10 Outdoor Lighting Trends to Know About

Outdoor lighting isn’t just about seeing where you’re going anymore. It’s becoming one of the easiest ways to boost curb appeal and create serious backyard vibes. From color changing LEDs to sleek low voltage setups homeowners are getting creative with how they light up their spaces. If your outdoor lights feel a little outdated or you’re just curious about what’s new this year this list has you covered. Landscape lighting trends continue to evolve as homeowners seek new ways to improve curb appeal, increase safety, enhance outdoor functionality, and create inviting outdoor living spaces throughout the year. Whether you want something energy efficient stylish or just plain fun you’ll get fresh ideas to help brighten up your home.

1. Downlights

As the name suggests, downlights are lights pointed downwards. Generally, the bulbs will be covered on the top and sides. This allows for a particular area to be illuminated. Downlights can be used to illuminate flowerbeds, walkways, or areas of your yard that may be darker than others. One significant benefit to downlights is they keep light pollution at a minimum. According to the National Park Service, poorly directed outdoor lighting contributes to light pollution, while shielded fixtures help direct light where it is needed and reduce unnecessary skyglow.

2. Smart Lights

A remote or a phone app controls smart lights. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs. Although installing and setting them up to work may feel overwhelming if you’re new to it, it’s actually quite simple.
home exterior landscape lighting. Many smart lights can change colors, which presents the perfect opportunity for holidays and parties. You can often dim or brighten the lights from your phone, alongside the ability to turn them on or off. Smart lights can be used anywhere, with perfect placement depending on their design.

3. Motion-sensing Lights

These lights will turn on when motion is sensed within a specific area. These are primarily used for security measures and work well with security cameras. When motion-sensing lights brighten an area, they provide a clearer picture for the security cameras. Motion-sensing lights are usually very bright, but different light strengths are available. You can place these near your home’s exterior for additional safety measures.

4. Bistro Lighting

Bistro lighting is also called strand lighting. These are lights strung together that are installed above outdoor spaces. For example, you could use them over your patio, garden, deck, or uncovered porch. Outdoor lighting such as bistro strands can create a comfortable gathering area while still providing enough illumination for guests to move around after dark. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that outdoor extension cords must include protective characteristics such as jacketed insulation, sufficient strain relief, proper polarity, and continuity to reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire. Bistro lighting is an excellent addition to parties, and it can turn an ordinary outdoor area into a softly lit gathering space. While many people traditionally use strand lights during the holiday season, properly rated fixtures can also become part of a year-round outdoor design.

• Bistro lighting creates comfortable illumination over patios, decks, and gathering spaces.
• Outdoor-rated electrical components are important when strands are exposed to weather.
• Year-round installations can add atmosphere without requiring large or highly visible fixtures.

5. Hardscape Lighting

These lights are used to illuminate a yard’s hardscapes. For example, hardscape lighting can brighten pillars, walkways, stairs, retaining walls, and edging. Outdoor lighting installed around steps and changes in elevation can make these areas easier to recognize after sunset, especially for older visitors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 14 million adults age 65 and older report falling each year, which is roughly one in four older adults. Hardscape lighting generally uses a soft light directed toward the walking surface, helping illuminate darker areas while drawing attention to smaller architectural or ornamental features.

• Hardscape lighting can improve visibility around stairs, walkways, walls, and edges.
• Subtle fixture placement allows architectural details to remain the visual focus.
• Illuminating changes in elevation can make frequently traveled outdoor areas easier to navigate.

6. Solar-Powered Pathway Lights

Solar-powered pathway lights are an excellent choice because they can operate without being connected directly to household electrical wiring. Small solar cells collect energy from sunlight during the day and use stored energy to illuminate pathways after dark. The U.S. Department of Energy explains that individual photovoltaic cells typically produce about one or two watts of power and can be combined to provide greater electrical output. Outdoor lighting powered by photovoltaic cells can be particularly useful in areas where running conventional electrical wiring would be inconvenient.

You could also use these lights to illuminate a driveway edge or the corners of a ground-level patio. Placement still matters because too many fixtures positioned close together can make a yard look cluttered and create uneven patches of brightness. Spacing should depend on fixture output, pathway shape, surrounding landscaping, and the amount of illumination actually needed rather than relying on one fixed distance for every property.

• Solar pathway lights can provide illumination without direct household wiring.
• Available sunlight and fixture output can affect nighttime performance.
• Thoughtful spacing creates a cleaner appearance and more balanced illumination.

7. LED Step Lights

LED lights can come in long, flat strips that make it easy to place illumination along steps and other narrow surfaces. Due to this design, LED step lights are sometimes called strip lighting. The strips can be installed along stairs to provide additional illumination, adding visual appeal while making changes in elevation easier to see at night. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that incandescent bulbs release about 90% of their energy as heat, while LEDs use energy much more efficiently with considerably less wasted heat. LED lights can also be paired with compatible controls that allow homeowners to turn them on, dim them, or change colors depending on the system.

8. Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are decorative lights that can be wrapped around or arranged over bushes, trees, and other landscape features. They are often associated with holiday displays, but they can also provide attractive garden accents throughout other parts of the year. Fairy lights come in white and colored options, depending on the look a homeowner wants to create. Thoughtful placement matters around gardens because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that one study found 70% of moths flew toward streetlamps and away from flowering plants, illustrating how artificial nighttime lighting can interfere with nocturnal pollinators. Using fairy lights selectively can create a charming effect while limiting unnecessary illumination in planted areas.

9. Spotlighting

Spotlighting is also called uplighting. These lights are usually placed at or slightly above ground level and pointed upward to emphasize trees, columns, walls, sculptures, and other exterior features. Spotlighting can also improve visibility around selected parts of a property, although lighting alone should never be treated as a complete security measure. Research reviewed by the National Institute of Justice found that improved street lighting was associated with a 21% decrease in crime across 13 studies, suggesting that carefully planned illumination can play a role within a broader approach to nighttime security.

Spotlighting comes in various strengths, from moderate illumination to high-intensity beams. Homeowners may want to avoid directing bright lights toward bedroom windows because nighttime light exposure can interfere with normal sleep patterns. A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that teenagers living in areas with the highest levels of outdoor artificial light at night went to bed about 29 minutes later and slept 11 minutes less on weeknights than those living in areas with the lowest levels. High-intensity spotlighting may still work well against solid exterior walls when fixtures are aimed carefully and unnecessary light spill is controlled.

10. Exterior Wall Lights

Most homes have exterior wall lights at their front door and maybe beside other entrances. These are lights attached to your home’s outer wall. They often have an ornamental casing that looks pretty and helps contain the light to some extent. These days, exterior wall lights aren’t only used to illuminate entryways. One of the new lighting trends of 2022 is to place them every few feet on your exterior walls. This is especially popular on porches or patios.

Choose exterior wall lights with ornamental casings that match your home’s theme. For example, you can choose traditional lantern lights, antique black wrought iron, or even a more modern box design.
Light up Your Yard With These Outdoor Lighting Trends

Light up your yard to create a safe outdoor space at night and a magical nighttime hangout spot simultaneously. Of course, installing these lights can be challenging. Outdoor Illumination Design can help bring these outdoor lighting trends to life in your yard without any of the stress. Contact us today for more information on our landscape lighting services.

Key Takeaways on the Latest Outdoor Lighting Trends

Outdoor lighting has evolved from simple walkways to creative designs that highlight architecture, enhance safety, and transform outdoor spaces into inviting retreats. From smart systems to solar-powered options, these trends combine function with beauty while giving homeowners flexibility and style. Investing in updated lighting is one of the easiest ways to boost curb appeal and enjoy your yard well after dark.

1. Downlights and hardscape lighting add subtle effects while reducing light pollution.
2. Smart lights and LED step lights combine energy efficiency with customizable features.
3. Motion-sensing lights and spotlights provide security and practical visibility.
4. Bistro, fairy, and exterior wall lights create ambiance and enhance nighttime entertaining.
5. Solar-powered pathway lights are cost-effective, sustainable, and easy to install.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Lighting Trends

Which outdoor lighting trend is best for improving safety?

Motion-sensing lights and LED step lights are excellent for safety. They reduce trip hazards, deter intruders, and ensure walkways and steps are clearly visible after dark.

Are smart outdoor lights worth the investment?

Yes. Smart lights allow homeowners to control brightness, color, and scheduling directly from their phones. They’re convenient, energy-efficient, and versatile for holidays or everyday use.

What’s the difference between downlighting and spotlighting?

Downlights point downward to softly illuminate walkways or garden beds, while spotlights (uplighting) point upward to highlight trees, architectural details, or large surfaces.

Can solar-powered pathway lights really provide enough brightness?

Modern solar-powered lights are surprisingly effective, especially along paths and driveways. Their performance depends on sunlight exposure, so placement is key to ensuring consistent brightness.

Which lighting option is best for creating ambiance in a backyard?

Bistro lights and fairy lights are popular choices for ambiance. They create a warm, festive glow that makes patios, gardens, and decks feel welcoming and cozy at night.