We shared lots of DIY outdoor light ideas in our previous article here. In this article we are focusing on how to easily use different types of exterior lighting in outdoor spaces such as walkways, paths, and landscape beds beautifully like a pro!

People often ask: “What type of lights fixture should I use for low voltage landscape lighting?“

There are 5 basic types of outdoor light fixtures used for landscape lighting: directional lights including up lights and down lights,  hanging lights and lamps, path lights / post lights, in ground lights, and decorative lights. A well designed garden and landscape usually have a mixture of these different types of lights.

Let’s look at these outdoor lighting ideas to make our garden and patio spaces more functional, enjoyable and attractive! For more, here are 52 Best landscaping ideas & designs for front & backyard garden and 58 inspiring outdoor patio design and decor ideas!

Some of the most popular outdoor lighting ideas are the Edison bulb string lights and globe string lights, also referred to as bistro, cafe, or market lights.

They are really attractive and easy to install free-standing, on poles, or under shade structures or patio covers. These hanging lights add such a relaxed and casual style to an outdoor patio or backyard seating area.

You can attach them to the side of a wall, a tree trunk, or free standing posts, and create instant patio lights. ( Via Brooklyn Limestone )

You may also love: 28 best DIY outdoor lights for your garden and backyard!

You can also hang outdoor string lights on a fence or wall. This is a great way to add lighting and enhance the look of a fence or wall at the same time. (Via City Farmhouse )

Low-voltage path lights offer simple and easy solutions to light up frequently used garden pathway, walkway, and driveway. Path lights come mounted on a post usually anywhere from 15-21” tall and produce a soft pool of light generally around 8-10’ wide close to the ground.  ( Via FXL )

While LED and low voltage landscape lights require more work to set up transformers and wiring, solar outdoor lights are much easier to install.

Expose the solar panel to the direct sunlight and allow it to be fully charged during the day. The outdoor light fixture will be auto turned on at night and working for up to 8 hours. You can get the sphere solar path light here, and the decorative solar lights here.

You can also make stylish pathway lights and bollard lights using wood and inexpensive solar lights like these. DIY light fixture tutorials here and here by Build Basic.

Directional lights (aka spot lights) like these can be used for up or down lighting.  These fixtures produce a narrow or wide beam of light for illuminating focal points in the landscape along a walkway or driveway. It’s a nice way to guide visitors to your front door.

Low-voltage up lights and down lights offer lots of creative possibilities in landscape lighting designs. Up lights are usually installed on the ground level and shine up at a tree, a wall, or a garden sculpture. ( Via Process Design Build | FXL )

Most common examples of down lights are pergola canopy lights, and security lights over a garage or a door entry. Here are some easy to install solar spot lights.

It is really important to have well lit steps and level changes for safety reasons. There are many ways to install lights along railings and steps.

Step lights can also be used as outdoor wall lights. You can use step lights as shown here, or use path lights, hanging lights, and in ground lights – see next example. ( Via FXL )

In ground lights, aka well lights or deck lights, are mounted in pavings like patio, deck or gravel to up light trees, plants, building walls, and structures. These solar lights are so easy for those who want to DIY!

In ground lights are great for any style landscaping, and a favorite choice in modern and minimal designs.

Tiki torches are similar to path lights: mounted on a post and illuminate a large area. They add such a fun vibe to a backyard party!

In addition to traditional tiki torches like these, you can even find solar tiki torches with flickering flames! 

Use outdoor string lights or small solar lanterns along an umbrella rim for easy and effective canopy lighting. They are also easy DIY patio lights and deck lights.

There are so many creative ways to use outdoor lanterns and wall sconces with solar versions, such as these solar table candle lanterns and these LED wall sconce lanterns here!

You may also love: Super easy DIY mason jar hanging lights!

You can also hang these solar lanterns on Shepherds hooks as pathway lighting.

A beautiful use of outdoor lanterns by Zeterre.

Love boho vibes? Waterproof fabric lanterns and paper lanterns are must haves!  ( Via The Nord Room )

Hang these solar outdoor lanterns in trees or on Shepherds hooks as magical pathway lighting .

Chandeliers are such beautiful and functional garden decorations. This mason jar garden chandelier is absolutely dreamy. ( Via Moonshine Lamp )