20 outdoor lighting ideas for a glowing garden
By Ellie Reeves | 5th July 2024 | 7 min read
There's something magical about being outside after the sun sets. Whether it's a barbecue that lasts into the evening or a special dinner under the stars, give your garden the ultimate glow up with gorgeous on-trend lighting that looks great switched on – and off. From rattan string lights to opal effect lanterns, we’ll help you transform your outdoor space into a twinkling paradise with these garden lighting ideas.
1. Transform your fire pit with candlelight
Create a captivating garden centrepiece with a candlelit fire pit. Ditch the kindling and embrace the magic of flickering candlelight. Let the glow of clustered candles elevate your fire pit from a functional feature to a mesmerising focal point.
2. Wrap trees with twinkling string lights
Turn your garden into a fairy-tale wonderland by winding string lights around your trees. As the sun sets, these twinkling lights will bring your garden to life, casting a magical glow that enchants everyone who steps into your outdoor haven.
3. Illuminate your garden bar with waterfall string lights
Transform your garden into the ultimate venue for summer soirées and family barbecues. Drape waterfall string lights behind your garden bar to create a warm, inviting glow that beckons guests to gather and celebrate in style.
4. Let your garden glow with charming bug solar lights
Add a whimsical touch to your garden with bug-shaped solar lights. These adorable lights charge by day and glow by night. Hang them from tree branches to create a delightful spectacle that charms both children and adults.
5. Enhance dinner parties with festoon lights
Festoon string lights are perfect for al fresco dining and summer parties. String them over your dining area to bathe your gatherings in a soft, atmospheric glow, setting the stage for memorable evenings filled with laughter and conversation.
6. Adorn your pergola with twinkling lights
Make your pergola the heart of your garden by decorating it with various lighting options. Wrap rope lights around the posts or dangle fairy lights from the roof to create a cosy nook for making cherished memories with family and friends.
7. Decorate branches with statement string lights
Entwine string lights through tree branches to create a stunning night-time display. These spiral solar string lights charge during the day and automatically illuminate at dusk, brightening up your garden. From spiral designs to multi-coloured festoon lights, we’ve got a huge selection of garden string lights to choose from.
8. Light up with decorative lanterns
From crackled glass to boho wicker, our range of outdoor lanterns has something for every taste. Bronze-effect lanterns, in particular, cast beautiful silhouettes on the ground, enhancing your garden’s charm with their solar-powered brilliance.
9. Illuminate paths and borders with stake lights
Add a touch of magic to your paths and borders with iridescent stake lights. Our glass opal orb stake lights, filled with firefly-effect LEDs, create a captivating glow that guides your way and beautifies your garden.
10. Layer your lighting for maximum impact
Take your garden from ordinary to extraordinary by layering different types of lighting. Combine twinkling string lights, glowing lanterns, and radiant stake lights to shower your garden in a magical, atmospheric glow.
11. Hang string lights through the garden
Create a unique display by stringing lights through the length of your garden rather than just along the edges. Use thin poles on either side to support the lights, transforming your garden into a dazzling lightscape.
12. Dazzle with cut-out pattern lights
Add elegance to your garden with stencilled lights that cast intricate patterns on your walls and ground. These bronze-finished fence post lights will bring a touch of sophistication to your outdoor décor.
13. Mesmerise with starburst lights
Starburst lights mimic the effect of fireflies dancing in your garden, adding a magical, ethereal touch. We've got a selection of starburst style lights as string lights or spike lights - take your pick! They're sure to enchant all who see them.
14. Light up your pathway in style
Ground lights are ideal for lighting up a pathway so you can see where you’re walking clearly. They’re also perfect for illuminating the area around your garden furniture for a spot of mood lighting. From modern ground lights that sit flush in the ground, to rattan effect stake lights – we’ve got loads of stylish ground lights to choose from.
15. Blend in with flower lights
Flower string lights blend seamlessly with your garden’s natural beauty. Dangle them through bushes, trees, and hedges for a delightful display. During the day they’ll just look like regular flowers, and at night they’ll shine brightly, showering your garden with dappled light.
16. Transform your garden with enchanting mushroom lights
Elevate your garden's charm with mushroom lights, adding a touch of fantasy. Whether as stake lights or string lights, these fantastic fungi lights are sure to make an impact. Turn your garden into an enchanting woodland wonder!
17. Match wall and post lights for cohesion
Achieve a cohesive look with matching wall and post lights. Our contemporary GoodHome Callisto range, made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, is perfect for creating a welcoming ambience and stylish visibility at night.
18. Tropical vibes with pineapple string lights
Switch up your string lights with quirky pineapple designs. These fun, novelty lights are perfect for garden parties, adding a playful touch to fences, tables, balconies, or any spot needing a splash of excitement.
19. Create an enchanted garden with fairy-themed lights
Add personality to your garden with fairy-themed lights. From dainty light-up fairy houses to quaint toadstools, these whimsical lights bring a touch of folklore magic to your outdoor space.
20. Modern garden wall lights that blend in
For a sleek, functional look, opt for contemporary garden lights that blend seamlessly with your style. Choose from stainless steel post lights to matt black wall lights for a modern, fuss-free lighting solution.