15 Ways To Illuminate Outdoor Spaces Without The Hassle Of Hardwiring Lights

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Exterior lighting can create a cozy aesthetic and highlight architectural features while increasing safety by illuminating hazards and discouraging break-ins. The main drawback is that many outdoor lighting setups require hardwiring, which typically means hiring a licensed electrician. 

Lighting solutions that are wired directly into your home's electrical system are often more complex to install, must meet rigorous safety codes, and can be difficult to relocate at a later date. Fortunately, there are plenty of battery-powered, solar-powered, and plug-in options that can brighten your outdoor spaces and don't require professional installation.

Whichever type of exterior illumination you use, it's important to avoid common outdoor lighting mistakes, like poor positioning, inadequate planning, or choosing under- or over-powered lights. Plug-in and cordless options are typically easier to move around if you notice an issue with their initial placement. With so many easy-to-install options, it's worth brightening your dark outdoor spaces to make them more functional once the sun goes down.

Is there anything more cozy and intimate than warm-hued string lights hanging above a patio? It's an aesthetic that many homeowners crave and, fortunately, one that's easy to achieve. Since you're installing the bulbs overhead, you don't have to worry about them taking up space on outdoor tabletops or creating a trip hazard. Traditional plug-in string lights are reliable, so long as you have a spare outdoor outlet. Solar-powered string lights offer an ideal energy-efficient alternative if the solar panel can be positioned to gather ample sunlight in the daytime.

The number of different ways you can use string lights in your backyard is almost as varied as the different styles of lights available. If you want ambient lighting over a specific area, string the lights over your main entertaining spaces. Running string lights along a fence helps define the perimeter  of the enclosed area while lighting up the entire space. You can also hang them along your home's exterior wall for additional lighting in the areas people tend to gather. You also don't have to wait for the holiday season to wrap your trees in lights — cover the trunks and lower branches with warm white string lights for year-round illumination.

Solar-powered lights allow you to implement various outdoor walkway lighting ideas that add ambiance and make your yard safe — without any wiring. Simply insert the stakes into the ground wherever you want them for immediate illumination (assuming the panels collect enough solar energy during the day). Solar stake lights come in a range of sizes and styles, making it easier to choose a set that complements your home's exterior, whether you plan to install them in front of your house or in the backyard. If your home has a more traditional aesthetic, you might opt for classic, lantern-style path lights. For a more modern style, you could choose something similar to these Sunwind Solar Bollard Lights.

Before buying your solar path lights, decide on their location, arrangement, and purpose. This will help you choose the best style and, more importantly, the appropriate brightness level. Brightness is measured in lumens — 50 to 200 lumens should provide adequate illumination, although dimmer lights can still provide a pleasant glow. There are also options with motion sensors that brighten when someone passes. When installing solar lights, make sure the panels receive sufficient sunlight throughout the day to maximize their brightness and runtime.

Solar-powered post caps attach to the tops of wooden deck railing posts, generating a subtle glow using power they collect during the day. Install them on every post, and your deck will be fully illuminated whenever you use the space. They will also help guests find the railing, increasing safety. Additionally, deck post lighting highlights the elevated outdoor space, transforming it into a prominent architectural feature. Similarly, solar-powered fence lights can brighten your garden without taking up extra space.

Solar-powered post caps are easy to install, but the instructions may vary slightly between models. Some products may have batteries that need installing, and some versions are automatic, while others have on-off switches. The cap should fit over the post snugly, with screws or adhesive to keep it in place. Some caps come in two parts, in which case you'll typically attach the base to the post first before adding the top section.

You might not be able to comfortably read a book by candlelight, but the warm glow will still brighten the area and make it feel homey and inviting. Candles provide ambient lighting and usually work best when paired with other simple light sources. Both real and flameless candles can brighten your outdoor space, but it's important to understand their limitations. Genuine candles offer cozy flickering but need constant supervision to prevent fires. Battery-powered candles often run on timers and can be controlled remotely, but they don't always look as authentic as the real thing.

A candle centerpiece on your outdoor dining table or patio coffee table can help you see who you're talking to at night. Arrange odd numbers of candles in a group, choosing varying heights to keep the display interesting, and add flowers or similar elements to round out your display. For a more decorative touch, arrange outdoor lanterns around your patio — they can sit on tables or on the ground.

Floating lights can turn any backyard water feature into a source of illumination. There are battery-powered and solar-powered versions, neither of which require any wiring. Adding lights can also increase safety by alerting people to the location of the water in the dark. The reflection of the lights on the water further enhances their aesthetic to stunning effect. You'll find a wide range of non-wired pool lights, from subtle, elegant white bulbs to brightly colored LEDs that change and flash to create a party atmosphere. 

Decide what type of vibe you want the lights to create. If you're after a classic look, opt for white lights that don't flash or change color. Consider the size, shape, and overall style of the floating lights to find a set that complements both the water feature and your backyard. Alternatively, for an inexpensive DIY solution, light up your swimming pool at night with a pool noodle — simply cut the pool noodle into two-inch sections, and press a solar-powered tealight candle into the center of each piece.

Deciding how to decorate outdoor trees with lights presents a variety of options. String lights are a common choice, but hanging outdoor lanterns from the branches is a whimsical alternative, especially if they match your yard's overall style. Make sure that you choose lanterns designed for outdoor use — they should be made of durable materials with a weather-resistant finish to prevent corrosion. 

Solar-powered lanterns are a good option, but you'll need to hang them from branches that receive ample sunlight, whereas battery-powered lights will work in the shade. Alternatively, make your own lanterns by tucking string lights or battery-powered candles into mason jars. To make the lanterns functional, hang them on tree and shrub branches near seating and entertaining areas. It's best to hang some from lower branches close to tables or seating, as the lanterns become makeshift overhead lights. If you have trees or bushes that line a walkway, hang lanterns along them to guide foot traffic along the path. For a more decorative touch, try hanging multiple lanterns in a large tree further out in your yard.

Whether they remind you of a tropical vacation or the barbecues of your childhood, tiki torches draw attention and improve the look of the space. Because they come on stakes, these torches don't take up any table surface, and they fit into small areas. Plus, you can easily pull them up and move them to a different spot if needed. Depending on what type of fuel you use, the torches may also help repel bugs. 

It's common to use tiki torches to surround a patio, pool, or seating area, but they also work well for lining walkways or adding more illumination to a firepit area. For safety, make sure they're situated far enough away from building structures and flammable objects. While the basic design doesn't vary greatly, you can find different styles of tiki torches, so consider what will work best in your yard. If you don't want to deal with actual fire, check out solar-powered tiki torches — the flames won't be as realistic, but you still get a glow without the risk. Alternatively, check out this easy and affordable way to turn mason jars into tiki torches.

A fire pit's flames won't illuminate your entire backyard, but they will provide a cozy glow for anyone sat around it. Fire pits offer a natural look and pair well with other light options, such as string lights, lanterns, and tiki torches. Plus, most fire pits kick out plenty of heat, so you can enjoy your outdoor space even when the weather cools down. 

When choosing a fire pit, consider the style, size, and fuel type to find one that best fits your lifestyle. Wood-fueled fire pits will give you authentic flames and a smoky aroma, but gas fire pits eliminate the need to cut and store wood. Portable fire pits are a convenient option, as they can be relocated around the yard, and usually have wheels to help you move it. Choose a small tabletop fire pit if you have a small yard, or if you want the ambiance without sacrificing space. There are also plenty of DIY ideas for creating a fire pit on a budget, using materials like tire rims, pavers, and cinder blocks.

Artificial illuminated rock features are a visually interesting way to light up your landscape or highlight a walkway. You can choose from a variety of rock types to match the rest of your outdoor decor, such as these Liyaoli Solar Rock Lights, which look like glowing boulders. You can also find spotlights disguised as rocks, like these Goodfoever Solar Rock Lights, and glowing, solar-powered pebbles that work by absorbing sunlight throughout the day.

These types of illuminated rocks work well situated in planting beds or along walkways. Consider places where you would usually put rocks or boulders that might also benefit from a little extra light, such as around a landscaping feature. You could also direct a spotlight rock toward an entrance with the rock facing forward, so the bulb isn't visible from the front. Line walkways with small glow-in-the-dark rocks to highlight the path — they won't generate functional light, but they will guide people as they navigate darker outdoor spaces.

Exterior wall-mounted lights that flank your front door, back door, and garage door are often hardwired into your home's electrical system. If your home doesn't have these sconce-style lights, you can install wireless versions that operate on solar or battery power. Doors with overhangs will likely need battery-powered fixtures. These wire-free sconces work anywhere on the side of your home or outbuildings, offering extreme flexibility when it comes to adding functional lighting.

When installing sconces next to a door, install one on either side of the door, or hang a single fixture on the doorknob side. You can also install a line of outdoor sconces on the wall nearest your deck or patio. If you're using solar-powered sconces, install them where they're guaranteed to get enough sunlight during the day, so they can capture enough energy to shine at night. Some models, like this Maxsa Outdoor LED Sconce, even feature motion sensors. Keep both the style and the power source of your fixtures in mind to ensure they don't look out of place.

Have you ever considered the importance of outdoor step lights? Walking up and down stairs might seem a simple enough task, but the cover of darkness can make your steps a major tripping hazard. Even with a few exterior lights, surrounding structures could cast masking shadows, so installing wireless stair lights is a good idea. They highlight precisely where the stairs are, and give everyone a clear view of each step. Illuminated steps can also elevate the look of your home. Wireless versions are easy to install because you don't have to connect them to your electrical system.

Solar-powered stair tread lights are popular wireless options for outdoors, especially in sunny areas. For example, these Audles LED Solar Step Lights sit discreetly on the end of each step and shine their light across the treads. Make sure the stair lights you choose are waterproof and designed for outdoor use for safe, lasting illumination.

Hardwired fixtures aren't the only option for overhead lighting on covered decks and porches. You can find many different hanging outdoor pendant lights that plug in or run on batteries, offering flexibility in terms of how and where you install them. Because pendant lights are often found indoors, installing them on a deck or porch can make you feel like you're in a decorated indoor living space while you enjoy the fresh air and views. Whether you choose a sleek and modern design or a rustic and weathered aesthetic, pendants often help set the tone for the outdoor space. They can also cast light broadly across a large space, making them highly functional.

Outdoor pendants can be used in different ways, including to brighten a front or back door. You can install pendants over seating and entertaining areas, like an outdoor dining space or a cozy conversation nook. For plug-in lights, like this Kolakodlux Hanging Lamp, choose a location near an outdoor outlet to avoid using an extension cord. Always verify that the fixture you choose is rated for outdoor use — even on a covered porch, the pendant could get wet or be exposed to extreme weather, like wind or hail.

When planning your backyard area, consider a backyard umbrella that serves a dual purpose. A solar umbrella with lights beneath the canopy can provide shelter and shade during the day while the solar panels on top collect energy. Then, at night, the lights come to life, casting their illumination downward. 

A major benefit of a lighted umbrella is its portability and versatility — since it runs on solar power, you don't have to worry about running extension cords across entertaining areas. Solar umbrellas work well in any open, sunny part of your yard — install one over a dining table, seating area, hot tub, kids' play area, or other spaces where you want shade during the day and light at night. Many patio dining tables have holes to support umbrella poles, but you can buy a separate, weighted umbrella stand if you want to position the umbrella elsewhere.

If you frequently use your backyard for entertaining, hanging neon-style lights can enhance the party ambiance while sharing a specific sentiment, supporting a decorating theme, or identifying the purpose of the space. For example, if you have a backyard bar, you might want to create a custom sign and hang it over the space where you serve your signature cocktails. You can even order custom displays from Amazon, like this Didalife Waterproof Customizable LED Neon Sign.

However, don't just buy any old neon sign for your patio — many versions are made for indoor use, where they don't have to face extreme temperatures, humidity, and other potentially damaging outdoor elements. Durable, waterproof signs that can resist UV damage hold up much better outdoors. The sign will also get extra protection if you hang it on a wall beneath an overhang or roof.

You can bring the indoor decor vibes outside using various lamps. You'll find outdoor-rated versions of both table and floor lamps in a wide range of styles, so you can choose pieces that blend into your arrangement. For example, this Sunnydaze Outdoor Table Lamp is weather-resistant and would work well on a side table to brighten your conversation area.

Look for spaces that could use extra ambient or task lighting, and find an outdoor lamp that suits that space. For a balanced look, put lamps on both ends of an outdoor sofa. If outlets aren't readily available, consider solar-powered options, like this Wuraire Solar Outdoor Floor Lamp, which is height-adjustable, controllable remotely, and features multiple colors and modes. Another option is to reuse a thrifted indoor lamp by attaching the top of a solar spike light to it. Just make sure the lamp material can withstand the elements.