There's nothing like clumps of wiring and pools of open cables to completely tank the otherwise beautiful design of an outdoor space. Be it your patio or your porch, this is one eyesore you'll want to avoid.
Now, of course, the actual need for wiring is unavoidable. Especially where patio lighting is concerned. But that doesn't mean that you can't hide your wires in clever, covert ways.
Unsure of how? I spoke to a couple of landscape designers who were happy to provide their top tips for hiding outdoor lighting wires so you can benefit from a gorgeous exterior without a cable in sight. Here's what they had to say.
1. Bury Them, Carefully
Burying your wires is the expert way.
Jim Stucchi, founder of Stucchi Landscape & Design, tells us that one of the best ways to hide outdoor lighting wires is to bury them. In fact, this is one of the best designer tricks for outdoor lighting.
"Landscape lighting systems are low voltage, which makes the wires 'direct burial' capable," he explains. "I recommend using a six-inch deep trench, typically along the foundation of the home under the mulch.
"However, just remember that this isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Definitely not in areas that will be disturbed with seasonal maintenance practices such as edging, fertilizing, or annual flower plantings."
Jim Stucchi, MCH, founder and CEO of Stucchi Landscape & Design, has been transforming outdoor spaces for over 25 years. With a deep passion for nature and keen eye for design, Jim has built a reputation for not only creating expertly crafted landscapes but building long-lasting client relationships throughout Greater Boston. His designs are characterized by their innovative use of space, design sensibility, quality craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail.
2. Blend in With Foliage
Camouflage your cables with a touch of verdure.
Another low-cost natural option to hide your outdoor lighting cables is to conceal them with foliage. According to Andy Wu, founder of Backyard Oasis, plant options are your best bet.
"Creeping thyme, ornamental grasses, or hostas get the job done," he notes. "Or you can use tall ornamental grasses to border the path lights. Not only will they hide the wires, but they also provide wavy textures post-sunset."
He also recommends introducing mulch beds or river rocks to hide shallow lines nicely. If you do choose to go the plant route, ensure that your wiring is covered and resistant to humidity.
Andy Wu is the founder of Backyard Oasis. Andy has spent over two decades working in gardening and outdoor design, having undertaken his first backyard project in 2003. Based in Atlanta, Andy started Backyard Oasis with the mission to provide homeowners with one-stop shopping for outdoor products that are long-lasting and of top quality, after being frustrated with the quality of items provided by neighborhood dealers.
3. Cover and Color
Blend your wires with your outdoor walls through the power of color.
If you're looking to hide outdoor lighting and wires with a flourish of color, Andy tells us that a fresh lick of paint can perk up your home's curb appeal in just a couple of coats.
"If you have an exposed pipe running down the wall, I recommend painting it to match your siding or trim," he suggests. "A customer hated the gray PVC running down his white pergola. So we spray-painted rust-proof enamel, and the problem was solved."
This is an especially DIY-friendly project if you have minimal wiring sullying the outdoor spaces in your home. So get your paintbrush and make a weekend project out of it.
4. Use Structural Spruces
A fence here and a trellis there can make all the difference.
"You can also utilize trellises, fence toppers, obelisks, arbors, or any landscape structure to hide your outdoor lighting wires," says Jim. "These are all great anchor points to conceal wiring along the interior or underside of the structure."
This great hack will camouflage any unsightly wires and give your garden a spruce-up all at once. So you can pick out a beautiful structural addition to beautify the space while ensuring that it's sturdy enough to hold circuitry.
This Grevosea Honeycomb Trellis from Amazon is perfect for thin wiring, while this set of Timberwood Fence Panels from Wayfair is ideal for larger cables.
5. Utilize Clapboard Siding
Acting as a double wall, this trick conceals everything.
"We also utilize clapboards and vinyl siding to conceal outdoor lighting wires and cables in a neat, concealed manner," says Jim. And this is a great solution for large outdoor spaces that are in the process of undergoing a touch of renovation.
"Essentially, we run wires along the home's exterior and use additional hollow trim pieces that will allow wires to be hidden," he adds. "This is a go-to while working with vertical architectural lighting features."
Although it requires a professional hand and significant work, this exterior trend offers the most seamless finish by hiding any and all circuitry with the help of expert panelling.
6. Run Cable Underneath
You can also route them so they sit below the surface.
Andy tells us that you can also run cables underneath. This is another hack for hidden circuitry that requires a professional. However, when executed with intention, it provides results you won't regret.
"Cedar fence, deck joists, pergola beams, this is the golden ground for hiding cables," he explains. "And if you choose to take on this task by yourself, remember to use clips or staples that are UV-proof."
"We had one customer who was all about symmetry, even with the exterior of a home. So we chose to cleverly hide the wiring through the top of his cedar fence, and under a trim board."
7. Distract with Decor
There's nothing a decorative spruce can't save.
When considering landscaping ideas to help hide your outdoor lighting cables, Andy recommends using décor for a creative cover up.
"Hollowed-out artificial rocks, worn-smooth garden statuary, or even the garden planter box with the hidden compartment," he says. "I've concealed junction boxes in 'aged stone' boxes so realistic, people thought they were family heirlooms."
This nifty solution allows you to work with items you have in your backyard or simple quirky décor finds to mask any circuitry with style.
Color: Bronze
If you're looking for lighting that will instantly elevate your patio, look no further than this nkuku Rhya Outdoor Wall Lamp from Anthropologie. Its gilded finish offers a hint of opulence that's hard to ignore.
Color: Beige
Sprawling porches are hard to come by, but the limited real estate makes finding lighting so much easier. In fact, if you have a smaller space that needs just a hint of lighting, this Cordless Outdoor Table Lamp from H&M is the perfect wire-free buy.
Color: Sienna
This one is for all the outdoor decorators who want a small pop of color to brighten up an outdoor nook. John Lewis' Heftig Outdoor Wall Light is doused in this gorgeous deep orange that's perfect for spring.
There are a myriad of things to worry about when designing the exterior of your home. From welcoming paint colors to porch finishing touches, there's much to consider.
And amidst sorting through all of the fun outdoor design decisions, smaller topics like outdoor lighting wiring tends to slip through the cracks. And then you're left with a home that loses points to ill-favored cabling.
"Planning ahead for lighting inside of any finished masonry feature, such as columns, walls, fountains, and fire features, is a necessity," says Jim. "Running a conduit or chase pipe under patios and walkways provides access to add the nightlife and drama to your landscape."
So the next time you're planning an exterior overhaul, pencil in outdoor wiring disguises for a preventative solve.
