Where To Place Landscape Lighting? (8 Great Ideas)

So, you’re thinking about landscape lighting—great choice! It’s an awesome way to make your outdoor space look amazing at night and really showcase your yard’s best features.

But with so many options, it can be tough to figure out the best spots to place your lights.

Don’t worry though! In this post, we’ll give you 8 solid ideas to help you decide where to place landscape lighting without overthinking it.

#1 Pathways And Walkways

One of the first places to think about lighting is your pathways and walkways.

You want to be able to see where you’re walking, right? Well, lights along these paths make it easy to navigate, especially if you’re walking around at night.

Plus, they create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

You can use small, low-to-the-ground lights or even go for some cool stake lights to line your path. They don’t have to be super bright, just enough to guide you safely from one spot to another.

This doesn’t just look nice; it adds safety too. No one wants to trip over a rock or uneven ground in the dark. Pathway lighting is a smart, practical choice.

Also Read: How To Design Landscape Lighting

#2 Entrances

Your front door is the first thing people see when they come to visit, so why not light it up?

Well-placed lighting around your entrance helps make your house feel extra welcoming. It gives that “come on in” vibe that makes guests feel at home and adds some charm to your entryway.

Plus, it’s perfect for making your home stand out from the street.

For this, you can use lights like sconces on either side of the door or a cool pendant light hanging above.

Just make sure the lighting is warm and soft. Harsh, bright lights can feel a little too intense, while soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere that invites people to stay a little longer.

#3 Trees And Plants

Lighting trees and plants is like turning your garden into a piece of art.

It’s not all about function here; it’s about creating a mood. When you light up trees, shrubs, or plants, you get a cool effect where shadows play against the leaves and branches. It makes your backyard look magical, almost like a fairy tale.

Try using spotlights to shine upward and highlight the trunks of larger trees. For smaller plants, you can opt for ground-level lights that create a softer, diffused glow.

It’s a simple trick that makes everything look more dramatic without being over the top.

Also Read: Is Uplighting Worth It?

#4 Decks, Patios, And Stairs

If you love hanging out on your deck or patio, lighting is a must to keep the vibe going after dark. You don’t want to end the party just because the sun went down, right?

Lighting around your outdoor hangout areas keeps things safe and stylish.

Plus, it’s an awesome way to create a cozy, intimate setting when you’re hosting friends or just chilling with family.

You can install lights along the deck’s edge, under the steps, or even built into the railing.

You can even go for string lights above your deck for a relaxed, festive vibe.

Stairs are another spot where lights are super helpful. Step lights are great for preventing accidents and creating a cool effect that adds a little extra flair to your outdoor space.

#5 Driveways

Your driveway is another place to consider when planning where to put landscape lights.

You don’t need to go overboard, but a little lighting along your driveway can help guide guests and drivers at night. Plus, it gives your home a more polished look.

You could use low lights along the edges of your driveway, or even mount some wall lights on fences or walls nearby. This keeps your driveway well-lit and adds a little security, which is always a good thing.

If you have a long driveway, try putting lights every few feet to create a nice even glow.

Just remember to keep the lights soft and subtle so they don’t blind you when you’re pulling in.

#6 Architectural Features

Got a gorgeous stone facade? Beautiful columns? Unique window details? Show them off!

Architectural features can look even more stunning when they’re lit up properly. Plus, lighting these parts of your home helps bring out the character and personality of your space.

You can use floodlights to highlight larger features, like big walls or columns. For smaller details, like window frames or a cool door, accent lights or spotlights work well.

Just make sure the lights focus on the best parts, and remember, less is more.

A subtle light will add depth without taking away from the charm of the architecture itself.

Also Read: How Much Does Landscape Lighting Cost?

#7 Outdoor Structures

Do you have a gazebo, pergola, or trellis in your backyard?

Lighting these can completely change the way your backyard looks at night! These structures are already great focal points, but with some landscape lights, they can become the center of attention after dark.

String lights, pendant lights, or even small lanterns can add a warm, inviting glow to them.

For a more dramatic effect, consider uplighting on the posts of your gazebo or trellis.

It’s a great way to bring out the structure’s design and create an ambiance perfect for those evening hangouts or dinners outside.

If you’re using the space for entertainment, lighting can also help set the scene for fun evenings under the stars.

#8 Water Features

Got a pond, fountain, or pool? You’ve got to light it up!

Water features are stunning on their own, but lighting them at night makes them magical.

Just imagine the soft light reflecting off the water while you sit outside, sipping a drink, and listening to the sound of flowing water!

For ponds or fountains, submersible lights work perfectly. They add a soft, glowing reflection to the water that looks super peaceful and inviting. For pools, LED lights work great. Not only do they light up the water, but they also make the surrounding area feel like a resort.

That said, be mindful of how much light you use. You want the lights to complement the water’s movement, not overpower it.

Bottom Line

There you have it – eight awesome ideas for where to place landscape lighting.

Now it’s your turn to get creative with your outdoor lighting. You’ve got the ideas—now it’s time to make them shine!

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one or two areas that matter most to you, then build from there. Before you know it, your yard will transform into a nighttime oasis that’s as functional as it is beautiful.