DIY Lighting Projects to Brighten Up Your Backyard

By Lauren Boudreau 2 min read

Nothing sets the mood like creative lighting. Candles are great, don’t get me wrong, but they’re not the best way you can bring your backyard to life. Lighting can be expensive, so take the easy route and instead personalize the space to your exact liking by creating something inexpensive but lovely. You won’t just keep up with the Joneses, you’ll surpass them.

Here are some totally do-able lighting ideas for when you need some extra oomph in your backyard.

Tin Can Lanterns

The best part about these, other than being completely adorable, is that they’re so easy to personalize and make. You can let the kids draw out the design while you puncture the holes. Family fun for everyone! Get the details here.

Hanging Glass Jar Lanterns

These will look pretty on any railing or balcony. You really just need jars, wire and wire cutters. Oh, and candles of course! Read about how to make them here.

Ice Lantern

This idea is so cool – literally. You will need to live someplace cold for this one and have it be currently in freezing temperatures, but this ice lantern is so worth it. Read about it here.

Cupcake Lights

Forget lamp shades, all you need to make super cool lights are cupcake holders. Just place them over the bulbs and voila, you’ve got cute, hipster lights. Just be sure to take them off if hung outdoors because they may not stand up to the rain. Also, don’t let the paper liner touch the bulb. Read about them here.

Wine Glass Lamps

These mini lamps are so cute you just want to feed them applesauce. They’re prefect for dinner parties, weddings, or birthdays. Just be sure to use a LED tealight instead of actual fire. Learn about them here.

Dixie Cup Lights

These are great if you live in a dorm or apartment or if you want something more vibrant and grown-up than rainbow lights strewn across your wall. Just find some colorful Dixie Cups or some clear cups and paste a thin paper around it. Then place them over your existing string of white lights, and you’re all set. Get the details here.