7 Places to Install Low Voltage Garden Lights (Not Just Pathways!)

When most people think of garden lighting, they picture neat rows of path lights marching down a walkway. But low voltage garden lighting can do so much more. These systems are safe, energy-efficient, and incredibly versatile. Here are seven outdoor garden lighting ideas that can transform your outdoor space after dark.

 

1. Under Shrub Canopies
This is the perfect spot for shielded well lights or mini spotlights. Put them beneath larger shrubs. The upward glow illuminates the foliage’s underside.

 

2. Along Garden Bed Lips
This is a simple, yet dramatic lighting idea: light the edge where the lawn meets the flowerbed. Your beds will appear to glow from within, and you’ll stop tripping over the edge!

 

3. Trellises & Climbing Walls
A few narrow-beam spotlights placed at ground level and aimed upward are perfect in this setup. Highlight roses, clematis, and jasmine, sending light through the leaves.

 

4. Tree Trunks at an Angle (Grazing Light)
Position a spotlight 3–5 feet away from the trunk and angle it across the bark to bring out its texture. It’s remarkable how the bark looks beautifully etched when you set up this lighting.

 

5. Under Outdoor Benches or Deck Edges
Recessed step lights or linear LED strips mounted beneath bench seats and deck boards are exactly what you need for indirect light. Light amply around decks to keep them in sight, emphasizing safety.

 

6. Inside Planter Boxes
Drill a small hole in the back corner of raised planters, then add a fully submersible well light. The light rises through the soil and stems; it’s most interesting with plants that have strong vertical lines.

 

7. Rock Features & Ground Sculptures
Bury small uplights at the base of boulders, dry-stacked walls, or garden sculptures. You’ll be able to draw attention to textures and curves.

 

There’s no need to look all over town for the lights you need to design the interesting layouts we discussed. Now that you have ideas of where to place your lights, Best Pro Lighting makes it easy to shop online for the outdoor lights you need. Try these highlighted products to design a new layout or add to your existing design:
 


Brass Low Voltage Directional Lighting: Our professional-grade, low-voltage brass bullet lights feature a warm white MR16 bulb to highlight flower gardens, bushes, or smaller focal points.

 

LED Small Hat Light - BPL 303 Low Voltage in Rust Finish: This fixture emits a circular spread of warm light, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

 

Low Voltage Landscape Light 3 Tier Pagoda - BPL302-RST: Designed with premium construction and a sleek appearance, it offers both beauty and functionality.

 

Integrated 20W LED Low Voltage Flood Light in Rust Finish: This low-voltage flood light is a versatile fixture that can improve both security and the aesthetic of your landscape.

 

3W LED 6 Directional Bullet and 4 Pagoda Path Light Kit - Rust: This great kit features ten total lights so you can light paths and highlight features without having to purchase multiple separate lights.
 

Quick Design Tips

  • Mix color temperatures: 2700K–3000K for cozy areas, 4000K for modern or foliage-heavy spaces.
  • Use multiple narrow-beam fixtures instead of one wide flood.
  • Always shield the light source; you want to see the effect, not the bulb.
  • Add a smart transformer or photocell + timer combo, so the system turns on automatically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Try These Fixes)

  • Start with half what you think you need, live with it a week, then add.
  • Position fixtures so the bulb is not in direct line of sight from seating areas.
  • Choose sealed, lensed models for anything at ground level.
  • Bury low-voltage cable 6 inches deep or hide under mulch for a clean look.
     

Shop Best Pro Lighting for Quality Outdoor Lights and Sets

With some creativity (and the right low voltage garden lights), your backyard can look even better at night than it does during the day. Shop Best Pro Lighting for the best selection of outdoor lights for every area of your landscape. Enjoy quality fixtures at discount prices; lowest prices guaranteed! Same-day shipping on all orders.

 

Frequently Asked Questions


Q: Are low voltage garden lights safe for outdoor use?

A: Yes; check the packaging or online spec sheets before ordering to ensure the lights are rated for outdoor use.
 

Q: How long do outdoor garden lights last?

A: They typically last 30,000–50,000 hours (15–25 years of seasonal evening use). 
 

Q: Can I install low voltage garden lights myself?

A: Basic DIY installation is usually pretty simple: stake the lights, lay the cable, plug into the transformer. Some homeowners choose to have a professional handle the setup. 
 

Q: Do low voltage garden lights work in winter?

A: Yes; the low heat output means snow melts off the lens quickly. Use fixtures rated IP65 or higher and a weatherproof transformer.

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