If you want to be able to enjoy your backyard late into the evening, lighting is simply a must.
However, many people do not have outlets in their yard and search for inconvenient ways to light up their outdoor living space without destroying their landscaping and getting into electrical cables.
So how do you add lighting to your backyard without outlets and wires?
In this article – We are going to discuss a range of convenient lighting solutions for lighting your space without installation of electric cables. Keep reading for 11 solutions for backyard lighting without electricity.
Solution 1: solar lights
Since solar lights do not run on a battery source or require electricity to operate, once you make the investment you do not have to worry about electric bills or even buying batteries as those costs come up.
When it comes to using a sustainable and economical lighting solution in your backyard, I think solar-powered lighting is the way to go.
During daylight hours, the solar lights harness the energy of the sun and when it’s dark, it generates the energy to light up your backyard.
The great thing about solar lights is that there’s a lot of choice, they are normally lightweight and easy to install.
In fact, because there’s no wiring, you actually can take the easy route and placed them where it is most convienient for you – next to your seats, to light up footpaths or beside your barbeque.
At Dusk – When it’s dark the photoresist will detect the darkness and automatically turn on the lights. This is a great advantage that allows you to enjoy your backyard long after the sun goes down.
Solution 2: solar outdoor chandelier
If you love the idea of an outdoor chandelier for your gazebo but you don’t have electricity, then you can find solar powered options.
Solar powered outdoor chandeliers really give your exterior a punch and they are also energy efficient and eco-friendly.
To top it off, solar chandeliers are much cheaper than traditional chandeliers!
You’ll be able to use them to light your seating space or as a feature point for a special place in your garden.
Solar chandeliers are made for the outdoors and are weather resistant.
They will have solar rechargeable batteries so you and your guests can enjoy the benefit of eco-friendly energy efficient lighting.
Solution 3: Battery-operated outdoor lights
If you want something not plugged in for your garden and the lighting you want, then battery-operated outdoor lights are the next option.
Battery lights are much better for a lot of areas or space that doesn’t get much sunlight and won’t be bright depending on how the sun is behaving. You just need to check they have batteries or their current status and replace them, if necessary.
What a lot of people will do is use rechargeable batteries in their outdoor lights and keep spare ones handy so that they are good to go. LED lights are going to use much less power.
When you go battery-operated outdoor light shopping, look for one that diffuses the light, and light up a big field of area.
Check the product details to make sure you find a suitable one that is made of high-quality construction and weather resistant to ensure it will last.
In general, makes for battery operated outside lights are lasting up to 10 hours.
If you want them to last longer just make sure you turn them off when you’re done using them.
Another idea is also to pick a battery light that has a sensor and will automatically turn on when it detects motion (but also make sure it has a manual button, so that for example, if a wild animal set it off, it doesn’t keep running down the battery).
Solution 4: Outdoor string lights with a battery
Honestly, there’s nothing like string lights to give a yard space a comfy vibe.
You’ll have low-voltage lighting for every situation with a mellow and warm glow. All kinds of things can be adorned with string lights including pergolas, rooftops, lawns, and around outdoor furniture.
If you’re concerned about the weather, you will want to choose lights that label themselves for outdoor use. Outdoor string lights will be waterproof and even stay on in rain and snow!
Be mindful to choose LED bulbs for long battery life and typically these will also have the ability to use a rechargeable battery.
If you are using your outdoor string lights in close proximity to where you live, you could also use an extension cord, so you could also buy ones with a plug into a wall outlet.
Again, it is really important to use outdoor lights and be careful with extension cords that can be compromised by wet or put people at risk for tripping.
Today: There are so many styles of string lights including multicolor and white in varying shades that you can pick from. String lights can easily change a yard into a cozy patio or festive yard space!
Solution 5: Outdoor Battery-Operated Chandelier
Hey, if you’re really looking to step it up, an outdoor battery-operated chandelier is a nice touch to any outdoor setting.
This will provide immediate lighting at the flick of a switch and will be a cost-effective way to add security as well as lighting and ambiance to your backyard.
Most outdoor chandeliers feature bulbs in a teardrop style. The teardrop bulbs elevate the upscale feel in sitting areas and dining areas.
Even better, they can be used around the Christmas holiday for a real festive effect.
You can hang the outdoor battery chandeliers anywhere.
It will look luxurious wherever you hang it. If you have friends who love to entertain, this is an excellent option.
Solution 6: Garden Solar Globes
If you’re feelin’ a little creative, proper placement of some garden solar globes can create a great look in your yard and don’t require wiring, or an outlet, or panels.
Usually, they come with rechargeable batteries which can easily be replaced. Globes can be placed anywhere so you can create a clustered effect, or space them out more widely.
Garden solar globes are designed to turn on automatically when dusk is detected.
Whether you’re home or not, they help provide some color and glow to your patio, deck or yard.
If you’re entertaining, they are an engaging feature that adds an interesting element to your garden or lawn.
You can install this type of lighting on any surface without having to worry about wires or tools.
For a more permanent fixture, however, you can screw them down.
Even More – Since they are made for outdoor weather, they are waterproof holiday lights for your lawn or property that will be unaffected by rain or snow.
Solution 7: Outdoor Candles
Before electricity, people just used wax candles to light their home, so why shouldn’t we do the same today?!
There is a massive selection of candles from jarred candles to large pillar candles for all the various settings.
Wax candles are one of the cheapest ways to light up your entire garden & unlike a battery-powered light, it can’t run out of battery!
Also, the candles are nice for environments and vibrancy. If you’re sitting close to the candle, the candle is also a nice heat source.
You can have wax candles of various sizes to have an arrangement of candles.
Or you can have the wax candles in cleaned-out jars to make a DIY lantern for protection from wind.
Solution 8: LED candles
If you don’t want a naked flame or you just have problems keeping candles lit, an outdoor, waterproof LED candle is a great option.
LED candles can be found in any size so you can create a distinctive look for your outdoor space.
LED candles can also set the mood if you’re wanting other lit space or just lighting alone for a romantic, cozy evening for entertaining purposes.
What is great about modern LED candles is that they can be quite realistic and found with a flickering flame effects.
Many of these candles contemporarily have automatic shut-off features or setting at which they will activate shiny turn-off at the same time each day.
What is great is they are energy efficient so you can expect one battery to last up to 1200 hours!
Solution 9: Garden Oil Torches
Usually, everyone thinks of them as ‘Tiki’ torches. Bamboo oil torches were originally Polynesian and Hawaiian style torches that became very popular in the U.S. in the 1930s.
They come in a variety of materials now and can be a fantastic addition to your backyard.
Whether they burn oil, and you can even use citronella oil to help fend off some annoying bugs and mosquitoes.
They provide great lighting and a tremendous atmosphere too. They do a great job for lining walkways and definitely make a statement.
Solution 10: Hanging paraffin or oil lanterns
Another retro light that you see is back on the scene is the paraffin lamp or kerosene lamp.
These lights can be used on a table – or they can be hung somewhere.
They’re good for lighting if you don’t have electricity and are great for entertaining in the backyard at night.
Often called ‘hurricane’ or ‘storm’ lanterns, they’re designed to be windproof.
Usually they have dimmers so you can control how much light is emitted.
Solution 11: Wind-up lanterns
If you don’t want to depend on the sun, batteries or fuel a wind up lantern may be your option of choice.
A wind-up lantern can put out a lot of light, especially if you wind it up for a bit.
If you have kids – they are a great source of entertainment and you don’t have to worry about safety!
Final thoughts on how to light up backyard without electricity
There ya have it, 11 backyard lighting options that don’t need electricity.
Who would have thought there would be so many options?
The best part about these options is that you can use multiple options together. For example candle lanterns and oil lamps together, garden torches and string lights, chandeliers and solar globes.
Whatever your combination, you will definitely have a great-looking space, and all without using electricity!