A great outdoor space isn’t just for summer barbecues; a well-lit yard can also offer a cozy spot to relax after dark. Whether you want to enhance safety along walkways with bollard lights, add a dramatic touch to the entryway with a decorative outdoor chandelier, or create an Instagram-worthy display of wispy lanterns, there are endless ways to make your garden a welcoming space even after sunset.

The key to a good outdoor lighting design is balance. You want to highlight your landscape features and boost visibility, but don’t go overboard with bright lighting that will look like a sports field. Instead, choose a combination of lighting styles to complement the overall architecture of your home and highlight specific features, such as a pillar or stone wall. For a more natural glow, use outdoor lights that mimic the effect of moonlight or sunlight, such as downward-facing spotlights that cast a soft glow on tree canopy and plant leaves.

As you begin planning your outdoor lighting outdoor lighting designs, start by determining what you’d like to highlight. For example, if you have a large entry door, use spotlights to draw the eye toward it and illuminate the surrounding architecture. For pathways, use lights that are positioned at regular intervals to guide the way, and consider using solar lights to reduce maintenance and cost. If you’d like to add a sense of drama, consider using well lights, which have bulbs housed in waterproof casings to graze the underside of foliage and highlight the texture of stone walls and other garden elements.

If you have a large outdoor dining area, a simple ceiling fixture like a pendant can provide ample light for an evening meal. If you have a more secluded space like a pool deck or courtyard, try hanging a collection of lanterns or small jars filled with citronella candles for an ambient glow. If you have a water feature or pool, consider lighting it up, as this makes for an intriguing focal point that will also help deter mosquitoes.

Decorative lighting is another popular way to set the scene, and it can be a great accent piece to the architecture of your property, as seen in this home by Alexander Design. For a more traditional style, shop for fixtures that repeat a similar color or motif to give your landscape a cohesive look. The coordinating sconces and pendant on this patio by O’Brien and Muse showcase the same brushed copper finish, for instance.

You can also add a touch of interest to the front of your home with path lighting that’s angled at a 45-degree angle, as this can be more appealing than the flat light of a straight line. This design also makes it easier to see steps and sidewalks, while avoiding the blinding effect of a direct spotlight.

For a more dramatic option, consider installing low-voltage fixtures that are safe to touch, as these will be more suited for your home and can save you money over time with lower electricity bills. Then, pair them with motion-sensing lights to avoid having them constantly turned on and off at night.