Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays

    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement in 1908 has become a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflĆ© dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Home Improvement Ideas
  3. Lighting
  4. Outdoor Lighting
  5. The Secrets to Fabulous Outdoor Lighting

The Secrets to Fabulous Outdoor Lighting

February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Light up your yard with style for entertaining, relaxing, beauty, security, and safety.
Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Layers of Light

Make your yard look as beautiful at night as it does during the day with good landscape lighting. We'll show you how to combine ambient lighting with task lights for security or safety -- and how to incorporate accent lighting such as spotlights, strip lights, and water-feature lighting.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Guide the Way

Lead guests to the front door with path lights set along the walkway. For the most pleasing look, choose soft, nonglaring fixtures that direct most of the light downward.

Test Garden Tip: Avoid placing the lights all in a straight line, which creates a runway effect.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Go Solar

The easiest of all lights to use, decorative solar-powered landscape lights require no wiring. Simply place them in a sunny spot, and when dusk arrives, they come on automatically to light the way for guests.

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Landscape Lighting

Watch this quick video to learn more about incorporating outdoor lighting into your landscape.

4 of 19

5 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Low Voltage, High Impact

A string of low-voltage lighting is the perfect solution for brightening a shady bend along a walkway. It's a low-cost, easy, do-it-yourself solution for illuminating a path and highlighting plantings.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wake Up the Night

Add drama to your front yard by spotlighting a specimen tree or other front yard focal point. Uplighting provided by spotlights accentuates the texture of tree trunks and creates a pleasing glow on foliage.

Test Garden Tip: Make sure you position spotlights to focus their beams away from windows or neighbors.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Outline a Bed

Inexpensive rope lighting creates a great uplighting effect when placed on the back of landscape bed edging. Roll out the tube lighting and pin it in place with landscape staples for a hidden glow.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Focus on the Front

Combine safety with beauty for entry lighting. Guide visitors to the front door with welcoming lights that adequately illuminate stairs or other potential hazards. Take cues from your home's architecture in selecting fixtures that match its style.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

All Decked Out

Enjoy your deck after dark with well-planned landscape lighting. This multitier deck makes use of translucent panels, set aglow at dusk. The soft light sets a scene just right for entertaining.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step by Step

Ensure safe footing on steps between outdoor living areas by building lights into the risers. Their soft light provides just enough brightness to mark each tread -- and prevent glare.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Glow Without Glare

Wall-mount downlights cast a warm, gentle light on outdoor living spaces. Use them to enhance texture on stone walls (as seen here). Plan ahead when incorporating a light into a wall, leaving access to wiring for maintenance or repairs.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Exterior Elegance

Bring indoors outside with a light fixture that's rated for exterior use but looks like something you'd use inside. A wrought-iron chandelier, for example, creates style, as well as utility in your outdoor room.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Borrowed Light

When interior lights are on in this home, the nighttime scene becomes bright and welcoming. Without them, the candles on the table provide a more subdued mood.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

String Them Along

Use strands of twinkle lights rolled into a ball and capped with glass garden cloches to make this garden-theme tabletop lighting feature. It's a fun alternative to candles -- and you don't need to worry about them blowing out in a breeze.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Candlelight Glow

A cluster of large candles creates a romantic ambience rivaled only by starlight. Use candles only where there is no chance that they could be overturned and create a fire hazard.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lantern Luminarias

Get the luminaria look by setting candles in glass lanterns and using them to line a walkway or staircase. The glass protects the candles from being snuffed out by the wind.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Underwater Lighting

Adding submerged lighting to a water garden creates lovely, luminous light that shows off fish and plants after dark. Be sure to use fixtures rated for aquatic use.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

On the Move

Use motion-sensing lights to increase security at night without making your yard look like an amusement park. Use them in key spots such as garage and side doors where it's handy to have light for short periods.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

By the Numbers

Make certain that your house number is well lit for safety and practicality. Guests arriving after dark will appreciate knowing which house is yours, and emergency responders can find your it faster when they can see the house number.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 19 Layers of Light
2 of 19 Guide the Way
3 of 19 Go Solar
4 of 19 Easy Landscape Lighting
5 of 19 Low Voltage, High Impact
6 of 19 Wake Up the Night
7 of 19 Outline a Bed
8 of 19 Focus on the Front
9 of 19 All Decked Out
10 of 19 Step by Step
11 of 19 Glow Without Glare
12 of 19 Exterior Elegance
13 of 19 Borrowed Light
14 of 19 String Them Along
15 of 19 Candlelight Glow
16 of 19 Lantern Luminarias
17 of 19 Underwater Lighting
18 of 19 On the Move
19 of 19 By the Numbers

Share options

Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Shop | Better Homes & Gardens

  • Table Lamps
  • Lighting & Lamps
  • Pendant Lighting
  • Chandeliers
  • Floor Lamps
  • Ceiling Lighting
  • Lamp Shades
  • Kitchen Lighting
  • Wall Lighting
  • Track Lighting
  • Shop More Next

Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
Better Homes & Gardens

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
  • Help
  • Media Kit
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

View image

The Secrets to Fabulous Outdoor Lighting
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.