Backyard Lighting Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space
When the sun goes down, your backyard doesn’t have to disappear. In fact, that’s when the magic begins—if you’ve set the right scene with lighting.
Let’s face it, our warm weather seasons are short in Toronto and homeowners love to get the most out of summer nights. With smart backyard lighting ideas, your outdoor space can become a place filled with ambiance where you can unwind, entertain, and feel safe well after dark. This means that lighting can be both functional and beautiful. In this guide, we’ll explore LED landscape lighting, solar lights, string lights, lanterns, and more—plus tips for placement, design tricks, and must-know safety facts.
Whether you’re revamping your entire backyard or just adding a few new touches, this article will help you design lighting that feels thoughtful and totally custom to your space.
Why Backyard Lighting Matters
Outdoor lighting isn’t just about making things visible—it’s about creating a feeling. Think of it as painting with light. Where and how you illuminate can set a mood, highlight features, and light a pathway to keep you and your guests safe.
Benefits of Backyard Lighting:
Ambiance: Set the tone for relaxed dinners, lively hangouts, or quiet solo evenings.
Safety: Prevent trips and falls with illuminated paths and steps.
Security: Well-lit yards deter unwanted visitors.
Highlighting: Show off landscape features like trees, water elements, or hardscaping.
With each of my projects, LED lighting is a consideration. Browse our Inspiration Page to see how backyards are brought to life with thoughtful lighting.
LED Landscape Lighting: Low Energy, High Impact
LED lighting has become the go-to choice for most landscape applications. And it’s not just a trend—it’s a smart long-term investment. Planning for LED lighting happens at the same stage as planning for irrigation. They both require trenching for conduit and electrical lines and need to be planned carefully according to the locations of paved areas, decking, garden beds, water features, etc. Part of working with me ensures this step is taken care of for you, behind the scenes, making it one less worry moving you closer to having the outdoor space of your dreams!
Why We Love LEDs:
Energy-efficient: Use up to 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs (Energy.gov).
Long-lasting: Most LED fixtures last 25,000 to 50,000 hours.
Cool to the touch: Safe around plants and kids.
Versatile: Comes in warm, cool, and color-changing options.
Design Ideas with LEDs:
Pathway lights: Define walkways or garden borders.
Uplighting: Highlight tree trunks or architectural features.
In-ground lighting: Add subtle glow to patio edges or driveways.
Wall washing: Use soft beams to accent fences or stone walls.
For more on sustainable outdoor upgrades, check out our article on What to Plant This Summer in Toronto—the right plants and lighting make an unbeatable combo.
Solar Lights: Easy to Install, Easy on the Wallet
Solar lights are one of the most accessible ways to add lighting without wiring. They’ve come a long way in both style and performance.
Types of Solar Lighting:
Stake lights: Great for flower beds or lining walkways.
Deck lights: Mount on stair risers or railing posts.
Wall-mounted fixtures: Light up entrances or fence panels.
Floating pool lights: Add whimsical ambiance to water features.
Pros:
No electrical work needed.
Eco-friendly.
Cost-effective.
Cons:
Dependent on sunlight.
Not as bright as wired fixtures.
May require seasonal repositioning.
Toronto’s climate means shorter daylight hours in winter, so plan solar installations in open, south-facing areas when possible.
String Lights: Big Charm, Minimal Effort
String lights, or bistro lights, are a favorite for good reason—they instantly create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Where to Hang Them:
Across patios or decks.
Between trees or pergolas.
Under umbrellas or canopies.
Types to Consider:
Globe bulbs: Classic, warm, and great for dining areas.
Edison bulbs: Vintage charm with a bit more brightness.
LED fairy lights: Smaller scale, perfect for intimate nooks.
Use cable guides or stainless hooks for clean, tensioned installations. Sturdy metal poles can be affixed to fence posts and rise 9’ in the air and strung from one to another. DESIGNER TIP: Plant tall hedging trees like a Columnar Hornbeam along your fence and the poles will disappear! Remember - warm light (2700K–3000K) is best for creating a welcoming mood.
Want help installing lighting in a pergola or covered structure? See our article on What is a Pergola for ideas that pair beautifully with string lights.
Lanterns: Timeless Style and Flexibility
Lanterns are a decorative accessory that offer a perfect blend of portability, personality, functionality and charm. Whether electric, solar, or candle-powered, they’re an easy way to layer light in your backyard.
Ideas for Using Lanterns:
Line stairs or entryways for added safety.
Cluster them on tabletops or patios.
Hang from hooks, tree branches, or shepherd’s poles.
Many homeowners opt for LED flameless candles inside lanterns for the look of real flame without the hazard.
Tip: Mix lantern styles—wood, metal, and glass—for a layered, curated look.
Layering Your Lighting: The Designer’s Secret
One fixture rarely does it all. The secret to a well-lit yard is layering—combining different types of lights for function and beauty.
Use a Mix of:
Ambient lighting: Like string lights or hanging pendants.
Task lighting: For grills, bars, or reading areas.
Accent lighting: To highlight plants, statues, or textures.
Safety lighting: Along stairs, paths, and entrances.
A cohesive design makes a backyard feel intentional—not pieced together. It also allows you to control brightness in zones, ideal for setting different moods.
Smart Lighting Systems
If you want ultimate control, consider integrating a smart outdoor lighting system. These allow you to:
Program schedules.
Adjust brightness remotely.
Change colors with an app.
Sync with home security or music.
Brands like Philips Hue and Ring offer outdoor options that pair with Alexa or Google Home.
Toronto winters mean early sunsets. Smart lighting controlled from your mobile device allows you to alter time settings. If you’re going to be away for a night or extended vacation, making sure your landscapes stay lit, even when you’re not around, is a smart choice to securing your home.
Final Tips for Backyard Lighting Success
Check IP ratings: Make sure all fixtures are rated for outdoor use (IP65 or higher).
Use timers or motion sensors: Save energy and extend bulb life.
Match color temperature: Consistency creates a polished look.
Hide cords and transformers: Use conduit or cable covers for a cleaner appearance.
Hire a pro when needed: Especially for wired low-voltage systems or when integrating into your landscape design.
Ready to Light Up Your Backyard?
Backyard lighting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you want a magical atmosphere, better safety, or a boost in curb appeal, the right lighting makes all the difference.
Need a custom lighting design? Contact me to take the guesswork and stress away of choosing lighting. And don’t forget to browse the Inspiration Page to see how other Toronto homeowners have elevated their outdoor living with light.
Resources
Energy.gov. (n.d.). Lighting Choices Save You Money. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money
Better Homes & Gardens. (n.d.). Outdoor Lighting Ideas. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/lighting/outdoor-lighting-ideas/
The Spruce. (n.d.). Best Solar Pathway Lights. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/best-solar-pathway-lights-4151080
Landscape Ontario. (n.d.). Landscape Lighting Tips. Retrieved from https://landscapeontario.com
