Lighting layout principles say that lighting ought to be subtle, particularly for the landscape. Soft pools of light ought to be strategically placed to enhance chosen outdoor areas and also allow other areas to remain in the dark. Nothing ought to be overdone, and by no means should the actual light source be seen. And for the most part, this approach will result in a pleasing nighttime vista.

But sometimes, outdoor lighting just has to make an impression.

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

A screen of sandblasted glass panels set in a steel frame hides a less-than-ideal perspective and shields the patio from too-strong winds while enabling dawn light to filter through. Though white during the day, during the night the screen changes colors from yellow to blues and reds.

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

The outside lighting takes this rooftop garden, which can be spectacular in its own right, to a different degree. Forget natural and gentle light. It can be a neon extravagance that provides an entirely new meaning to outside amusement.

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Better still, you can change the color and what you want lit. The disposition du jour is red, a bright accent that highlights the dining area.

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

To get a somewhat more subtle look, turquoise produces a relaxing ambience in the seating area.

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

In daylight, the neon still stands outside. The underlighting summarizes and defines individual seating areas for a pop of color that won’t fade, even under bright skies.

C.O.S Design

While the prior garden was lavish and large, a smaller area also benefits from a little color. This accent lighting draws attention to the seating area in the far end of the garden and breaks up the otherwise monochromatic look.

Asian Outdoor Lighting – $27

If you don’t have the resources for an elaborate lighting scheme, you can create your own. One of the easiest approaches is hanging colored lanterns. They’re available in a range of colors, designs and sizes, from the plain ones to patterned versions. All these are solar powered, but you can also locate battery-operated versions. Both allow you to set the lanterns where they function best without worrying about cords and electricity resources.

PureModern

Aurora Glow Solar String Lights – $69

An equally simple and subtle approach is to hang a string of colored lights. No longer are you restricted to strands of Christmas colors; there are loads of choices, such as these stainless steel, to match any design aesthetic.

bysteel.it

Clover Indoor-Outdoor Lamp

If you want the same idea but with a little bit more elegance, look to such modern choices. The white frame provides a fascinating daytime look in its own right, but the colored filters make the actual interest. It is also possible to buy these as floor or dining table lamps.

Collections Etc..

Four-Color Solar Garden Lights – $14.99

Create a rainbow together a garden walkway using these colored solar lights. They’re simple to install and a practical yet whimsical option for garden lighting.

usona

If you’re eager to go bigger, these indoor-outdoor block lights double as stools. Use them for seating, as a side table or as a fun addition to a play area. There’s a remote control option that can let you set different programs for the light as well as energy-saving cubes in white, yellow, red, green and blue.

Home Infatuation

Moonlight Floating Outdoor Patio Light – $1,195

If you have a pool, imagine looking out at night and seeing these glowing orbs floating across it. If you don’t have a pool, don’t despair. They can also be used on land. If you don’t want white, you will find other finish choices, and there are various sizes. Kind of brings new meaning to the notion of a moonscape.

YLiving.com

Rotoluxe Vazon Methuselah Planter – Outdoor Use – $800

You can even blend form with function with colored planters which hold accent plants in the daylight and also make accent lighting at night. The bright white makes a statement, particularly when reflected in a swimming pool, but a surprisingly high number of different colors are available to match your decor.

BackyardCity

GardenGlo Solar Lighted Planters – $104.99

These planter-light mixes fit into a far more modest budget. You can choose from a tradiitonal terra-cotta look or move bold with blue, yellow or green. The best part is you can purchase versions.

Browse thousands of landscape lighting choices in the Products section

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