The Ultimate Guide To Outdoor Lighting For Summer Evenings

There’s something magical about a summer evening in the Northwest. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging on the patio, or enjoying a peaceful walk through your garden, the right outdoor lighting can turn a basic evening into something unforgettable.

At VPC Electric, we believe your home’s outdoor lighting should do more than just light the way—it should enhance safety, add value, and create a beautiful ambiance. In this ultimate guide to outdoor lighting for summer evenings, we’ll show you how to get it done right.

From design tips to safety upgrades, here’s everything Spokane and Coeur d’Alene homeowners need to know.

Why Outdoor Lighting Matters in Summer

Summer is prime time for outdoor living. With longer daylight hours and warm, clear nights, your porch, patio, or backyard becomes an extension of your living space.

Well-designed outdoor lighting helps you:

Extend your evening activities without worrying about visibility
Create a welcoming atmosphere for friends and family
Improve safety and security for your property
Boost curb appeal and resale value of your home

And let’s not forget—quality lighting just makes your home look better.

1. Start With a Lighting Plan

Before grabbing a shovel or calling an electrician, think about how you use your outdoor space and what you want your lighting to accomplish.

Ask yourself:

Do you want to highlight a path, feature, or garden?
Are there dark areas that feel unsafe?
Will you entertain guests outdoors this summer?

Sketch out your yard and identify the key zones:

Entryways & walkways
Patios, decks, or seating areas
Driveways & garages
Landscaping, trees, or water features

A good plan blends safety and aesthetics—it doesn’t have to be expensive or overly complex.

2. Choose the Right Type of Outdoor Lighting

Different types of lighting serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the main outdoor lighting categories and how to use them:

Ambient Lighting

Provides general, overall light for patios, decks, and outdoor seating
Great options: wall sconces, hanging fixtures, outdoor ceiling fans

Task Lighting

Lights up specific areas for function, like grilling zones or staircases
Great options: spotlights, deck lighting, pendant lights over outdoor tables

Accent Lighting

Highlights trees, architectural features, or water fountains
Great options: uplights, wall washers, string lights, and lanterns

Combining these layers adds dimension and mood while enhancing safety.

3. Use LED for Efficiency and Longevity

Today’s outdoor lighting should do more than look good—it should be efficient, too.

LED lighting is the smart choice because:

Uses up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
Lasts for 10+ years, reducing replacement hassle
Emits less heat, making it safer for landscape use
Available in warm and cool tones to match your desired aesthetic

VPC Electric can help you retrofit your existing outdoor lights or install LED options from scratch.

4. Highlight Walkways and Entry Points

Safety and curb appeal go hand in hand when it comes to lighting your front yard.

Key areas to illuminate:

Pathways: Use low-voltage bollard or stake lights to guide guests and avoid trip hazards.
Steps and stairs: Install recessed step lights or motion sensors for safety.
Front doors and porches: Use wall sconces or pendant lights to create a welcoming glow.

Good lighting at entrances also discourages intruders—especially when paired with smart lighting controls.

5. Illuminate Your Outdoor Living Spaces

If your patio or deck is your summer HQ, give it lighting that’s as comfortable as the furniture.

Ideas for patio & deck lighting:

Overhead string lights for a cozy ambiance
Recessed lighting in the ceiling of covered patios
Railing lights to outline edges for safety
Portable lanterns for movable ambiance

You can also install dimmable controls to adjust the mood for dinner, drinks, or quiet conversations.

Need help wiring your space for outdoor comfort? Contact us today.

6. Accent Your Landscape and Features

Lighting isn’t just for where you walk—it’s for what you want to show off.

Highlight:

Trees with uplighting or moonlighting
Water features with underwater or spotlight fixtures
Flower beds with low-profile path lights
Sculptures and architecture with directional spotlights

Landscape lighting transforms your yard into a serene evening retreat and boosts nighttime curb appeal.

7. Add Motion Sensors and Smart Controls

Want your lights to work smarter—not harder? Consider:

Motion sensors for driveways and backyards to enhance security
Timers and dusk-to-dawn sensors to save energy
Smart controls for voice-activated or app-based control

Today’s smart lighting systems are affordable and easy to install. Ask VPC Electric how to add automation to your setup.

8. Use Weatherproof Fixtures and Safe Wiring

Outdoor lighting needs to be as tough as it is attractive.

Make sure your system includes:

Weatherproof, UL-rated fixtures designed for outdoor use
GFCI-protected outlets to reduce shock risks
Proper conduit or buried cables to prevent water damage
Secure mounting and sealed connections to withstand summer storms

If your current system is older or showing signs of wear, we recommend a professional inspection.

9. Don’t Forget the Backyard and Garden

While front yards and patios get a lot of attention, the backyard is where most summer fun happens.

Ideas for backyard lighting:

Tree-hung string lights for magical evenings
Garden path lights to guide the way
Pergola and fence lighting to define space
Soft floodlights for open lawn games

Just be sure to keep things balanced—too much light can feel harsh. A well-placed warm glow goes a long way.

10. Hire a Licensed Electrician to Do It Right

DIY outdoor lighting might seem tempting, but mistakes can lead to:

Electrical shorts or system failure
Exposure to shock and fire risk
Voided home insurance if something goes wrong

With VPC Electric, you’ll get:

A licensed, experienced local electrician
Custom lighting designs and energy-saving recommendations
Safe, code-compliant installation

We handle everything from design and permits to final testing—and we clean up when we’re done.

Visit our homepage to explore more services and see why Spokane and Coeur d’Alene trust us.

Ready to Light Up Your Summer Nights?

Don’t let sunset shut down the fun. With professionally installed outdoor lighting, your yard becomes a safe, stylish, and comfortable place to gather long after dark.

Whether you’re upgrading your front porch or building your dream patio, VPC Electric is ready to bring your vision to light.