Southern California temperatures may remain mild all year long, but those of us who live here know the absolute best time to enjoy the outdoors is during the warm spring and summer months! There are few things better than spending time in your backyard reading a book, entertaining, or just breathing in the fresh air.

The joy of a good summer day doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Instead, create your own private backyard oasis with lights that keep the fun going into the evening.

Lighting can be used throughout your backyard for anything from safety to setting the ambiance Click To Tweet

Lighting to try

Candles 
Candles are a versatile light source that can be used throughout your backyard. Try floating tea lights in water, place candles in a glass container (wine bottles work well), use your favorite candle holder, or purchase a candle in a fire-safe dish. When using candles outdoors, place with caution to prevent any incidents or fire hazards.

Lanterns and luminarias
Outdoor lanterns can create an elegant table setting or provide lighting for your event. You can choose lanterns in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Most commonly seen outdoors are paper and glass lanterns. You can purchase lanterns from craft stores, home furnishing stores, and home improvement stores, or if you’re up for it, create your own. Inexpensive lanterns can be made out of tin cans, paper bags, and Mason jars.

Rope lights
An easy decorative lighting fix, rope lights can be used throughout your garden. You can buy them in a variety of colors or stick with traditional white lights. One of the biggest benefits of using rope lights is how resilient the strands are. You should have no problem maintaining these lights in Southern California.

String lights
Much like rope lights, string lights are a convenient lighting option. You can buy them from a number of locations including home improvement stores, Target, craft stores, and online. To score the best price, look to purchase just after the winter holiday seasons.

Chandeliers
Chandeliers aren’t just for the inside of your home anymore. Bring the elegance outside for stunning lighting displays. You can hang chandeliers from trees, fences, or other beams used in your backyard.

Solar lights
One of the best ways to save money on your electric bill is to use solar lights. Place solar bulbs in your outdoor fixtures and purchase solar torches.

Glow-in-the-dark paint
Another money-saving solution is glow-in-the-dark paint. Paint pots, rocks, and even entire pathways to light up your backyard.

Use lighting to…

Lighting can be used throughout your backyard for anything from safety to setting the ambiance. Here are some suggestions to get you thinking about how to best use your outdoor lighting.

• Mark off pathways/walkways or your pool edges with rope lights
• Line garden beds with rope lights, lanterns, or solar lights
• Wrap string lights or rope lights around tree trunks
• Add a pop of color by placing lights next to plants with bright foliage
• Create moon lighting by placing lights high into trees
• Add accent lighting to hardscapes like your barbecue
• Place lights within your water features (e.g., fountains)
• Use accent lighting to highlight specific features like a unique statue
• Hang lights along your fence, from tree branches, or underneath a table umbrella

Take notes of specific areas where you would like better lighting in your backyard Click To Tweet

How to get started

Whenever you’re completing a home improvement project, we recommend having a well-thought-out plan. We’ve outlined how you can get started illuminating your backyard today.

1. Create a rough sketch of your yard. This will help you get a good idea of how much space you’re dealing with, and a visual of where you want to place your lighting.
2. Map out where lighting will go. Walk through your yard at night. Take notes of specific areas where you would like better lighting.
3. Make a list of what supplies are needed, and if you will need any additional help.
4. Create a budget for your project. Be sure to include all supplies needed, and labor costs.
5. Take a shopping trip to purchase your materials.
6. Start setting up your lighting.
7. Enjoy your new backyard!

Looking for more backyard lighting inspiration? Visit our Pinterest board “The Backyard.”