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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.