Your fence can do much more than create a boundary between your property and your neighbors. It adds privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal. One way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your fence is by adding lights. You have many options for lighting your fence, from string lights to post-cap lights. The lighting options that are best for you depend on your goals and style preferences.
Why Add Lights to Your Fence?
You love your yard and want to make the most use of it. Adding fence lights lets you do that. With the addition of lights around your fence, you can relax in your yard after the sun has set without sitting in the dark. Fence lighting also enhances the safety of your property. The lights brighten the path around your property and reduce the chance that someone will trip and fall when walking outside at night.
Lighting also adds an extra layer of security to your property. If you install motion-activated lights, they'll turn on when someone passes by, deterring thieves and vandals.
Backyard Fence Lights Ideas
The fence lighting options that will work best in your yard depend on your budget, the type of fence you have, and how you plan to use the lights.
1. Post Cap Lights
If you're looking for lighting that will create a soft, gentle glow and illuminate the entire perimeter of your fence, consider adding lights to the top of your fence posts. You can install post cap lights, which are integrated into the design of the fence, or attach free-standing lights to the posts after the fence installation.
Post-cap lights are available in various styles. Choose lights that resemble a lantern or an old-style lamp if you prefer a classical look. If your style is modern, look for post-cap lights with a square shape or black metal frames.
2. Lanterns
Lanterns hung from the fence at equal intervals add a rustic touch. Look for lantern hooks made from wrought iron for an old-school, country style. You can drill the hooks into a wood fence easily. The rustic, farmhouse style of lanterns and hooks will complement a wood fence nicely.
Hanging lanterns provide the same benefits as post-cap lights. When hung along the perimeter of your fence, they'll add a soft glow and provide just enough illumination to allow you to relax in your yard in the evening. The lanterns will also help improve your yard's safety and security.
3. Fairy Lights
Fairy, or string lights, add a magical touch to your fence and yard. You can drape the lights across a small section of your fence, such as just behind a seating area, or use several strings of lights attached together to highlight the entire length of your fence.
String lights come in a rainbow of colors. For a bit of fun and flair, choose multicolored light strings. Opt for clear lights in a warm white hue if you want a more traditional look.
You also have a few options for the light's power source. If an electrical outlet isn't available, look for solar-powered string lights. An attached solar power absorbs the sun's light during the day. Once it gets dark enough, the lights automatically turn on.
One thing to note about solar-powered lights is that the sun's strength affects the lights' strength. You'll notice the lights are much less bright on gray or overcast days.
4. Sconces
Like hanging lanterns along your fence, you can choose to attach sconces to the interior of the fence. Space the sconces at equal intervals to provide steady illumination. You can also hang the sconces over an area of your yard or garden that you want to spotlight.
Since sconces come in various styles and colors, you'll have a lot of freedom when making your choice. You can choose between plug-in or battery-powered lights or solar-powered sconces like the string lights.
5. Low Lights
While post cap lights, string lights, and sconces are hung near the top of the fence, low lights get positioned around the bottom edge. They're ideal if you want to highlight your garden or another section of your yard close to the ground. They also create enough light to illuminate your yard, reducing safety hazards.
What To Know Before Installing Fence Lighting
Before installing a fence and any lighting around it, ensure you have the appropriate permits, if needed, and permission from your HOA. A professional fence installation company can help the process go smoothly and will work with you to help you choose the fence and fence lighting styles that best meet your needs and match your style. To learn more, contact HOA Fence Company for a consultation today.
