It doesn’t matter whether you have a garden, a balcony, or a forest of foliage, lighting is the secret behind making any outdoor space feel truly magical. But conjuring up amazing outdoor lighting ideas isn’t always easy, which is why we’ve scoured the High Street in search of some of the best lighting ideas to make your garden or balcony sparkle and shine.
The best news? Outdoor lighting doesn’t have to cost the earth. From colourful festoon lights and fairy lights to in-style bohemian lanterns, there are hundreds of budget-friendly lighting ideas that can create warm evening ambience without breaking the bank.
Spotlight on: Solar garden lights
While there are plenty of options for battery or mains-powered lighting, solar garden lights offers numerous benefits that make it a smart and sustainable choice for illuminating your outdoor spaces. Firstly, solar lights are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, as they harness the sun's energy to work, which means no electricity consumption or harmful emissions, contributing to a greener planet.
Solar garden lights are also incredibly versatile, as they can be installed in any outdoor area without the need for expensive wiring or electrical outlets. This makes them ideal for illuminating pathways, gardens, patios, and more. Low-maintenance, with automatic on/off sensors that adjust to the surrounding light conditions, they enhance safety and security by providing illumination during the night, discouraging potential intruders, and improving visibility for residents and guests.
Read on to discover our favourite garden lighting ideas, and if you're feeling inspired, don't miss our garden wall art guide for more ideas to make your outdoor space stand out.
Our pick of stylish garden lighting ideas
Festoon lights
Festoon lights provide a charming and whimsical way to decorate your garden, creating a magical atmosphere during both daytime and nighttime.
These string lights can be hung along trees, fences, pergolas, or any other outdoor structure, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to your garden, making it an inviting space for relaxation or entertainment. And, as they don't need to attached to anything, they’re great for renters.
Don't worry if you don't have access to mains electricity outside, you can opt for solar or battery-powered alternatives, and there's plenty of choice when it comes to colour, from warm whites to bold blues, there's something to suit every taste.
There's a huge selection available from Amazon, with prices starting from around £10 (although make sure you check the delivery charges, which can be quite high on low-priced items).
Other brands with festoon lighting we love, include: Lights4Fun (pictured above), Cox & Cox, Garden Trading and B&Q.
Hanging outdoor lights
The secret to magical outdoor lighting designs? Zoning. No matter how big or how small your outdoor space is, it’s important to identify your zones and the areas you want to highlight. For balconies, your zones could be focussed around a small bistro table and a cluster of floor-level potted plants, while for larger gardens, you may want to highlight dining areas, pathways and larger foliage or trees.
Hanging lights are perfect for distinguishing a certain zone in your garden, and look particularly effective nestling amongst trees and illuminating shrubs. When you're styling them, remember to group them in odd numbers to achieve the best look - three, five, or seven hanging lights over a certain garden zone will look the most effective.
Hanging star light (pictured above) | Buy now from Dunelm (£10)
We've found lots of different styles available from these popular brands, including Waitrose, Argos and Amazon.
Outdoor wall sconces
If you want to dip your toe in the world of permanent outdoor lighting fixtures, then wall sconces are your first step. Available in a huge variety of styles and finishes, they’re ideal for adding ambience and giving a home a polished look.
And, if you’re not sure where your lights should be placed, entrances and exits are a great place to start. Be sure to look out for light fixtures with a rating of IP44 and above to ensure your fixtures are suitable for outdoor use, too.
Outdoor Fisherman Light (pictured above) | Buy now from Wayfair (£102.99)
For more inspo, check out scones from B&Q, Wayfair, Lamp and Light, and Cox and Cox.
Parasol fairy lights
When it comes to colour choices, opt for a warm white colour to give your awning a warm and cosy glow, or get funky with an array of fun multi-coloured bulbs.
Festoon outside parasol lights (pictured above) | Buy now from Lights4Fun (£16.99)
There are other styles available when it comes to parasol lights - we like designs from The Range, B&Q, Mano Mano and Iconic Lights
Outdoor lanterns
This season, it’s all about floor lanterns. Often associated with boho interiors, floor lanterns are now available in a huge variety of shapes and sizes to complement every home’s design. Go for a minimal look with a sleek black-framed square lantern, or lean in to the bohemian vibe with brass lanterns featuring intricate cut-outs.
When it comes to styling your lanterns, try to work in layers; larger lanterns can be placed on the floor, while smaller lanterns can be placed on benches or along steps leading up to entrances. Just be sure to use waterproof battery-powered candles or lights inside the lanterns to keep children and pets safe.
We love the stylish selection of outdoor lantern from John Lewis (pictured above), Lights4Fun, B&Q, Homebase, Etsy and Not On The Highstreet.
Illuminated water feature
Our gardens should be a tranquil place to retreat to at the end of a busy day, and there’s no better way to make your garden feel zen than with a soft glow, minimalist furniture and the sound of trickling water.
Investing in a water feature that has integrated lighting is a great, cost effective way to make your garden feel magical. It’ll make an eye-catching addition to a decking space, pebbled area or patio, and immediately introduce a sense of calm to your outdoor dining or seating area. For a low maintenance option, choose a fountain that doesn’t require a permanent water supply.
Bronze Garden Water Feature (pictured above) | Buy now from Lights4Fun (£150)
If this doesn't quite work with your garden scheme, we've found a selection of other designs from The Range, Wayfair and Lights4Fun.
Outdoor candles
Outdoor candles are great for creating your very own laid-back, boho display or an impressive alfresco dining set up – simply group lots of them at varying heights around the edge of your patio, or in the centre of your dining table.
Where possible, it’s always best to opt for fully waterproof LED candles – like these ones from Lights4Fun – as they will fill your garden with a flickering glow as soon as darkness falls, whatever the weather.
TruGlow Waterproof Outdoor Candle Bundle | Buy now from Lights4Fun (£79.99)
For other ideas, check out some of our favourite brands, including The Glow Company, Wayfair and Lights4Fun
Here at YHS HQ, we love creating stylish outdoor spaces. Once you've got your lighting sorted, how about checking out our curated buyer's guides to garden wall art, outdoor rugs, outdoor cushions, as well as chimeneas, the best garden furniture and the best rattan furniture. For even more outdoor entertainment ideas, check out our favourite pizza ovens, barbecues and you could even build your own fire pit!