Spectacular Landscape Lights Dazzle in the Dark
Go boldly into the night with outdoor lighting options for the patio, pool and garden
Lighting design rules say that lighting should be subtle, especially for the landscape. Soft pools of light should be strategically placed to enhance chosen outdoor areas and allow other areas to remain in the dark. Nothing should be overdone, and by no means should the actual light source be seen. And for the most part, this approach will result in a pleasing nighttime vista.
But sometimes, outdoor lighting just has to make a statement.
But sometimes, outdoor lighting just has to make a statement.
A screen of sandblasted glass panels set in a steel frame hides a less-than-ideal view and shields the patio from too-strong winds while allowing morning light to filter through. Though white during the day, at night the screen changes colors from yellow to reds and blues.
The outdoor lighting takes this rooftop garden, which is spectacular in its own right, to another level. Forget natural and gentle light. This is a neon extravagance that adds a whole new meaning to outdoor entertainment.
Even better, you can change the color and what you want lit. The mood du jour is red, a bright accent that highlights the dining area.
For a slightly more subtle look, turquoise creates a relaxing ambience in the seating area.
In daylight, the neon still stands out. The underlighting outlines and defines individual seating areas for a pop of color that won't fade, even under bright skies.
While the previous garden was large and extravagant, a smaller space also benefits from a little color. This accent lighting draws attention to the seating area at the far end of the garden and breaks up the otherwise monochromatic look.
Asian Outdoor Lighting
If you don't have the resources for an elaborate lighting scheme, you can create your own. One of the easiest approaches is hanging colored lanterns. They're available in a range of colors, designs and sizes, from the plain ones here to patterned versions. These are solar powered, but you can also find battery-operated versions. Both allow you to place the lanterns where they work best without worrying about cords and power sources.
Aurora Glow Solar String Lights
An equally easy and subtle approach is to hang a string of colored lights. No longer are you limited to strands of Christmas colors; there are plenty of options, including these solar-powered strings, to fit any design aesthetic.
Clover Indoor-Outdoor Lamp
If you want the same idea but with a little bit more sophistication, look to these contemporary options. The white framework adds an interesting daytime look in its own right, but the colored filters create the real interest. You can also buy these as table or floor lamps.
Four-Color Solar Garden Lights
Create a rainbow along a garden walkway with these colored solar lights. They're easy to install and a practical yet whimsical choice for garden lighting.
If you're willing to go bigger, these indoor-outdoor cube lights double as stools. Use them for seating, as a side table or as a fun addition to a play area. There's a remote control option that can let you set different programs for the light as well as energy-saving cubes in white, yellow, red, green and blue.
Moonlight Floating Outdoor Patio Light
If you've got a pool, imagine looking out at night and seeing these bright orbs floating across it. If you don't have a pool, don't despair. They can also be used on land. If you don't want white, there are other finish options, and there are various sizes. Kind of brings new meaning to the idea of a moonscape.
Rotoluxe Vazon Methuselah Planter - Outdoor Use
You can also combine form with function with lit planters that hold accent plants in the daytime and create accent lights at night. The bright white makes a statement, especially when reflected in a pool, but a surprisingly large number of other colors are available to match your landscape decor.
GardenGlo Solar Lighted Planters
These planter-light combinations fit into a far more modest budget. You can choose from a tradiitonal terra-cotta look or go bold with blue, yellow or green. The best part is that you can buy solar-powered versions.
Browse thousands of landscape lighting options in the Products section
Browse thousands of landscape lighting options in the Products section