Functional and decorative at the same time: garden lights are no longer just used for orientation, but also create exciting lighting effects. We'll show youIdeas on how to use garden lightingcan build yourself. From concrete garden lights to solar garden lighting to decorative chandeliers with candles: anyone can implement these ideas with a little skill. And best of all, the ideas can be replicated for little money.
Build garden lighting yourself: garden lights made of concrete
Concrete garden lights add a minimalist touch to the outdoor space. The majority of the designs fascinate with clear lines and a purist design language. ThisConcrete lamps are perfectas accent lighting and can brighten up empty corners in the garden. During the day they look very decorative, in the evening they emit soft indirect light and automatically attract attention.
If you are interested insculptural garden lightsIf you have chosen concrete, then the first thing you should do is build a mold. Cut several OSB panels to size and use them to make the shape. Additionally, build a structure out of plastic tubes and a garden hose. They make it easier to lay power cables later. Simply first mix the concrete in a plastic bucket with a trowel, then slowly pour it into the mold. Level the surface and allow the material to harden. At the end, carefully remove the concrete and remove the hoses. Install two LED recessed ceiling spotlights and the lighting is ready. Due to the heavy weight of the garden light, you should pour the concrete directly on site.
Make concrete garden lights yourself: DIY idea for path lighting
Anyone who has one for the first timeDIY garden lightingmade of concrete, you can start with a simpler project. Simply first position a metal tube with a diameter of 3 cm in the middle of an empty can, then fill the concrete into the can. Make sure that the concrete does not get into the metal pipe. Allow the material to harden, then cut the can with secateurs and carefully loosen the column. Run the cable through the metal tube and mount an LED light on top. If you make several of these concrete garden lamps yourself, you can use them to build your own path lighting. The lights are also ideal for the terrace, the stairwell or areas that are difficult to see such as the garden pond or the pergola in the garden. Since they emit their light from a height of 20 cm, they will not blind you.
Make a decorative garden light yourself
On the terrace,around the garden pond, next to the railings or on steps and stairs: The lighting in the garden should be designed to be as functional and practical as possible. However, there are lights that can also serve as decoration. They effectively highlight flower beds, plants and a number of garden decorations and create an inviting ambience even after the sunset. Below we will explain to you how you can make decorative garden lamps yourself.
If you make a decorative lamp for the garden yourself, you can use it to highlight particularly beautiful ground cover and flowers. The decorative lights made of colored glass can also be staged as soloists and look good both in the evening and during the day. There are no limits to your creativity here. Below we will explain to you how you can create an effective garden decoration from a solar rod with a vintage look. Here is an overview of the necessary materials:
- Solar rod with glass ball
- Old brass look faucet
- Pipe or water connection
- Hot glue
Glue the rod to the water connection. Then attach the faucet and the glass ball. Pass the cable through the faucet, water connection and wand. Place the outdoor lamp in a sunny spot in the garden.
Build your own solar garden lighting
On the way to the pergola, pool or terrace, solar lights provide orientation and illuminate steps, stairs or obstacles. Of course, there are numerous variants available commercially. With a little skill, you can build the solar-powered outdoor lamp yourself. We'll explain how it works.
1. Saw approximately 60 cm long pieces from a square strip of pine. Weatherproof the wood by applying a protective varnish.
2. Drill a hole in the middle and fix a PVC pipe there.
3. Then insert the light unit.
After you build the outdoor lighting yourself, you can place it practically anywhere in the garden. They do not require a power connection, which is why they offer a flexible solution for larger outdoor areas. They are even suitable for use in the winter garden or in front of the gazebo or bicycle garage. Even more so: the solar lights can be adjusted as needed. So, for example, if you are planning to redesign the garden, then you don't have to worry about lighting. It is also super practical if you choose solar lights with motion detectors or remote control. This means that the garden lighting can be easily controlled and you can illuminate individual zones as you wish and need.
Alternatively, you can also build an outdoor lamp yourself from tree branches. To do this, simply hang a wire mesh lantern from a tree branch. This outdoor lighting for your garden adds a rustic touch to the outdoor area. However, you should never leave such a homemade lamp unattended. In strong winds it can tip over and there is a risk of fire. When purchasing, you should also make sure that the light has a protection class of IP 67 or higher. When installing a hanging light source, you should also make sure that the light does not disturb the neighbors, for example because it is placed directly under their window.
Garden lighting with candles: lantern for the garden table
Garden lighting with candles creates a relaxed atmosphere. Lanterns create a beautiful play of light and shadow and bring a touch of romance into the garden. If you arrange them with seasonal flowers, you have created an effective table decoration for indoors and outdoors.
You just need a slightly larger and shallow flower pot. Place a smaller flower pot in its center and fill it with sand, river rocks, or gravel. Then set up the lantern in it. Fill the large container with potting soil and plant seasonal ground cover plants. For optimal effect, combine foliage plants with low flowers.
Make your own garden lights
Another idea for lighting for the garden table is this one. Below we will explain to you how you can make garden lights yourself. Here is an overview of the necessary materials:
1. Battery operated fairy lights. Only waterproof and specially marked models are suitable for outdoor use.
2. Jam jars with lids. You will need several jam jars with lockable lids. Cut out the lid to attach the battery box.
Drape the fairy lights in the jam jars and display them on the garden table.
Alternatively, you can arrange a string of lights with small diodes under a glass dome. This accent lighting can be perfectly staged with vintage bells or teapots and cups and creates exciting lighting effects on the table. So nothing stands in the way of romantic evenings for two. And the illuminated glass bell also cuts a fine figure in winter.
Make your own chandelier for the garden
Bollard lights provide large, non-glaring lighting and solar lamps perfectly illuminate corners and niches. But when it comes to decorative accent lighting, then you should choose a candle chandelier for the garden and outdoor area. All you need is a covered terrace or a gazebo to hang the garden lighting there. And chandeliers have long been considered true mood makers, adding a touch of luxury and opulence to the seating area. If you want to make a chandelier for the garden yourself, then the next DIY idea is perfect for you. Hang several jam jars on a wooden wheel and place a candle (or an LED candle) in each jam jar. Decorate the chandelier with chains with rhinestones or crystals.
Build your own garden lighting: make chandeliers from natural materials
Optionally, you can wrap fresh tree branches around a vine wreath and hang several small lanterns at different heights. This chandelier will bathe the outdoor dining area in a soft, warm light, creating interesting lighting effects and adding coziness. However, make sure that you never leave the candles unattended. Always have a fire extinguisher within reach and never extinguish burning lanterns with water. The candles in the lanterns and tea lights contain paraffin, a highly flammable material that cannot be extinguished with water.
Old wooden ladders can also be used to hang lanterns, jam jars and other light sources. They are perfect for a long garden table and offer you the opportunity to plan the lighting according to your own needs. In addition, you can also hang other decorative items such as metal snowflakes or stars.
Homemade garden lighting: the most important things at a glance
Even if you have no experience, you can build garden lighting yourself. There are numerous instructions and DIY ideas for path and patio lighting. The most important thing is that you stick to certain rules. Make sure that the lights for the garden path and the stairwell do not dazzle. Therefore, choose bollard lights that cast light onto the ground instead of floor lights that direct the light upwards. You can place a concrete lamp in windy places in the garden. Otherwise, the lamps can be mounted on a wooden post. For the outdoor seating area, there are also lanterns that can be displayed on the table with seasonal flowers. Chandeliers also create a cozy atmosphere in the evening. However, since there is always a risk of fire, we recommend opting for LED candles. And solar lights are ideal for niches and corners in the garden.
