Popular Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Outdoor Lighting Trends

The lighting outside of your home helps set the tone before anyone even enters. We know! That’s a lot of pressure and there are endless outdoor lighting ideas to choose from. Let’s first take a look at some of the biggest lighting trends for 2023.

Atmospheric lighting

Atmospheric lighting is a way to create a more inviting and relaxing atmosphere in the outdoor space. Atmospheric lights can either be used to create a soft glow or a dramatic effect. For a dramatic effect, you may want to consider spotlights. 

Water feature lighting

Water feature lighting is a way to add beauty and call attention to a pond or fountain. Lights can be placed underwater or above water and can be used to create various dazzling effects.

Smart lighting

Smart lighting systems allow homeowners to control their outdoor lights remotely, using a smartphone or tablet. This can be helpful for security purposes and for creating a more inviting atmosphere in the evening with the touch of a button, regardless of your location.

Solar-powered lighting

Solar-powered lights are a sustainable option for outdoor lighting and have become increasingly popular as they do not require any electricity. Solar lights can be used to illuminate walkways, driveways, and other areas around the home.

Unique Outdoor Lighting Ideas

If your vibe is a bit more eclectic, here are some unique lighting effects and techniques to try on your lawn.

String Light Canopy 

Use string lights to create a canopy of light over your patio or deck. This is a great way to create a romantic and inviting atmosphere for outdoor entertaining.

Uplighting

Highlight your trees with uplighting. This is a great way to make your trees stand out and add depth to your landscape.

The Low-Voltage Light Treatment 

Use low-voltage lights to create a path through your garden or backyard hangout zone. This is an excellent way to make your outdoor space more inviting and to help you navigate safely at night.

It’s Always a Holiday with Twinkle Lights 

Add some twinkle lights to your bushes and trees. This is a fun way to add some festive cheer to your landscape any time of the year. 

Classic Outdoor Lighting Methods 

Don’t knock the classics! Conventional and modern lighting techniques are popular options due to their safety features, cost-effectiveness, and sensibility.

LED lighting

LED lights have become increasingly popular for outdoor lighting as they are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights come in a variety of colors, which can be used to create effects allowing you to add a personal touch.

Pathway lighting

Pathway lighting is a practical way to light up walkways and driveways. Pathway lighting makes your outdoor spaces safer to access at night. As a benefit, pathway lights add an inviting atmosphere in the evening.

Spotlights

Spotlights can be used to highlight specific features in the landscape, such as trees, shrubs, fountains, or other outdoor decor. Spotlights create a more dramatic effect than other forms of lighting. 

Shrub and tree lighting

Shrub and tree lighting is a way to add interest and depth to the landscape. If you took the trouble to have those shrubs turned into topiaries you might as well show them off a bit. Lights can be placed around the base of shrubs and trees or strung through the branches.

Security lighting

Security lighting can help deter crime and make your home more secure. Security lights can be motion-activated so that they will only turn when someone is approaching the home. 

Important Considerations for Outdoor Lighting

When choosing outdoor lighting, you’ll want to take the time to consider these important factors that can impact the best choices to light up your outdoor spaces given your climate, home design, and personal taste. 

The climate in your region

If you live in a cold climate, you'll want to choose lights that are designed to withstand freezing temperatures. If you live in a hot climate, you'll want to select lights that are designed to withstand heat and humidity.

Your budget

Outdoor lighting can range in price from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per fixture. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don't overspend. When thinking about home design projects, it’s always best to factor in the possibility of spending 20% more than you intended. 

Your Home’s Style 

Ideal outdoor lighting complements the style of your home. If you have a more traditional design, you will likely want to go in the direction of classic fixtures that match your home's architecture. If you have a more modern home, contemporary fixtures are more likely to look like they align naturally with the design intentions of your home.

Necessary Light

If you have a large yard, well, there’s a good chance you’ll need more lights. If your outdoor spaces have extra special features, you’ll want to light them appropriately with tasteful lighting choices. 

Types of Light Sources 

There are three main types of landscape lighting: uplights, downlights, and path lights. Uplights shine light up, downlights shine light down, and path lights illuminate walkways and driveways.

Frontdoor Inspires Homeowners 

Your home should feel like it reflects your personal taste and lifestyle. At Frontdoor, we love to find new ways to inspire you to get creative and innovative with your home projects. With two membership plans to choose from, you can select the best option for you based on how much or little help you need at home.

Let your imagination run wild knowing that Frontdoor has appliance, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and handyman Experts ready to help you with just a few taps on your phone.

Whether you're looking to install outdoor lights or another home project, reach out using the Frontdoor app and with just a few taps on your smartphone, you can chat with a Frontdoor Expert.

Frontdoor assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.