14 Unique Outdoor Fence Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Yard at Night

14 Unique Outdoor Fence Lighting Ideas

Installing fence lighting around your property or in your yard is a great way to improve the beauty of your yard.

However, outdoor fence lighting is also useful to increase security as well. With a highlighted fence, you’ll feel more secure when you walk around it at night.

With the proper outdoor lighting, your yard will look stunning.

There are many different types of outdoor fence lighting available.

When you are buying one for your yard, there are some considerations you should put into account, like the type of light and what direction you want the light to shine upon.

Here are some popular types of fence lighting ideas you can consider:

  1. Sconce/lantern: This fence lighting is mounted on the fence, usually a yard or pool fence. On the bright nights, where the weather is nice, this type of fence lighting can accentuate your yard beautifully. Installing a sconce/lantern in your fence is an easy way to spruce up your yard.
  2. Low Voltage Lighting: This is the common type of outdoor fence lighting. This type of light can highlight plants and pathways. Illuminating the fence, this light will help you navigate your way through your yard in the dark.
  3. String LED Lights: Another easy way to incorporate fence lighting is by hanging a string of light in the post of the fence or right in the fence. This type of light is considered efficient when it comes to electricity.

There are still many of them. If you want to take a more detailed look, here are 14 unique outdoor fence lighting ideas to illuminate your yard at night:

1. Light Fixtures Between the Outdoor Fence Section are Made of Channel Glass

light fixtures between the outdoor fence section are made of channel glass
light fixtures between the outdoor fence section are made of channel glass. image © deforestarchitects.com

According to the designer, the outdoor lighting is a result of a custom installation that they designed using channel glass similar to the wide band across the front of the house.

The homeowners asked the designer to do something nice for the neighborhood. That is why the designer installed the fence lighting to light up the path in front of this property.

The designer created these light fixtures between the outdoor fence sections. The channel glass makes the light glow softer. It also accentuates the Ipe wood fence perfectly.

The outdoor lights are meant to give an accent to the fence and, at the same time, light up the area around the fence.

The lights create a glow at night that makes the entire property look more modern and luxurious.

2. Exterior Landscape Lighting Ideas for an Outdoor Fence from the Lumiere Cambria Series

exterior landscape lighting ideas for an outdoor fence from the lumiere cambria series
exterior landscape lighting ideas for an outdoor fence from the lumiere cambria series. image © odsarchitecture.com

Uplight like this will dramatically be lit the wood fence if you know how to place them.

These exterior landscape lights are low voltage quartz halogen 12V 50W MR 16 bulbs from the Lumiere Cambria series.

The lights are concealed by the small plants along the retaining wall. This way, no one can exactly see what highlights the fence except if they look behind the plants.

You can apply this idea if you want a polished and sleek look for your landscape.

During the day, it may be less dramatic. But in the evening, the garden walls, which are actually an Ipe wood fence, turn into something striking and stunning. The lights shine upward, creating a highlighted spot in the wood fence.

The purpose of these outdoor lights is to create an accent. They make the slat fence look contemporary.

3. Outdoor Wall Light Mounted at the Posts of the Wood Fence

outdoor wall light mounted at the posts of the wood fence
outdoor wall light mounted at the posts of the wood fence. image © littlemiraclesdesigns.com

This is a lovely Asian garden with a wood fence that can also be used as a screen.

In the fence, we see outdoor wall light mounted at each fence post.

Basically, that is a common type of metal wall sconce. What makes it great is the designer installed them in each post. Thus, it can accentuate the fence prettily and, at the same time, light up the area around the fence.

The wall light looks a lot like Z-Lite Genesis Outdoor Lighting Lamps Black Tones Aluminum.

At night, this type of outdoor lighting will radiate a warm glow that is not too bright. The light will fill the area around the fence and make everything look warmer and cozier.

4. LED Strips Set Under the Post Caps as an Outdoor Fence Lighting Idea

led strips set under the post caps as an outdoor fence lighting idea
led strips set under the post caps as an outdoor fence lighting idea. image © luanndev.com

If you install some huge posts in your fence, chances are you also have a cap on top of the post.

Instead of putting a lantern on the cap, you can just install LED strips under the post caps like this. This way, you can create a sleek and clutter-free look, perfect for a modern or a contemporary style.

LED strips will enhance the elegance in your yard. They offer a warm glow that is not too overwhelming. Moreover, the post cap will shade the light just in case it is too bright for you.

These lights will highlight your fence and, at the same time, light up the small plants right in front of the fence. It will be even better if you have perennial with bright colors. The lights will enhance the color in the evening.

5. Covered Fence Lighting in the Posts with a Heart-shaped Opening

covered fence lighting in the posts with a heart-shaped opening
covered fence lighting in the posts with a heart-shaped opening. image © nottassociates.com

Want something different but sweet? You can try this look.

The designer created posts with a heart-shaped opening that is meant for fence lighting. The opening is covered with frosted glass to dim the lights.

It seems that the outdoor lighting used is an LED light. You just have to open the cap and put the light inside.

The purpose of this outdoor light is not for overall lighting. The dim and soft glow from the lights is only useful to accentuate the white painted wood fence.

The great thing is the soft yellow glow from this LED fence lighting matches the wall scone in the entrance.

The entire look of this landscape and exterior is consistent and uniform, perfect for a traditional look.

6. LED Lights Beneath the Built-in Bench of the Fence as an Outdoor Lighting

led lights beneath the built-in bench of the fence as an outdoor lighting
led lights beneath the built-in bench of the fence as an outdoor lighting. image © littlemiraclesdesigns.com

You can copy this look if you want overall lighting for your landscape but still highlight your wood fence.

The fence has a built-in bench. Below the bench, the designer decided to install LED lights. The LED lights run along the perimeter of the bench, creating a consistent flow of light to the area.

Due to the long lights, it is able to illuminate the entire landscape.

The designer also complements the LED fence lights with two decorative lanterns that similarly radiate a warm yellow glow. The decorative lanterns are supposed to accentuate the wood fence behind them.

Overall, both outdoor lights, the LED below the bench and the lanterns, can enhance the modern look of this landscape. Moreover, they can make the dark tone wood of the fence look warmer.

7. String Outdoor Lighting Hung from the Posts of the Fence

string outdoor lighting hung from the posts of the fence
string outdoor lighting hung from the posts of the fence. image © it’s the little things…

Usually, string outdoor lights are hung right in front of the fence. However, this one is different.

To create an eclectic look to this deck, the designer installed a pole in each fence post. The poles are used to hang the string outdoor lights.

This is a better idea to apply if you have a low fence with a wide slat. It is because hanging string lights in the fence will only look good in a tall wood fence with no slats or with tight slats.

By hanging your string lights in the poles like this, you will create an illusion of a taller fence. Plus, the strings will serve as overall lighting that can illuminate the entire area.

When you are installing this kind of light, make sure you consult with your electrician first because it can be an issue if you install an outdoor light without any cover. Rain and snow will ruin your outdoor lighting.

8. Uplight Below the Fence to Create a Dramatic Lit Outdoor

uplight below the fence to create a dramatic lit outdoor
uplight below the fence to create a dramatic lit outdoor. image © simpatico.com.au

This outdoor lighting enhances both the constructed and natural elements of this landscape.

There are two types of outdoor lighting, the one in the stone wall and another one that shines the fence.

Unfortunately, the lights for the fence are no longer available in the market. However, you can go to any lighting store and explain that you search for some up lights on a spike.

These up lights managed to create dramatic lit to the fence. This is a good idea to apply if you have a unique and whimsical fence like this.

If you are wondering, this fence is made of Cypress Pine and, after some time, will gradually gray off to a warm silver color. During the aging process, the color will be gorgeous. It is something worth highlighting.

The up lights are only meant to accentuate the fence, not illuminate the entire landscape. That is why the designer added another type of outdoor lighting along these up lights. Both will light up the whole beach-style landscape nicely.

9. Lighting the Outdoor Fence from Below to Create a Pop in the Yard

lighting the outdoor fence from below to create a pop in the yard
lighting the outdoor fence from below to create a pop in the yard. image © nimmoarchitecture.com

Many of you may wonder, why the designer lighted up the pool fence instead of the path lights?

According to the designer, the path lights wouldn’t give the right pop if they were highlighted by these up lights. Moreover, they would be too low to the ground.

If the lights were installed, there might be a tripping hazard around the pool’s border. On the contrary, the fence is a nice touch to be highlighted dramatically.

The pool fence is made of weathered wood, which looks incredibly pretty when illuminated by some up lights. The uplights were installed evenly in front of the fence. The soft glow from the lights goes well with the weathered finish of the wood.

No wonder the designer opted for this fence to be highlighted instead of the path.

10. Linear Light Fixtures on the Fence to Illuminate the Outdoor Area

linear light fixtures on the fence to illuminate the outdoor area
linear light fixtures on the fence to illuminate the outdoor area. image © swattmiers.com

If you want to combine a traditional and modern look in your landscape, you can install these linear light fixtures on the horizontal slat wooden fence.

The linear fixtures will deliver a modern look to the traditional look wood fence.

It seems that these fixtures produce a dramatic downlight accentuating the fence.

Instead of up lights, the designer thought it would be nicer to have downlights installed on this fence. This is a good idea to highlight the area around and below your fence.

Downlights are also the best option if you have nothing on top of your fence as a decoration. With nothing to highlight up there, it makes sense to use downlights.

Judging from the size of the fixtures, it appears that the fixtures can be overall lighting. The light can illuminate the entire area of this landscape and highlight the modern loungers.

11. Outdoor Wall Sconce Mounted on the Wood Fence as Outdoor Lighting

outdoor wall sconce mounted on the wood fence as outdoor lighting
outdoor wall sconce mounted on the wood fence as outdoor lighting. image © newecolandscapes.com

This contemporary patio features a wood fence that functions as a screen. The wall sconce is mounted to illuminate the entire patio.

This picture shows that the light from these outdoor wall sconces is too bright to be solely used as an accent. It may be overwhelming for some. But, for a large patio, having bright outdoor lighting will create a well-lit area even in the evening.

The wall sconces were installed in the upper part of the fence to ensure that they work well and overall lighting. The horizontal slat fence gets warmer, too, once the lights are on. They deliver a perfect contemporary look to this patio.

You can use these sconces as overall lighting if you want a simple look for your yard with less lighting. You only need several of them to illuminate your entire yard.

12. LED Accent Lights Spaced Along the Railing of the Outdoor Fence

led accent lights spaced along the railing of the outdoor fence
led accent lights spaced along the railing of the outdoor fence. image © superbrightleds.com

You can feel the elegance of this space right away just by looking at this picture. It is because this space is accentuated by soft glow LED outdoor lights.

The lights were installed evenly spaced along the railing, creating a perfect warm look for a modern or a contemporary look.

The lights are Little Dot SMD LED Accent Lights. As indicated by its name, these outdoor lights are only used as an accent.

As an accent, these lights are better used alone, not to be combined with other lightings. Yes, your yard may be a bit dark, but the darkness itself will make these lights glow perfectly, accentuating the fence.

If you are wondering, these lights are weatherproof, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t complete them with cover.

The three-foot long stranded wire lets ample working space put the lights when they are required.

These lights may be less than half the size of a quarter, but the LED produces fifteen lumens, which is bright enough to highlight your fence, and it only consumes 0.2 watts of power. The ideal option for an energy-efficient product.

13. Soft Glow Outdoor Lighting Nailed Around the Fence

soft glow outdoor lighting nailed around the fence
soft glow outdoor lighting nailed around the fence. image © shannonggem.com

This outdoor lighting is installed right below the wood cap of the fence. This redwood fence looks more glowing when the lights are on.

The unique part is the fence lighting is combined with the lights on the trees. The lights on the trees are attached with black zip ties to the tree while the lights on the fence are nailed into the place.

Both are low-voltage lights that don’t consume too much power. However, they do both produce warm lights that are not too bright.

Due to the low voltage types, these lights are only able to illuminate soft glow. This is the reason why you should install them generously. Install them below the cap evenly, but don’t place them too far from each other.

Just because they are installed in a downright position, that doesn’t mean they can create a downlight to accent the area below the fence.

The lights are just enough to radiate a soft yellow glow that will turn your traditional patio into an eclectic place. This can be a perfect spot for a romantic and intimate dinner.

14. Low Voltage Landscape Outdoor Lighting Ideas in a Small Fence

low voltage landscape outdoor lighting ideas in a small fence
low voltage landscape outdoor lighting ideas in a small fence. image © coppercreeklandscaping.com

This small fence is not like a usual fence that is surrounding the property. This wood fence can be simply used as a screen to separate the patio to the mown-grass area behind.

Right in the upper part of the fence, there are mounted outdoor sconces to provide illumination to this patio as well as give it a perfect contemporary look.

If you are wondering, those are Kichler Low Voltage Landscape Lights with Model #15079 AZT. The modern-looking lights give an uplight and downlight illumination that can be used to create an accent look.

The lights are not too bright to illuminate the entire patio, but for a small patio, these are enough to make a well-lit area.

If you have a similarly small-sized patio, you can consider using these outdoor lights in your fence. You can also pair them with other types of outdoor lighting if you want to create a very bright patio.

Closing

From the pictures above, we can conclude that it’s important to install outdoor lighting on the perimeter of your fence. It gives a great appeal to your curb.

The aforementioned pictures also show us different types of outdoor fence lightings based on their purpose:

  1. Overall lighting: This lighting is designed to light up the entire space or yard. Usually, this is a huge lantern that is installed in the post of the fence.
  2. Task lighting: This type of light is used for a specific purpose, like lighting up the area below and around the fence only.
  3. Accent: Spotlights and floodlights are the common types of accent lights that are meant to highlight an object or a certain area. In one of the pictures above, there is a fence with an uplight accent that accentuates the wood fence to create dramatic lit.

Tip: if you have vinyl instead of a wood fence, it is recommended to use fence lights that sit atop your deck railing or fence posts. At dusk or night, these fencing lamps will deliver a soft illumination for your outdoor area that isn’t too harsh or overwhelming for you.