
Combine dining and warmth with a fire pit dining table, perfect for entertaining guests. Grill vegetables above the fire, keep warm on chilly nights, and enjoy your food around a crackling fire that will illuminate the whole table throughout the night.
19. Kick Back on a Fire Pit Sofa
Snuggle up on a comfortable sofa around the fire pit for relaxed evenings under the stars. This garden lighting idea is super versatile; you’ll light up the area, provide warmth, and create an extremely inviting, comfortable spot to lounge in the back garden. These plush, unique sets are one of our favourite luxury garden furniture ideas.
20. Go Traditional with Glass Lanterns
Pello 8 Seat Oval Dining Set with Ceramic Table in Fawn - £2,999.00
Introduce the charm of candlelight with traditional glass lanterns on the outdoor dining table or near walkways and steps. Traditional lanterns instantly add elegance and refinement to a space.
21. Light some Table Candles
Höfats GRAVITY CANDLE Lantern - £29.00
Decorate your outdoor tables with candles for an intimate, romantic, and inviting dining experience.
22. Warm Up near a Patio Heater
A large patio heater with a visible flame can help you and your guests stay warm on chilly nights while also adding some illumination to the patio.
Paired with other light sources and some nearby blankets, a patio heater can turn a dark, cold autumn night into an opportunity to get cosy and enjoy more time outside with loved ones.
23. Focus on Garden Feature Lighting
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor Classic 2W LED Single 22cm Bollard Light in Anthracite - £45.00
Place ground lights at the base of trees, statues, or architectural features in your garden to create a striking effect at night. Invite guests to walk through your lush garden by highlighting your favourite features and spots with landscape lighting and garden feature lighting.
24. Use task lighting to brighten key areas
Paulmann - Outdoor Ryse 1.2W LED Solar Wall Light with Motion Detection in White - £45.00
Lighting needs to be functional as well as ambient. Add focused task lighting near your grill, prep station or outdoor bar so you can safely chop, stir and serve once the sun goes down. Look for adjustable spotlights or sleek wall-mounted options that blend in during the day but shine bright during cloudier days and dark nights.
25. Install step lighting for safer navigation
A few well-placed step lights make all the difference in enhancing evening safety. Discreet and stylish, they guide the way without overpowering the atmosphere or clashing with your style. Use them along stairs, low walls or garden edging to gently illuminate the path for guests and keep things looking polished in the process.
26. Brighten up your deck with recessed floor lighting
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor 2W LED Recessed Floor Individual Eco Spotlight in Silver - £29.99
Deck lighting doesn’t need to be flashy to make an impact. Recessed lights installed directly into the floorboards provide a polished, low-profile solution that highlights your garden. Use them to subtly frame seating areas or define the edges of your deck, adding structure and a sleek, modern aesthetic without taking up needed room.
27. Enhance autumn ambience with golden-hued lighting that complements the changing leaves
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor Sting 18W LED Warm White Expansion Set in Anthracite - £185.00
As the trees turn amber and the evenings draw in, warm-toned lighting can help echo the season's rich colours. Switch out cooler bulbs for golden or amber LEDs to give your garden a comforting, inviting glow. Pair with fire features or rustic lanterns to create an autumnal outdoor sanctuary for roasting marshmallows, drinking hot chocolate and catching up with friends.
28. Create a magical effect with string lights
Paulmann - Outdoor Lampion LED 3.6m Fairy Lights in Warm White - £29.99
There’s something effortlessly charming about string lights. Drape them across tree branches, wind them through pergolas or hang them overhead to give your garden a soft, sparkling canopy. Choose warm white bulbs for a comforting Hygge hue or colourful ones for something more playful and vibrant.
29. Choose solar-powered lights for an eco-friendly option
Luxor Floor Outdoor and Indoor Solar Lantern In Teak - £125.00
Solar lights are a win-win, energy efficient, low maintenance and ideal for placing anywhere the sun touches. Use them to highlight pathways, pop them in plant pots, or position them around your seating area to gently illuminate the space come nightfall. No wiring, no fuss, just charge by day and shine by night.
30. Set the mood for summer gatherings with bright and playful outdoor lighting
Palma 8 Seat Rope Oval Dining Set with Ceramic Table in Grey - £3,249
Liven things up with bold lighting choices that make your garden feel fun and festive. Colourful paper lanterns, retro festoon bulbs or smart lights that shift with the music are a great way to add personality and encourage guests to stay out and celebrate well past sunset.
31. Add tabletop lanterns for romantic ambience
Paulmann - Outdoor Lillesol 0.8W LED Solar Table Lamp with 3-Step Dim in Stainless Steel - £49.99
Lanterns are an easy and fuss-free way to brighten up your outdoor tables. Choose a mix of sizes and finishes, such as wood, metal, or glass, and place them on dining tables, side tables or on your steps. Pop in a real or LED candle and enjoy the warm, flickering light as you relax or share a bottle of wine under the stars.
32. Enhance your patio with sleek wall-mounted lighting
Paulmann - Outdoor Lamina 15.5W LED Backlit Round Wall Light with Motion Detection in White - £69.99
Wall lights offer a clean, contemporary way to brighten your patio without occupying any floor space. Fixed to fences, exterior walls or pergola posts, they help define seating areas and keep things feeling open and inviting after dark. For a modern, understated finish, go for minimalist designs in matte black or brushed metal.
33. Highlight the beauty of your pond with subtle underwater lighting
If you have a pond or water feature, a few carefully placed underwater lights can turn it into a showstopper once the sun sets. Soft, glowing light beneath the surface creates movement and reflection, bringing a calm, almost magical feel to the area.
34. Use pathway lights for safety and style
Path lights help shape your garden’s layout and create a sense of flow after dark while safely guiding your steps. Tuck bollard lights into borders, along gravel walkways and the outer edges of lawns or beside steps for a warm, welcoming look that works in every garden, no matter your style. Choose matching fixtures for a cohesive feel or mix materials for a more eclectic edge.
35. Create a cosy winter wonderland with warm-toned lights
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor Vena 2W LED 60cm Wooden Single Bollard Light - £129.99
Even in the chill of winter, your garden can feel inviting with the proper lighting. String up warm-toned fairy lights, place lanterns on tables and dot flameless candles around seating areas to add an orange hue and a little warmth and magic to frosty evenings perfect for hot drinks and wrapped-up stargazing.
What type of lighting is best for outdoors?
We hope you’ve gleaned some inspiration from this list of UK garden lighting ideas.
Garden lighting is far from just practical, it’s also a creative opportunity to transform your outdoor living space into a beacon of comfort and style. Whether you're looking to make your pathways safer to navigate, set the mood for outdoor gatherings, or showcase the beauty of your landscaping, the right lighting choices can make all the difference.
Practical and reliable, wall lights, step lights and path markers offer visibility and safety you can count on. Layer in solar lanterns, fire pits, string lights or soft LED fixtures if ambience is more your focus for warmth and stunning visual effect. And for maximum impact? Combine functional lighting with decorative elements to get the best of both worlds.
We think you’ll love our selection of outdoor lighting pieces here at Harbour Lifestyle. From elegant lanterns to durable wall lights, we offer everything you need to shine a stylish light on your favourite outdoor space.
Host summer soirées, relax under the stars, warm up by the fire, or simply sit outside and enjoy the serenity of nature after sunset — gorgeous garden lighting can help you do it all.
FAQs
1. What are the best outdoor lights to create a cosy garden atmosphere?
To create a cosy ambience, combine fire pits, fairy lights, and lanterns. Warm-toned LEDs, string lights, and fire lanterns add glow and warmth—perfect for relaxing or entertaining after dark.
2. How can I light my garden without electricity?
Use solar-powered lanterns, battery-operated lights, and fire features like fire pits or candles. These options are eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and ideal for flexible, wire-free lighting.
3. What lighting is best for outdoor dining areas?
Drape string lights above your dining table, add tabletop lanterns or LED candles, and consider a fire pit dining table for warmth and light in one. This setup creates a charming space for evening meals.
4. How do I safely light my garden steps or pathways?
Install recessed step lights or low-level bollard lights to guide the way and improve safety. These fixtures offer subtle illumination without overwhelming your garden's aesthetic.
5. Can I use pendant or floor lamps outside?
Yes, outdoor-rated pendant lights and floor lamps can bring indoor comfort outside. Hang pendant lights from pergolas and place floor lamps near sofas for a complete garden living room look.
6. What are IP ratings and why do they matter for outdoor lights?
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings show how well a light fixture resists dust and moisture. For outdoor use, choose IP44 or higher; for exposed areas like decks and fences, IP65 is ideal for long-lasting performance.
7. How can I add magical lighting to my garden?
Create a magical feel with fairy lights in trees, hanging fire lanterns, mirrored reflections, and orb lights scattered across your garden. Layering these elements adds whimsy and depth.
8. What’s the most energy-efficient way to light a garden?
LED lights are the most energy-efficient. Pair them with solar power or motion sensors to reduce energy use even more while still providing strong, reliable lighting year-round.
9. How do I choose the right outdoor lighting for each garden zone?
Use ambient lighting (like string lights or fire pits) for seating areas, task lighting near grills or prep stations, and feature lighting to highlight trees, walls, or water features. Layering different types gives the best results.
10. How do I light my garden for year-round use?
Use a mix of weatherproof LED lights, solar lanterns, wall-mounted fixtures, and warm fire-based lighting like chimineas or fire pits. Add seasonal touches like amber-toned lights in autumn or brighter hues in summer to keep the mood fresh.
