Garden lighting trends 2025 – smart lights are on the rise but string lights keep the crown

As the weather gets colder, it becomes harder to install landscape lights, so it's smart to think about your lighting schemes ahead of next year.

In turn, that means thinking about the landscape lighting trends for the coming year, so you can prepare your garden in time for hosting in spring.

I spoke to an outdoor lighting expert about the trends she's seeing for 2025, and there are a few surprises. Smart lights are going to be huge next year, but some classics are on the way out – you may need to rethink your old faux-Edison bulbs.

1. Colorful smart lights are in

Outdoor lighting expert Stephanie Simon told me that smart lights will be huge in 2025. 'With ever-evolving technology, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where personalization capabilities dominate the garden lighting space.'

Unlike traditional lights, which tend to be boring cool whites and warm oranges, smart lights can be personalized with many colors. This offers dramatic, stylish lighting that can change from day to day and hour by hour, so you aren't stifled with the same lights throughout the year.

On top of color options, you can set smart lights on timers; some can even be programmed to turn on and off whenever you leave the house. This means convenient, automatic lighting that you don't have to remember to on and off and isn't tied to sunrise or sunset.

Stephanie says 'Expect to see a growing integration of smart home technologies and evolution to a wider variety of color options that match the style of the home or business. Homeowners are increasingly looking for customizable lighting experiences, such as pops of color.'

Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights

These lights from Govee can glow in the full RGB spectrum, and have a huge range of 47 different patterns, so you can tailor your lights exactly as you need them. Best of all, they're tough, with an IP64 rating that should ensure longevity.

Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Calla Outdoor Pathway Led Light Extension

Most path lights only offer practical lighting, but this colorful path light from Philips can add more color to your yard.

Tsanhoo Smart LED Spotlight

For colorful uplit trees, try these spotlights. IP67-rated, they'll stand up to rain, and you select any RGB color through an easy app on your phone.

2. Modern farmhouse goes from strength to strength

It seemed like modern farmhouse lighting might be heading out at the start of the year but it continues to go from strength to strength. Stephanie Simon says 'Modern farmhouse lighting is evolving beautifully for 2025. It continues to offer that warm, welcoming charm but is now incorporating sleeker lines.'

That's because the style blends modern and traditional design, so it doesn't look dated in most settings. Stephanie says 'We see it becoming more versatile, allowing it to work not only in traditional farmhouse settings but also in more contemporary outdoor designs. The trend’s strength lies in its ability to bridge modern minimalism with the cozy appeal of vintage-inspired elements.'

John Timberland Gough Barn Light

This is an archetypical piece of modern farmhouse design. This exterior light will turn on at 25% brightness when it senses dusk, and will only reach its full brightness when it senses motion, so it's perfect for a porch or a back door.

Possini Euro Ackerly 14"H Motion Sensor Outdoor Wall Light Set of 2

These modern farmhouse style lights have a 40-feet detection range for reliable security lighting, and are great value as the set comes with two lights.

Porter Outdoor Wall Mount

If you're worried about light pollution, this light is 'dark-sky' rated, so it won't contribute to light pollution. It merges modern farmhouse style with industrial design through the use of a zinc finish.

3. String lights remain a classic

Another classic we thought might decline in 2025, string lights are here to stay. However, more personalization means that more colorful designs will come in. Many are opting for lower-profile lights rather than large faux filament bulbs, providing ambiance rather than harsh lighting.

Stephanie Simon says 'String lights have an enduring appeal that we believe will continue into 2025 and beyond. While there may be shifts in design - such as more subtle, compact bulbs or the use of color-changing LEDs - string lights remain a go-to option for creating a relaxed, festive atmosphere in outdoor spaces.'

She adds that 'Their versatility, ease of installation, and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia ensure they will remain a beloved feature in backyard spaces.'

Solar String Lights

These are the best solar lights I've ever tested. I tried them years ago and they're still going strong after months of sun, snow, and rain. They give off a bright but warm ambiance and have 8 different pattern modes. Best of all, they're not expensive.

Brightech Ambience Pro

These lights have thousands of five-star reviews, and many users have reported that they have lasted for several years.

Kolpop Solar Fairy Lights

This three-pack of lights is great value, but it's also great that the batteries are replaceable, so you can keep these lights going for years.

4. The end of faux-traditionalism

Art Deco lights and faux Edison bulbs have been huge trends for garden wall lighting in recent years, but their influence is waning going into 2025. When I asked her about these revived lighting Stephanie Simon gave a diplomatic answer. 'Style depends upon the homeowner. If Art Deco lights or faux Edison bulbs are their unique and personalized lighting style, it can certainly make a statement.'

The issue is that the very traditionalism of these lights dates them to their recent revival in the late 2010s and early 2020s, so many are turning to more neutral styles.

These lights may not remain stylish over the next few years, so installing them can be an expensive mistake. Stephanie says 'We typically recommend an approach to lighting that will remain neutral through different style trends since quality outdoor lighting products typically last years longer than your ever-changing style choices.'

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There are lots of exciting ways to light are garden beyond the obvious porch lights and string lights in trees. It's worth experimenting with surprising places to put solar lights , such as creating ambiance in your greenhouses.