Picture this:
It’s 8:45 PM. The BBQ’s still warm. Glasses clink. A breeze rustles the trees.
And your yard, it glows. Not from a floodlight, but from thoughtfully placed path lights, up-lights, and a soft golden wash along your garden’s edges.
This is what outdoor lighting can do.
And summer is when it matters most.
At BD Lights, we’ve worked with dozens of GTA homeowners who didn’t realize how impactful lighting could be until they saw their outdoor spaces come alive after dark. This blog explains why now is the best time to light up your yard and how low voltage lighting does it better than anything else.
Why Lighting Your Outdoors in Summer Just Makes Sense
In the Toronto & GTA, where winters can feel endless, summer becomes sacred. It’s the season we spend the most time outdoors – whether it’s relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying our own backyard. And lighting plays a bigger role than most people realize.
Here’s what we’ve learned from real installations, feedback, and the everyday realities of GTA homeowners.
1. Evenings Last Longer and So Should Your Time Outside
Summer sunsets in the Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville or in any GTA city stretch close to 9 PM. But after the sun goes down, your outdoor space can lose its charm quickly if it’s left in darkness.
Outdoor lighting bridges that gap.
It lets you extend your evening, naturally and comfortably without flooding the area with harsh white light. Well-placed path lights, uplights on trees, and gentle deck lighting add a sense of ambiance and safety, inviting you and your guests to stay just a little longer.
This isn’t just about utility. It’s about mood. You’ve worked to create a beautiful space, summer outdoor lighting helps you enjoy it fully, even after dark.
2. Your Landscaping Deserves a Spotlight
Summer is when your yard looks its best. Grass is green, flower beds are in full bloom, and the trees have filled out. But after sunset, that visual beauty disappears unless it’s intentionally lit.
Low voltage lighting allows you to highlight your landscape design. Spotlights can emphasize your favorite trees or shrubs. Wash lighting can softly brighten stone features or fencing. You can even use downlights to mimic moonlight, creating depth and dimension that isn’t visible during the day.
It’s a subtle kind of magic. The right light placement can turn an average yard into a space that feels designed and luxurious.
3. Backyard Entertaining Feels Better With Summer Outdoor Lighting
Summer means dinner parties, birthdays, get-togethers, and casual hangs around the fire pit.
You don’t need a major event to enjoy your space, but when you do have people over, you want it to feel inviting.
Outdoor lighting is the difference between a dark deck and one that feels warm and welcoming. Whether you’re setting the mood for a relaxed dinner or creating a playful vibe for a garden party, layered lighting gives you that flexibility.
Use ambient lighting for conversation zones, uplights to frame the space, and step or path lighting for safe, easy movement. It’s function and form, and your guests will notice.
4. Safety and Security, Without Harsh Floodlights
With more activity outside in summer – kids playing, guests walking around, packages being delivered, safety becomes a top priority.
Proper summer outdoor lighting reduces the risk of trips or falls on walkways, stairs, and uneven ground. It also deters unwanted visitors by increasing visibility around your property.
Up to 20% Drop in Crime Around Homes
Studies suggest that increase in exterior lighting around residential properties is associated with up to a 20% reduction in burglaries and related crimes.
But instead of overexposing everything with bright floodlights, low voltage systems give you soft, intentional illumination. It’s the kind of safety that doesn’t feel industrial, just naturally well-lit.
And if you’ve ever tried solar lights for safety, you’ve probably seen the limitations: dim output, poor spread, and unreliable performance in cloud cover or shade. With low voltage, you can rely on consistent, targeted lighting every night.
If you’re curious about how solar stacks up against low voltage lighting, especially here in the GTA. We’ve covered it in detail in this blog post. It might help you decide what’s best for your space.
5. Summer Storms Happen. Low Voltage Stays On
Let’s be real. GTA weather is unpredictable. July and August can bring humid days, sudden downpours, and quick-moving thunderstorms. These conditions can mess with plug-in or solar lights, causing flickers, shorts, or total shutdowns.
Low voltage systems, on the other hand, are built for weather. They’re installed with waterproof fixtures, sealed connections, and stable power from a transformer, so you get steady performance no matter what’s happening outside.
Even better? Many systems include timers or smart controls, so your lighting stays consistent whether you’re home or away.
6. Summer Outdoor Lighting Adds Instant Curb Appeal and Long-Term Value
This is the part homeowners are often surprised by: lighting not only enhances how you feel about your home, it genuinely boosts its perceived value.
A well-lit property feels complete. It looks cared for. It leaves a lasting impression, whether you’re welcoming guests or listing your home on the market.
It’s also one of the best investments you can make outside. Unlike patio furniture or seasonal decor, a good lighting system adds value and beauty every night, year-round.
Common Questions We Hear (And Honest Answers)
Q: Is low voltage lighting energy-efficient?
Yes, that’s one of its biggest benefits. LED fixtures use a fraction of the electricity traditional outdoor lights require, and the 12V system itself is safer and more efficient.
Q: Can I start small and add more later?
Absolutely. Many of our clients begin with just a few zones like pathways or a patio, and expand as they see the difference lighting makes.
Q: Can I control it from my phone?
Yes. Modern low voltage systems can integrate with timers, dusk-to-dawn sensors, or even smart home apps, so you’re always in control.
Q: Does it require maintenance?
Very little. Our installations are built to last. We also offer support if you ever want to adjust your design or upgrade components later.
Real Projects. Real Summer Nights.
We’ve lit up homes across Mississauga, Vaughan, Brampton, Toronto, and beyond, transforming dark yards into peaceful, well-lit retreats.
See our work in the BD Lights Gallery to get inspiration, or explore the lighting products we use that make it all possible.
Thinking About Outdoor Lighting?
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re already imagining your space a little differently. Maybe with a soft glow along the deck stairs. Maybe with a tree gently lit in the corner of your yard.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
At BD Lights :
- We offer free consultations across the GTA
- Every design is tailored to your space and style
- Our installations are clean, efficient, and built to last
- And we stay connected in case you need anything down the road
Here’s a reason summer lighting projects are our busiest. The difference is real, not just in how your yard looks, but in how it feels after dark.
Book a free consultation today or call us at (647) 893-6582 .
Summer doesn’t last forever. But the way your home glows at night? That can.
