Fences provide privacy while enhancing the security of your home. But, for additional functionality, you can invest in fence lighting. Additionally, adding lighting to your fence adds to the aesthetic of your yard and your home generally. Our fence lighting ideas will get you started.
The lights illuminate the outdoor area, creating a more comfortable and inviting space. This adds to the functionality of your yard, especially when it gets dark. They also help define the yard and add a touch of style to the property.
Fence lights are available in various designs, colors, and effects to suit the different types of fences. They come in various power options such as solar, electrical, and battery-powered lights. The good thing is that you can install them on different fence areas, such as on the top of the fence panels or fence posts.
If you are looking to invest in fence lighting and looking for unique fence lighting ideas, this article is for you. It highlights some of the trendy and functional ways to incorporate fencing in your home, reaping the benefits in the long run.
Solar Rail Lighting
Solar rail lightings are small and low-profile lights that you can install on the flat surface on top of your fence or railing. They are easy to install and require no wiring. They are solar-powered, so you do not have to worry about electricity costs. This is one of our more eco-friendly fence lighting ideas.
The solar panel is located on the top portion of the light to get maximum exposure to sunlight. The panels absorb the sunlight and convert it to electrical energy that lights up your fence at night.
These lights are inconspicuous and have a sleek design that does not compromise the overall look of the backyard. They are popular among homeowners since they are easy to install and minimize carbon footprint.
Lantern Lighting
Lanterns provide a low voltage accent illumination for small areas in the outdoor space. They come in various designs that you can choose from depending on your aesthetics. They also come in clear glass or translucent glass. Translucent lanterns offer diffuse glare-free lighting that spruces up your yard.
Most lanterns are powered by either electricity or solar. Solar lanterns are more economical since they cut electricity costs. You can mount these lights on the fence column or the on the side of your fence’s wall.
Low Lighting
Fence lighting does not only have to be functional; it can also be beautiful. Low lighting illuminates the base of your fence and adds more dimension to your landscaping. It also highlights ornaments or plants along the fence line.
These lights are ideal for people who have a low landscape design along the fence line. Having tall plants in front of these lights beats the purpose of installing them in the first place since they block the lights.
The lights are available in solar and electrical options. If you want to take your landscaping to the next level, you can combine low lighting with other types of fence lights.
Downward Lighting
These lights are versatile and can be installed anywhere on the fence. You can install them on the posts or space them throughout the length of the wall. They are elegant and easy to install. They shine the light beam downwards, which illuminates the structures beneath the fence.
This kind of lighting makes it safe to move around the yard since it is easier to see at night. The higher you place the light, the larger the area of illumination. This element makes them excellent for task lighting and security lighting.
There are different places where you can install this light. If you want to create a natural effect, you can install the fixture on trees or behind natural stones. The goal is to hide the fixture but have the beam of light shining through these structures like the moonlight.
Uplighting
Uplighting, also known as silhouetting, is placing the lights so that the beam shines upwards. These lights, if installed correctly, can take your backyard scenery to a new level. They work perfectly for illuminating trees and plants, but you can also install them on walls.
To create a more exciting illusion on the walls, you can use bulbs of different colors or add some plants to the wall. You can also space them out evenly across the length of the fence.
Combination Lights
Combination lights combine upward and downward lighting to give you the best of both worlds. Downward lighting helps illuminate ground structures, while upward lighting is for aesthetics. It defines the fence and surrounding structures.
Combining these lights create an hourglass effect on the fence wall. They break up bland spaces and add character to the yard. They not only create a lovely aesthetic in your yard, but they also provide security and task light.
String Lights
String lights are low-voltage accent lighting that creates a warm, intimate atmosphere ideal for entertaining. They are the most straightforward lights to install. You can string them along the top surface of the fence or hang them on the wall with metal hooks.
When purchasing these lights, go for the waterproof and rechargeable or solar-powered options. Such lights save electric costs and forgo the need to have multiple electrical outlets or run long extension cords through the yard. They also ensure that you install the lights safely and the lights are protected from water damage.
The bulbs come in different colors that can significantly transform your yard space. You can choose the colors that best match your aesthetics or install lights of the same color for uniformity. We consider this one of the more straightforward suggestions on our list of fence lighting ideas.
Post Mount Lighting
These lights are commonly installed on the fence post supporting the gate, but you can distribute them across the fence. These lights project their light beam upward and outward and help define the fence posts.
They are excellent options for decorative and security lighting. They can be solar-powered, meaning that they get their energy from the sun, or electrically powered. They come in different designs. You can get the more classic lamp or lantern design or go for a modern design that matches your backyard aesthetics.
Using the lights for decorative purposes, use low voltage bulbs since they cast a soft glow and create a cozy environment. However, if you need the lighting for security, use brighter bulbs that can illuminate further or opt for floodlights.
Flood Lighting
Floodlights emit a broad beam of high-intensity light. They are used to light large dark areas to ward off burglars. You can install them on the highest spot of the fence and in dark corners. Some floodlights come with motion sensors; they light up anytime there is a movement within a six-meter circumference.
LED lights have a longer life span and are slowly replacing traditional floodlights. They can last ten times longer than other lighting options, so you do not have to worry about replacing the lights frequently. They are also energy efficient and low maintenance.
Bulkhead Lighting
These lights have a cage around the bulb to protect it from damage and create an industrial look. They provide optimum outdoor lighting since they illuminate 180 degrees around the bulb. These lights serve a functional and decorative purpose. They blend well with an industrial home design. There are also modern designs that can also fit any home or yard.
Bulkhead lights also work well for recreational or workshop areas where objects are likely to hit the lighting structure. They are durable and have impressive lighting that provides an extra layer of security to your home.
Bistro Lighting
Although bistro lights are used to decorate patios or decks, they can also be used on the fence. Bistro lights are a modern way to add style to your wall. They come with black bulbs connected with an electric wire that plugs into conventional outlets.
You can install the lights on the fence line or along the fence wall to dramatically transform the yard. These lights are versatile and blend easily with any light on your fence or yard. Installing them take a few minutes, so you can install them on the day you are entertaining guests.
Spotlights
Last but not least on our list of fence lighting ideas is spotlights. Spotlights shine a narrow and focused beam in a limited area. They work well to illuminate the surrounding areas for safety and convenience. Some have an adjustable head that you can use to adjust the light to the angle you want.
The lights accommodate LED bulbs, which last longer. They also come in different colors that you can use to decorate for the holidays or set a new mood. The lights can be installed on the fence post or the trees surrounding your property’s perimeter. They elegantly brighten your yard, making it look stunning in every possible way.
The Bottom Line
Fence lighting is an excellent way to frame the boundaries of your property and add style. The lights blend effortlessly with your backyard’s décor and create a cozy and inviting space. Some of these lights are easy to install with some designs having energy-saving properties and other utilizing solar energy. The fence lighting ideas above are a great place to start if you are looking for ideas to improve your fence with lighting.