Outdoor Lighting to Set Your Summer Mood

Lighting can make or break your backyard space, so you want to make sure you set the right mood with your light fittings. Whether you have a yard that’s set up for family-friendly activities, or a stylish deck that’s ready for late nights with friends, there are different lighting choices to suit everyone. Here are some ideas to help create a warm and inviting space, long after the sun goes down.

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If you want a soft, cozy look, a bright overhead light fitting may not be for you. Lanterns filled with real or battery-operated candles can help diffuse light throughout your yard and create a more intimate feeling. Go for rattan or bamboo lanterns for a beachy mediterranean look, or choose Chinese paper lanterns for a pop of color.

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In a more sleek and modern design, built-in LED lighting can really emphasize your home's clean lines and structural elements. Install strips below stairs or behind seating areas for a simple light scheme that enhances your yard’s geometric features.

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Festoon lighting is a cute and quirky way to brighten up a cozy seating or dining nook, bringing a soft and twinkling type of light to an area. String lighting like this works really well in combination with other soft features like lanterns and candles, for a romantic and relaxed aesthetic.

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Mason jars and fairy lights are a match made in heaven for cozy romantic settings. If you want to create a twinkling light effect but don’t want to string lights in a canopy, you can bundle fairy lights together and contain them in glass jars for a unique light fitting that really shines.

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Play with fire with tiki torches, which can bring a taste of island living to your backyard. Elegant and versatile, these flickering flames can really enhance a boho, beachy setting and set the mood for long summer evenings under the stars.

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Layer up your backyard lighting with multiple sources for a soft and atmospheric look. Combine traditional fixtures like wall sconces and pendants with elements like fire pits, lanterns, and candles for a warm and inviting space for friends and family alike.