How to Light Up a Backyard with Modern Lighting

Providing a breath of fresh air and enviable spaciousness, backyards are a currency in residential homes no matter the locale. Outdoor areas at home offer a much-needed respite where natural illumination and connection to nature lifts the spirits after busy days, while imparting a recreational backdrop during time off. 

When it comes to designing outdoor spaces—be it an expansive patio, intimate garden or poolside escape—there’s considerable criteria of what makes one truly great, from polished landscaping to weather-resistant furniture pieces. 

Of course, because one of the main perks of having a backyard, patio or garden is access to the best source of light—natural illumination from the sun—deliberate lighting choices are often considered an afterthought during the design process. In order to make illuminating your backyard a breeze, we developed an outdoor lighting guide. 

Modern Backyard Lighting Ideas

While modern backyard lighting can be tailored to different home styles and influences, there are tried and true methods to ensure you’re creating a space that feels simultaneously energized and relaxing. Our guide walks you through illuminating communal areas and walkways; understanding wet and damp-rated outdoor fixtures; and weighing different outdoor lighting fixtures. 

Types of Outdoor Lights

Within your outdoor oasis at home, there’s a wide range of options that cater to site specificity. Types of modern backyard lighting include bollards, outdoor sconces and surface mount luminaries. Emanating from the ground up, bollards are vertical posts that architecturally illuminate pathways and punctuate the perimeter of a pool with a subtle glow, while outdoor wall sconces provide a small footprint able to illuminate pathways, porches and other transitional spaces through streamlined minimalist design. If you have a sturdy, outdoor overhang, consider outdoor surface mount luminaries incrementally installed into the ceiling for illumination from above.

Illuminate Community Areas and Walkways

With outdoor lighting, it’s important to focus on the key areas where light is essential, from spaces where people gather to pathways that guide you from place-to-place. Are you thinking of a community-oriented lounge vignette or a space for dining and cooking underneath an awning? If you have a pool, consider where it’s valuable for you to have light, like punctuating a series of chaise lounges. And, finally, keep your garden walkways illuminated so that the paths are clear and safe. Paying attention to the “in-between” can be just as powerful as lighting the main gathering spaces when considering how to light your backyard or outdoor space.

Consider Wet and Damp Rated Fixtures

Exposed to the elements year-round, outdoor spaces require modern backyard lighting and furniture with high-performance functionality and comfort. Fixtures can either be wet-rated or damp-rated depending on your space’s needs, making understanding the difference is critical to prevent any missteps. Wet-rated fixtures are designed to withstand direct exposure to outdoor elements like rain and snow, while damp-rated fixtures are intended for outdoor areas protected from more harsher elements, like porches and patios.

We hope this resource has sparked ideas as you explore how to light up a backyard with the perfect form and function. Tag us on Instagram (@sonnemanlight) as you redesign your outdoor spaces with modern lighting so we can share the experience.