When it comes to turning your outside area into your own personal oasis, lighting is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to add an element of whimsy and magic to your space. From an immaculately landscaped backyard in the mountains, to a small balcony in the middle of the city, here are some ways to add a bit of ambiance for magical summer nights.
String Lights
Create a canopy by criss crossing them across your yard, hang them vertically to create a twinkling curtain, or wrap them around tree trunks for a whimsical forest effect.
“Far from the colored plastic holiday-style lights of days gone by, today's outdoor string lights are simple, elegant and absolutely epic on a summer night.”
— Family Handyman
Candlelight
Add floating tea lights in your birdbath, place candles in orbs or mason jars and hang them on tree branches, or arrange them on a piece of birchwood for a simple, rustic centerpiece.
“Candles add a romantic atmosphere to any space, indoor or outdoor. They make fantastic centerpieces, go with any decor style, and come in a lot of different sizes, shapes and colors.”
— Garden Lovers Club
Uplighting
Highlight garden features, create drama with shadows, and illuminate steps and paths for safety.
“As part of an overall landscape lighting plan, uplighting is particularly good at spotlighting focal points of your garden and home.”
— Gardenista