Make your home and garden shine by using outdoor lighting to improve visibility, add ambience and highlight plants and other garden features.
The Bunnings Workshop community has shared many inspiring projects featuring dramatic outdoor lighting. Get ideas for your own home from the inspiration below.
Please note you may need to engage a licensed electrician for your outdoor lighting project. Always follow electrical product safety and installation instructions.
1. String lights
Hang string lights across your patio to create a warm and festive atmosphere. Community member @tom_builds backyard covered patio with low-level deck features white LED party lights, while @sper illustrates how easy it is to add fairy lights in a zig zag pattern to illuminate the backyard.
Experienced member @Adam_W shows How to install outdoor string lighting.
2. Deck and stair lighting
Install deck lights on railings or under the steps to improve visibility. A low-level deck by @asifkhawaja expanded the outdoor entertaining area and features lighting on the steps for both safety and a smart feature.
Get more expert ideas for your outdoor entertaining area.
3. Flames as lighting
A fire pit is a great way to light up your backyard and provide a focal point you can enjoy all-year round. Member @sannear built a fire pit area with bench seating using Besser blocks, pavers and timber.
Check out our Top 10 most popular fire pit projects for more inspiration.
4. Smart lighting
Smart outdoor lights let you control your lighting using your phone and can be also programmed to turn on automatically. Experienced member @CSParnell used Arlec Grid Connect for various smart outdoor lighting projects, including his bespoke VW bar.
The Bunnings guide shows How to choose smart garden lighting.
5. Wall lights
Wall-mounted lights or sconces on exterior walls and pillars can add style while helping to illuminate your home. Workshop member @DKG installed wall lights when refreshing outdoor brick pillars, while @meganp83 got an electrician to add effective lighting to a new outdoor kitchen.
The side yard outdoor entertaining area by @buildwithroneth has wall lights, festoon and fairy lights.
6. Path lights
Installing path lights can make driveways, paths and entrances safer and more inviting. Place them along edges to welcome and guide visitors safely into your home. @ettman8 installed smart lights in his garden and concealed the low-voltage cabling across a path, while @SMJGGT lit a pathway on a steep front yard.
Find more useful tips in the Bunnings guide How to choose garden lights.
7. Spotlights
Use spotlights to highlight specific features in your garden, including trees, statues and water features. In their backyard makeover with raised garden beds and seating, @SmileDesigner used low-voltage outdoor lighting.
@rahatsaini created a rain curtain water feature illuminated by LED lights for a colourful night-time display.
8. Floodlights
Installing motion-activated floodlights around your property can enhance security. Experienced member @diy_hausdesigns installed solar-powered sensor LED floodlights to his outdoor feature wall.
The Bunnings team explains How to light an outdoor entertaining area.
9. Lanterns and torches
Place lanterns or torches on outdoor tables, along paths or on walls as a temporary light source. @CSParnell used solar Tiki torches along his fence.
For more advice on choosing lights for your home, check out the Bunnings guide Bring your garden to life with lights.
10. Pergola and alfresco ceiling lighting
For covered outdoor areas, ceiling lights, downlights and bunker lights can provide a cleaner, more built-in look than string lights alone. They are ideal for practical lighting in outdoor dining zones and can also help turn a pergola into a true outdoor room like the shiplap pergola by @425314.
Member @BobbySimmo32 used a D.I.Y. kit for his outdoor deck and pergola.
More help and inspiration for your backyard
Check out our Top 10 most popular garden makeovers and Top 10 most popular outdoor entertaining projects shared by Bunnings Workshop members for more inspiration for your home.
