One of the easiest ways to upgrade your outdoor space is with great lighting. Paired with fixtures on your home and thoughtfully placed lights around your landscape, outdoor pathways deserve just as much attention. Sure, planning pathway lighting ideas might feel overwhelming (considering the hundreds of options available), but it doesn’t have to. With both aesthetics and functionality in mind, we’ve rounded up a couple of our favorite picks to make the decision simple for you. Types of Pathway Lighting Smart Color Changing Pathway Lighting Credit: Govee outdoor lights Smart pathway lights have systems that let you manage the lighting through apps, motion sensors, or voice assistants, rather than just basic timers or manual switches. The best part is, they don’t change how the fixtures look- still as design-forward. Solar Pathway Lights Credit: The Spruce Solar pathway lights are one of the most popular choices for outdoor walkways, and for good reason. They’re easy to install, energy-efficient, and ideal if you want a low-commitment upgrade without wiring. Most solar lights simply stake into the ground and charge during the day, then automatically switch on at dusk. However, solar pathway lights depend heavily on sunlight, which means shady areas, dense trees, or short winter days can be a problem. Low-Voltage LED Pathway Lights Credit: Nebo Low-voltage LED lights connect to a transformer that plugs into a standard outdoor outlet, and because they don’t rely on sunlight, they work especially well for shaded pathways, front walkways, side yards, and entry paths where reliability matters. In-Ground / Recessed Lights Credit: Omnissal A great option if you’re looking for a more polished look. No visible fixtures, just a subtle wash of light that defines the path beautifully. Though installation requires a bit more planning (such as proper drainage and weather-rated housings), in-ground lights can handle foot traffic with ease once installed correctly. Bollard & Post Lights Credit: Up Shine A classic pathway lighting idea. Casting light outwards and downwards, bollard fixtures are ideal for long or open walkways, shared paths, and areas where people approach from multiple directions. The primary consideration when working with these fixtures is spacing, which often has a bigger impact than brightness. Fewer fixtures, placed thoughtfully, usually look better than a tightly packed row. Step Lighting Credit: Sagan Electric Step lighting is all about safety with a subtle design payoff. Each fixture is installed directly into stair risers or the sides of steps, helping guide movement and avoid tripping hazards. They’re basically a 2-in-1: practicality and ambiance, together. 15 Creative Pathway Lighting Ideas Mushroom Pathway Lights Credit: @libertylandscapessupply (Instagram) These matte mushroom pathway lights are simple and sleek, perfect if you’re searching for something that does the job but doesn’t steal focus. Given the narrow spread of light they cast, they’re an incredible option to highlight any architectural features in your backyard. Subtle Downlighting Credit: Jit Lim Path lighting is usually done using downlights. The key is to choose discreet fixtures that illuminate the pathway without dominating the design. Also, try to opt for smaller spike lights with angled heads, so you can adjust and move them around as plants grow and the landscape shifts. Patterned Illumination Lights Credit: Etsy These wired pathway lights feature an interesting pattern that is both classic and decorative. You can install the light cascade on the path on its own, or set it against a backdrop of lovely flowers that align well with the light itself. Rustic Lanterns Credit: Adam Potts For a quick, temporary solution, line your pathway with lanterns- an easy way to bring some magic to your backyard and help guests navigate around the space. Stick to a unison look, or mix shapes, styles, and heights for an eclectic feel. Remember to use LED candles (not real flames) that won’t get put out by damp conditions, and also reduce the fire risks. Recessed Look Credit: @cos.design (Instagram) Recessed fixtures can be handy for modern lighting ideas, where you don’t want bulky lights to block the way. They are practical for small backyards, as they illuminate the area without taking up much space, helping to create the illusion of extra square footage. Garden String Lights Credit: Getty Images Footlights are helpful when illuminating your garden path, but strands of string lights lining a walkway can create a stunning ambiance. Get a long strand of socket bulbs, either classic or warm white, or swap them out for a more vibrant set to add some backyard whimsy. Swaying Reed Lights Credit: @dazuma.us Solar reed lights are a fun option if you want to enhance your existing plants or to simply introduce a more whimsical approach. Designed to dance in the breeze, these would work well placed within planters along your path or stacked among any tall grasses. Moonlighting Credit: Is It Sharp Moonlighting is the art of bringing soft light into your garden to illuminate the landscape exactly like the moon would. Instead of placing lights low to the ground, this technique involves higher lighting points to create drama as it illuminates the different silhouettes of your lawn. Light from Above Credit: Christian DuRocher Pathway lighting doesn’t have to stop at ground level; it can also come from above. Think woven pendants, string lights, or soft lanterns hung from trees or pergolas, gently guiding the way. It’s an approach that feels “planned,” and more atmospheric. Handrail Lighting Credit: Livers Bronze If your pathway includes railings or low boundary edges, hide the lighting there. Slim LED strips tucked beneath handrails or along path edges cast light downward exactly where it’s needed. Glass Globe Pathway Lights Credit: Wayfair If you wish to line an awkward area that has no nearby lawn to stake into, these glass globes are the best option. Along with being both beautiful and practical, they can also be repurposed elsewhere in the garden as needed. Wall-Wash Path Lighting Credit: American Outdoor Lighting Instead of lighting the path directly, let nearby walls do the work. Low fixtures aimed upward can wash fences or retaining walls with light, subtly outlining the walkway, all without placing anything directly in the path. Firework Lights Credit: @by_aainaya (Instagram) As another mid-height choice for pathway lighting ideas, these fun & festive firework-shaped lights are so cool. They’d work well tucked among your garden beds, or closer to the walkway. They’re also available in multiple colors at multiple stores. Moroccan Pathway Lanterns Credit: Made in China An idea that’s truly different and special. Hang these Moroccan lanterns to guide guests along your paths. Dangling from shepherd’s hooks, they create an intricate pattern along the path, or can be set further to cast that beautiful glow on the backyard walls. Glow-in-the-Dark Path Edging Credit: Glow Path Technology For a fun and unexpected twist, glow stones or photoluminescent edging can define the path without traditional fixtures. They charge during the day and softly glow at night, a quirky addition to playful garden paths. Technical Guide: Solar vs. Low Voltage vs. Hardwired Pathway Lighting Credit: William MacCollum The right system for pathway lighting comes down to how much consistency and control you’re comfortable with. Each option has its place, meaning it’s less about “best” and more about what fits your space + lifestyle. Solar pathway lighting, for example, is the easiest entry point. Quick to install, budget-friendly, and doesn’t require wiring or professional help, but it is overly dependent on sunlight, which can be a problem on cloudy days. Low-voltage pathway lighting, on the other hand, offers a better balance between convenience and reliability. Powered through a transformer plugged into an outdoor outlet, these systems deliver steady illumination regardless of sun exposure, explaining why they’re a popular choice for front walkways and frequently used paths. Hardwired pathway lighting is the most permanent option, as it is connected directly to your home’s electrical system. This setup is ideal for large properties, long pathways, or designs that rely on precise light placement. Because installation usually requires trenching and an electrician, it’s best suited for new builds or major landscape upgrades. FAQs about Walkway Lighting Ideas What are the newest path light trends? Smart lighting fixtures are the latest path-light trend, with top options including: Subtle, hidden fixtures Warm illumination Automated systems Minimalist designs Sustainable options Artistic fixtures How many lumens should walkway lights be? Generally, 100-200 lumens per fixture is ideal for standard visibility, with options to go lower (50-100 lumens) for subtle ambiance or higher (200-300 lumens) for more dramatic illumination. How to light an outdoor pathway? A good rule of thumb is to use a mix of accent and ambient lighting, then… Space each fixture 8 to 15 feet apart Choose warm LED bulbs Try techniques like moonlighting Keep most of the light low & directed downward Avoid lining both sides too symmetrically (the goal isn’t an overly staged look) Final Words Walkways are often left as an afterthought, but they can, in fact, serve as a stunning design statement, especially when properly illuminated. And there’s nothing complicated. Just layer the lighting, and you’re good to go.