Fairy Lights in the Garden

Adding fairy lights to your garden can instantly transform it into a magical and enchanting space, lifting the mood of the space, and making you want to spend more time in it!

Speaking from experience, fairy lighting in the garden is perfect for evening gatherings, relaxing evenings drinking under the stars, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature (easier if you have a large garden I suppose!).

In this guide, we’ll explore five of the best ideas for incorporating fairy lights into your garden design, complete with practical tips and inspiration as part of our ongoing quest to make your garden as beautiful as possible!

Fairy Lights Above the Garden Pool

Turn your garden pool into even more of a focal point than it already is by installing fairy lights!

We recommend installing them 10ft or so above the pool, preferably around the pools edges rather than hung directly over the pool. You can do this by using placing poles around each corner of your pool, and connecting your fairy lights to the tops of these poles.

Don’t get me wrong, you can drape your fairy lights over the pool directly (as we talk about with string lights here), but if you want to ere on the side of caution, around the pools perimeter makes it that bit safer.

Whichever way you choose to do it, one thing is for sure – fairy lights can add a captivating glow to your pool area, creating a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere for nighttime swims or poolside lounging.

Practical Tip: This is not so much practical as essential – make sure you use waterproof fairy lights specifically designed for use around water. This is important, as if the worst were to happen, you want to know that electricity and water don’t get the chance to mix (hint: it wouldn’t end well).

Fairy Lights in the Garden Tree

Next up we have adorning your garden tree(s) with fairy lights.

Whether wrapped around the tree trunks or woven through branches (preferably a mixture of both!), fairy lights can transform ordinary trees into beacons of light, casting a warm and inviting glow throughout your backyard.

Practical Tip:

Choose fairy lights with adjustable brightness settings, so you can have them on a lower brightness during the early evening while there’s still some sunlight and a higher brightness as darkness falls.
Consider using solar-powered fairy lights if possible, which charge themselves during the day and then power the lights at night. This will be kinder on your electricity bills!

Fairy Lights Hanging Along the Garden Fence

Another way to enhance the charm and character of your garden is by hanging fairy lights along the length of your garden fence.

Whether it’s a wooden picket fence, a wrought iron gate, or a rustic stone wall, fairy lights can add a touch of both whimsy and elegance to the outer edges of your garden, creating a magical backdrop for your outdoor gatherings (read: heavy drinking parties!).

Practical Tip: Make sure you securely attach your fairy lights to the fence using outdoor-rated hooks, clips, and/or zip ties to prevent them from falling or becoming tangled when it’s windy outside.

Fairy Lights on Your Outdoor Garden Porch

If you’re lucky enough to have a porch, there’s no better way to transform it into a cozy and inviting retreat than with the soft glow of fairy lights.

You’ll likely already have some lighting in your porch, like wall lights or a nice floor lamp. That’s great! Layering your lighting is one of the best things you can do to any space, and that’s especially so for an outdoor porch.

So, we recommend keeping your existing lighting, and adding fairy lights to the edged of your porch ceiling, having them sway down about 6-8 inches.

I’m excited even just writing this for you!

Practical Tip: Don’t worry about over-doing it with the lights. Fairy lights are not that bright on their own, they’re more used for decorative or ambient lighting. This means they’ll enhance any existing lighting, not compete with it.

Fairy Lights Around Garden Fire Pit

Last but not least, add a touch of magic to your outdoor gatherings with fairy lights hanging up around your garden fire pit.

Whether encircling the fire pit’s perimeter up in the sky or woven into nearby foliage, fairy lights can enhance the warmth and ambiance of your outdoor bonfires. They will create a cozy and intimate atmosphere for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and enjoying the company of loved ones.

One thing to note though is when we say they should be up in the sky, we mean it. The last thing you want is your fairy lights to be anywhere near an open flame.

We recommend using poles 10ft+ tall, similar to the ones you’d use to hang fairy lights around the garden pool.

Practical Tip: Could you guess this one was coming?! Ensure proper fire safety by keeping fairy lights a safe distance away from any flame. This includes not hanging fairy lights directly above an open flame.

Closing Remarks

With their beautiful glow and whimsical charm, fairy lights can transform any garden into a magical space you’ll want to spend the majority of your day in.

By incorporating a few of the ideas we’ve covered into your next garden makeover, you can create a backyard that invites you to unwind, entertain, and connect with nature, all under the enchanting spell of the twinkling lights.

How romantic!

String Lights vs Fairy Lights | What’s the Difference?

How to String Lights to a Garden Tree | What You Need to Know

How to Light Up Your Backyard Without Electricity [Best Ideas!]

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