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20 outdoor lighting ideas for a glowing garden

By Ellie Reeves | 5th July 2024 | 7 min read

There's something magical about being outside after the sun sets. Whether it's a barbecue that lasts into the evening or a special dinner under the stars, give your garden the ultimate glow up with gorgeous on-trend lighting that looks great switched on – and off. From rattan string lights to opal effect lanterns, we’ll help you transform your outdoor space into a twinkling paradise with these garden lighting ideas.

A cosy garden featuring a corner bench with cushions and a fire pit filled with candles, creating a warm and inviting outdoor space.A cosy garden featuring a corner bench with cushions and a fire pit filled with candles, creating a warm and inviting outdoor space.A cosy garden featuring a corner bench with cushions and a fire pit filled with candles, creating a warm and inviting outdoor space.A cosy garden featuring a corner bench with cushions and a fire pit filled with candles, creating a warm and inviting outdoor space.

1. Transform your fire pit with candlelight

Create a captivating garden centrepiece with a candlelit fire pit. Ditch the kindling and embrace the magic of flickering candlelight. Let the glow of clustered candles elevate your fire pit from a functional feature to a mesmerising focal point.

A tree trunk wrapped with string lights, creating a warm and magical glow in an outdoor space.A tree trunk wrapped with string lights, creating a warm and magical glow in an outdoor space.A tree trunk wrapped with string lights, creating a warm and magical glow in an outdoor space.A tree trunk wrapped with string lights, creating a warm and magical glow in an outdoor space.

2. Wrap trees with twinkling string lights

Turn your garden into a fairy-tale wonderland by winding string lights around your trees. As the sun sets, these twinkling lights will bring your garden to life, casting a magical glow that enchants everyone who steps into your outdoor haven.

A garden bar decorated with waterfall string lights, adding an enchanting touch to the outdoor setting.A garden bar decorated with waterfall string lights, adding an enchanting touch to the outdoor setting.A garden bar decorated with waterfall string lights, adding an enchanting touch to the outdoor setting.A garden bar decorated with waterfall string lights, adding an enchanting touch to the outdoor setting.

3. Illuminate your garden bar with waterfall string lights

Transform your garden into the ultimate venue for summer soirées and family barbecues. Drape waterfall string lights behind your garden bar to create a warm, inviting glow that beckons guests to gather and celebrate in style.

A bumblebee garden light hanging from a branch, adding a charming touch to the garden.A bumblebee garden light hanging from a branch, adding a charming touch to the garden.A bumblebee garden light hanging from a branch, adding a charming touch to the garden.A bumblebee garden light hanging from a branch, adding a charming touch to the garden.

4. Let your garden glow with charming bug solar lights

Add a whimsical touch to your garden with bug-shaped solar lights. These adorable lights charge by day and glow by night. Hang them from tree branches to create a delightful spectacle that charms both children and adults.

Festoon lights hanging over a garden dining table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor dining.Festoon lights hanging over a garden dining table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor dining.Festoon lights hanging over a garden dining table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor dining.Festoon lights hanging over a garden dining table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor dining.

5. Enhance dinner parties with festoon lights

Festoon string lights are perfect for al fresco dining and summer parties. String them over your dining area to bathe your gatherings in a soft, atmospheric glow, setting the stage for memorable evenings filled with laughter and conversation.

A pergola post wrapped with rope string lights, adding an atmospheric glow to the outdoor space.A pergola post wrapped with rope string lights, adding an atmospheric glow to the outdoor space.A pergola post wrapped with rope string lights, adding an atmospheric glow to the outdoor space.A pergola post wrapped with rope string lights, adding an atmospheric glow to the outdoor space.

6. Adorn your pergola with twinkling lights

Make your pergola the heart of your garden by decorating it with various lighting options. Wrap rope lights around the posts or dangle fairy lights from the roof to create a cosy nook for making cherished memories with family and friends.

A tree branch decorated with spiral string lights, creating a magical atmosphere in the garden.A tree branch decorated with spiral string lights, creating a magical atmosphere in the garden.A tree branch decorated with spiral string lights, creating a magical atmosphere in the garden.A tree branch decorated with spiral string lights, creating a magical atmosphere in the garden.

7. Decorate branches with statement string lights

Entwine string lights through tree branches to create a stunning night-time display. These spiral solar string lights charge during the day and automatically illuminate at dusk, brightening up your garden. From spiral designs to multi-coloured festoon lights, we’ve got a huge selection of garden string lights to choose from.

Three decorative sphere lanterns in a garden, casting a soft and ambient glow to enhance the outdoor space.Three decorative sphere lanterns in a garden, casting a soft and ambient glow to enhance the outdoor space.Three decorative sphere lanterns in a garden, casting a soft and ambient glow to enhance the outdoor space.Three decorative sphere lanterns in a garden, casting a soft and ambient glow to enhance the outdoor space.

8. Light up with decorative lanterns

From crackled glass to boho wicker, our range of outdoor lanterns has something for every taste. Bronze-effect lanterns, in particular, cast beautiful silhouettes on the ground, enhancing your garden’s charm with their solar-powered brilliance.

An iridescent orb stake light in a garden bed, surrounded by vibrant bedding plants, adding a colourful glow to the outdoor space.An iridescent orb stake light in a garden bed, surrounded by vibrant bedding plants, adding a colourful glow to the outdoor space.An iridescent orb stake light in a garden bed, surrounded by vibrant bedding plants, adding a colourful glow to the outdoor space.An iridescent orb stake light in a garden bed, surrounded by vibrant bedding plants, adding a colourful glow to the outdoor space.

9. Illuminate paths and borders with stake lights

Add a touch of magic to your paths and borders with iridescent stake lights. Our glass opal orb stake lights, filled with firefly-effect LEDs, create a captivating glow that guides your way and beautifies your garden.

A large garden decorated with a range of outdoor lights, including fairy lights and lanterns, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.A large garden decorated with a range of outdoor lights, including fairy lights and lanterns, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.A large garden decorated with a range of outdoor lights, including fairy lights and lanterns, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.A large garden decorated with a range of outdoor lights, including fairy lights and lanterns, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

10. Layer your lighting for maximum impact

Take your garden from ordinary to extraordinary by layering different types of lighting. Combine twinkling string lights, glowing lanterns, and radiant stake lights to shower your garden in a magical, atmospheric glow.

Festoon garden string lights glowing in a garden at night, casting a warm, ambient light across the outdoor space.Festoon garden string lights glowing in a garden at night, casting a warm, ambient light across the outdoor space.Festoon garden string lights glowing in a garden at night, casting a warm, ambient light across the outdoor space.Festoon garden string lights glowing in a garden at night, casting a warm, ambient light across the outdoor space.

11. Hang string lights through the garden

Create a unique display by stringing lights through the length of your garden rather than just along the edges. Use thin poles on either side to support the lights, transforming your garden into a dazzling lightscape.

A garden fence post light with intricate cut-out detail, casting decorative patterns in the outdoor space.A garden fence post light with intricate cut-out detail, casting decorative patterns in the outdoor space.A garden fence post light with intricate cut-out detail, casting decorative patterns in the outdoor space.A garden fence post light with intricate cut-out detail, casting decorative patterns in the outdoor space.

12. Dazzle with cut-out pattern lights

Add elegance to your garden with stencilled lights that cast intricate patterns on your walls and ground. These bronze-finished fence post lights will bring a touch of sophistication to your outdoor décor.

Starburst string lights entwined around the branches of a small tree, creating a magical glow in the garden.Starburst string lights entwined around the branches of a small tree, creating a magical glow in the garden.Starburst string lights entwined around the branches of a small tree, creating a magical glow in the garden.Starburst string lights entwined around the branches of a small tree, creating a magical glow in the garden.

13. Mesmerise with starburst lights

Starburst lights mimic the effect of fireflies dancing in your garden, adding a magical, ethereal touch. We've got a selection of starburst style lights as string lights or spike lights - take your pick! They're sure to enchant all who see them.

Modern garden ground lights in a gravel border, illuminating a paved pathway for a sleek, stylish outdoor look.Modern garden ground lights in a gravel border, illuminating a paved pathway for a sleek, stylish outdoor look.Modern garden ground lights in a gravel border, illuminating a paved pathway for a sleek, stylish outdoor look.Modern garden ground lights in a gravel border, illuminating a paved pathway for a sleek, stylish outdoor look.

14. Light up your pathway in style

Ground lights are ideal for lighting up a pathway so you can see where you’re walking clearly. They’re also perfect for illuminating the area around your garden furniture for a spot of mood lighting. From modern ground lights that sit flush in the ground, to rattan effect stake lights – we’ve got loads of stylish ground lights to choose from.

Some shrubs in a garden adorned with colourful flower string lights, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.Some shrubs in a garden adorned with colourful flower string lights, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.Some shrubs in a garden adorned with colourful flower string lights, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.Some shrubs in a garden adorned with colourful flower string lights, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.

15. Blend in with flower lights

Flower string lights blend seamlessly with your garden’s natural beauty. Dangle them through bushes, trees, and hedges for a delightful display. During the day they’ll just look like regular flowers, and at night they’ll shine brightly, showering your garden with dappled light.

Multi-coloured mushroom spike lights in a garden, adding a playful touch to the outdoor space.Multi-coloured mushroom spike lights in a garden, adding a playful touch to the outdoor space.Multi-coloured mushroom spike lights in a garden, adding a playful touch to the outdoor space.Multi-coloured mushroom spike lights in a garden, adding a playful touch to the outdoor space.

16. Transform your garden with enchanting mushroom lights

Elevate your garden's charm with mushroom lights, adding a touch of fantasy. Whether as stake lights or string lights, these fantastic fungi lights are sure to make an impact. Turn your garden into an enchanting woodland wonder!

Modern garden lights illuminating a sleek, contemporary front garden, highlighting the clean lines and stylish landscaping.Modern garden lights illuminating a sleek, contemporary front garden, highlighting the clean lines and stylish landscaping.Modern garden lights illuminating a sleek, contemporary front garden, highlighting the clean lines and stylish landscaping.Modern garden lights illuminating a sleek, contemporary front garden, highlighting the clean lines and stylish landscaping.

17. Match wall and post lights for cohesion

Achieve a cohesive look with matching wall and post lights. Our contemporary GoodHome Callisto range, made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, is perfect for creating a welcoming ambience and stylish visibility at night.

Pineapple-shaped garden string lights hanging across a garden, adding a playful and tropical vibe to the outdoor space.Pineapple-shaped garden string lights hanging across a garden, adding a playful and tropical vibe to the outdoor space.Pineapple-shaped garden string lights hanging across a garden, adding a playful and tropical vibe to the outdoor space.Pineapple-shaped garden string lights hanging across a garden, adding a playful and tropical vibe to the outdoor space.

18. Tropical vibes with pineapple string lights

Switch up your string lights with quirky pineapple designs. These fun, novelty lights are perfect for garden parties, adding a playful touch to fences, tables, balconies, or any spot needing a splash of excitement.

A light-up fairy house garden ornament, glowing softly amidst plants, adding a whimsical touch to the outdoor space.A light-up fairy house garden ornament, glowing softly amidst plants, adding a whimsical touch to the outdoor space.A light-up fairy house garden ornament, glowing softly amidst plants, adding a whimsical touch to the outdoor space.A light-up fairy house garden ornament, glowing softly amidst plants, adding a whimsical touch to the outdoor space.

19. Create an enchanted garden with fairy-themed lights

Add personality to your garden with fairy-themed lights. From dainty light-up fairy houses to quaint toadstools, these whimsical lights bring a touch of folklore magic to your outdoor space.

A sleek matt black integrated garden wall light, mounted on a wall, providing subtle illumination.A sleek matt black integrated garden wall light, mounted on a wall, providing subtle illumination.A sleek matt black integrated garden wall light, mounted on a wall, providing subtle illumination.A sleek matt black integrated garden wall light, mounted on a wall, providing subtle illumination.

20. Modern garden wall lights that blend in

For a sleek, functional look, opt for contemporary garden lights that blend seamlessly with your style. Choose from stainless steel post lights to matt black wall lights for a modern, fuss-free lighting solution.

Digital Content Writer Ellie Reeves

Ellie Reeves

Digital Content Writer

Ellie is a content writer with over six years of experience in home décor and DIY. She’s on a mission to help people create a home they love. Big on dopamine décor and colourful accessories, she’s all about adding personality to every space...Read more