Patio Lighting Ideas - 23 creative ways to light up a patio (2023)

Patio lighting ideas are essential if you have a patio or are planning to add one to your garden. Occupying your space seamlessly from day to night, patio lighting ideas are perfect for expanding your patio's usability.

as inside,outdoor lighting ideasthey have a dual role of curating an atmosphere and practical lighting. whether you use yourideas for terracesAs an outdoor dining space or a relaxation area with sofas and armchairs, these patio lighting ideas can help you find the perfect balance between beauty and practicality.

Ideas for lighting terraces

When planning your patio ideas, it's vital to create enough light for everyone to move around the space and sit safely, as well as see their food and drink. But too much lighting will spoil the cozy atmosphere and sense of intimacy.

"Adding patio lighting ideas to your space allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the deck after dinner or allows your gathering to continue late into the night and gives your outdoor living room a more welcoming atmosphere. " says Mark Feldman, director of the house. officer ofCasa Riverbend(opens in new tab). Try hanging lights on a covered patio along with outdoor table lamps, step lights for safety, path lights to light up your walkways. For softer lighting, add some candlelight with lanterns or sconces. You can also hang string lights along railings or from the ceiling for a festive look.

1. Layer your lighting

Whendesigning a patio, you'll need to factor lighting ideas into the equation early on.

"Lighting is an instant way to make a space more personalized or sophisticated," says Kate Anne Gross of the Los Angeles landscaping, design and construction firm.Kate Anne's Drawings(opens in new tab)"For example, when you go to resorts or high-end restaurants with outdoor seating, your lighting game is always on point."

To achieve this, Gross says a layered look is key, similar to how you would design an indoor lighting plan.

2. Hang a chandelier

Give your patio an unparalleled wow factor with a chandelier hanging from a tree.

"I love incorporating unexpected architectural design elements and touches into any space, and we purchased and converted this old street lamp and hung it as a chandelier over the dining room table," says artist and designer Josh Young ofJOSH JOSH DESIGN HOUSE(opens in new tab). "Suspended from the branches of our 150-year-old maple tree, the lantern grounds and centers the space, adding a sense of formality to our DC condo's garden."

3. Frame your outdoor dining table with light

To create a cozy setting for alfresco dining, wrap a set of lights around acheating on meat(opens in new tab), like this one from Terrain. This will instantly increase yourpatio furniture ideas, and set a tone for something special.

For a semi-permanent solution, you can use plug-in lights, but if you're decorating your patio for an occasion or don't have easy access to a power source, battery-operated lights will work too.

4. Use paper lanterns

Paper lanterns add whimsy to a patio gazebo.

“I love using our back porch for outdoor entertaining, especially under our shaded pergola, which is the perfect place to set up a seating area for an evening barbecue. I like to liven up the space and add some ambiance by tying several outdoor lanterns to the branches of a nearby tree or hanging them from the top of the pergola," says Jenny Reimold, interior stylist andHousehold items(opens in new tab)style expert

Reimold notes that if you're looking for light, opt for battery-operated candle lanterns indoors.

5. Add lights to a pool house or shed

If you are lucky enough to own a backyard that includes a pool house, incorporate patio lighting into yourpool house ideas. The structure is likely to be set back from your main home in an area that requires additional lighting.

Adding a little outdoor lighting to the exterior walls of your pool home can transform an unused space into an evening gathering area, in the style of the upstairs patio by Los Angeles-based landscaping firm Kate Anne Designs.

6. Add wall fixtures to provide functional lighting under a pergola

pergola ideasThey provide a versatile patio addition, increasing your yard's usability and allowing you to spend more time outdoors. However, when the sun goes down, the space under the pergola can quickly darken. Installing wall lights provides a quick and easy way to expand the usability of the space.

7. Illuminate structures, trees and pergolas of architectural interest

If your patio is framed by an arbor or pergola, or perhaps flanked by tall trees, consider intertwining the logs or frame with string lights. One of the most atmospheric patio lighting ideas, they will create an inviting glow that will frame your patio.

Combine it with groups of candles to further set the scene. However, safety requirements mean that they must not be left unattended or placed where they could cause a tripping hazard. Candles can also be blown out by outside wind. So if you're considering adding candles to your patio lighting ideas, consider hurricane lanterns that will be protected from the breeze and less likely to tip over. Alternatively opt for battery powered LED candles, the new designs are almost indistinguishable from the real thing, providing a safe and easy way to achieve the same look as a lit flame.

8. Help your patio blend in with your garden with lighting

Patio lighting ideas offer the perfect opportunity to harmonize your patio with the rest of your home.garden ideas. Installing solar lights placed at its edge will illuminate the greenery and light up the rest of the garden rather than just centering around the patio. Pair your edge lights with occasional lighting such as candles and spotlights on the patio and table to set a warm and inviting tone.

9. Create a relaxed party atmosphere with paper lanterns.

Take inspiration from Miami beach parties and similar celebrations by incorporating paper lanterns into your patio lighting ideas. While traditional paper lanterns are lit with a flame and released to light up the sky, these LED versions make a beautiful addition to hang on your patio ordeck ideas.

Best used in shaded areas, the nylon outer shell is durable but will not survive harsh climates, so best used as occasional patio lighting ideas; perfect for setting the mood for an outdoor dinner party or family celebration.

10. Add practical lighting to keep your patio safe

In addition to looking for patio lighting ideas that help set the tone for the space, also think about practical patio lighting ideas. For example, if your patio has steps or different levels, lighting them is essential.

There are several options for adding patio lighting to your steps. The preferred option, when possible, is to place lights on the walls on either side of the steps; However, this is not always possible. Alternatives include light strips built into the nose of each step, illuminating the step below, or spotlights mounted on the riser of each step, providing a similar method of lighting.

When lighting steps, another consideration is the number of lights required. After all, you want enough light to see where you're walking, but not so much that it overwhelms your yard. “Artistic considerations aside, the number of lights needed is primarily determined by the height of the lights above the steps,” explains Philip Milner, Technical Director atgarden lighting(opens in new tab).'If the lights are only a few inches above the steps, you'll need one for each step, or two if you want light from both sides. If the lights are higher (300-400 mm) above the steps, then one light for every two or three steps is usually sufficient. If you are lighting from above, you can light a short flight of stairs with a single recessed spot.

11. Incorporate patio lighting ideas into your outdoor ceiling fan

Outdoor ceiling fans are essential for formal patios, especially in parts of the country that have frequent heat waves. However, they also bring with them the opportunity to integrate patio lighting ideas. "Use an outdoor ceiling fan with lights, as it will bring ambient and work light into your living or dining areas, as well as provide a cooling breeze," advises Mark Feldman. .

12. Create a rustic look with string lights

Outdoor rope lighting ideasThey are a great addition tofarm yard ideasand can easily be hung from a rustic pergola. Let them fall towards the table for a soft effect and soft light for the table top. Combine them with other light sources for sufficient lighting for the patio area.

13. Consider a campfire for a natural glow.

Even the hottest days can bring cool nights, so when the sun goes down, light the fire to keep the party going well into the night. Stoves have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Creating an inviting centerpiece on your patio, they provide a space around which friends and family can gather and enjoy each other's company.

As well as providing warmth, the flickering flames also bathe the patio in a soft glow, creating the perfect intimate setting for after-dinner conversation.

14. Choose a Pendant for Outdoor Patio Lighting Ideas

Pendant luminaires are not just a solution for the interior of a home, the outdoor versions are an eye-catcher in all differentgarden ideas, especially when suspended over outdoor dining furniture. When choosing your pendant light, it's important to measure it. Opting for a wide design will ensure that light is not lost in space. A metallic finish also catches sunlight during the day and is an attractive feature.

'Hang pendant light fixtures from the ceiling of a covered living area, such as your wraparound porch or paved patio. You can choose styles that match the architecture of your home, or you can capture the look of pendant string lights teamed with glass lids and Edison-style bulbs,” says Mark Feldman.

15. Frame an outdoor fireplace with symmetrical sconces.

Place lights on either side of an outdoor fireplace to create a sophisticated outdoor living area. They can provide just enough soft lighting for a living area that is softly highlighted by the flickering flames of the blazing fire. The symmetry of a pair of lights on either side of the fire is the perfect complement to overturned sofas to create a fabulous outdoor entertaining space. .

16. Opt for portable light bulbs for versatile lighting

Your patio lighting ideas don't have to be permanent fixtures, in fact investing in a collection of smaller lights that you can move around your patio will give you more flexibility when creating your lighting scheme.

From small candles and lanterns to larger floor lamps, portable patio lighting ideas offer a delicate focus of light that is more than enough to create a cozy atmosphere. Alternatively, layer many smaller lights to create a more impressive display.

17. Highlight the interior with a floor lamp

Just like pendant lamps, floor lamps definitely shouldn't be limited to the interior of your home. Adding a floor lamp can be a stylish addition to a patio used for dining or lounging and can be purchased to complement your decor.patio furniture ideas.

Of course, it must be a version specially designed for outdoor use, and a weighted base will help keep it secure in the breeze outside. Want to avoid cables? Look for a design with a rechargeable bulb.

18. Mix shapes and colors in your patio lighting ideas

A set of lanterns above a patio dining table makes an eye-catching, eye-catching focal point and makes a wonderful lighting accessory.patio cover ideas. For a casual boho effect, mix different shade shapes and colors, as well as suspend them at different heights.

Think echoing colors that complement yourbunch of flowers ideas, or repeat tabletop tones for a colorful, sophisticated display.

19. Bet on warm light to create a cozy atmosphere

When selecting your patio lighting ideas, the bulbs are just as important as the design of the lights. It is important to select lamps that have a soft, soothing effect on the eyes. If you opt for LED lights orsolar garden lighting ideas, that means choosing a type that produces a warm white light like the ones shown here. Cool white is brighter than warm tones, but it can appear cold and slightly clinical. Therefore, cold lights are more suitable for practical applications than for creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

20. Wash light on a wall

If your patio is protected by a wall, this is the ideal place to add permanent lighting that makes using the space very comfortable. Top Cover Wall Lights will illuminate the wall to create a feature of a painted or textured surface and to illuminatepatio planting ideasor seats below, as well as providing general lighting.

21. Hang a series of pendant lights to create a centerpiece.

just like insidedining room ideas, a row of pendant lamps above the table is also a great outdoor feature. The key to achieving this look is making sure you have enough lights to illuminate the entire length of the table.

Also, keep in mind that they will need to be suspended high enough to avoid blocking views and conversations across the table, but lower than a pendant - the set should look visually connected to the table below.

22. Double with a patio light with built-in heater

If you live in a colder part of the country, you'll know the value of a patio heater. Consider choosing an electric version that provides light to the area as well as heat. Select a design with a shade that also has the style of a lamp, as well as the elegant lines of a lamp.

If your patio is small and a patio heater takes up a lot of space, tabletop versions are a stylish and attractive alternative.

23. Complement a contemporary patio with wall lights

If your patio is part of a modern patio design with an emphasis on building landscaping using materials such as stone, concrete and metal, along with architectural plants, patio lighting ideas should also be contemporary.

Echo the geometric lines of the patio design in the form of wall appliqués and repeat colors from a modern material palette for a blended effect.

What are the best lights for an outdoor patio?

The best lights for an outdoor patio are those that adapt to use and complement your style. For a festive feel, the outdoor lights are hard to beat and can be solar or battery powered, making installation easy and avoiding dangling cable issues.

But for patios with regular use, recessed lighting is best, and you can combine pendant and wall lamps as background lighting, along with other patio lighting ideas like outdoor floor and table lamps, as well as accent lighting for highlight plants and architectural features. Of course, it's best to incorporate it at the same time you're planning anddesigning a patio, although it could be adapted in a less neat way.

If you are installing electrical lighting or outdoor outlets, always follow building codes and regulations and call a qualified contractor.

How is an outdoor patio lit?

To light an outdoor patio, first think about the space's ambient or background lighting. It could be an outdoor pendant light or string lights, for example, and it will create an overall patio light that is soft and atmospheric.

You can complement them with appliqués on some patios. Just be sure to look up and down for lights to avoid glare.

If you're grilling and dining on the patio, don't forget that you'll need bright enough light to work safely; in other words, task lighting. However, this should be separately operable so you can switch it off once you're done cooking for a more relaxing mood.

For patios with seating areas, floor and table lamps are valuable additions to a lighting scheme, casting intimate pools of light onto those seated.

Don't forget that accent lighting that focuses on your chosen features can double as a safety feature, highlighting the patio edge or steps, for example. Any path to a patio should also be lit so the path to the area is clearly visible.

Do I need a special lamp for outdoor lighting?

Yes, you need a special lamp for outdoor lighting. All outdoor lamps will have a UL listing. Look for UL Listed lamps. Must be UL Listed, not UL Certified, as certified lamps have not been tested for outdoor use.

UL Listed lamps will also provide guidance on where the lamp can safely be used. Lamps listed for use in a damp location can be used on a covered patio, as an addition to the house. However, if your bulbs are going to be used outdoors, make sure they are listed for wet locations. These can be used in the garden for all your patio lighting ideas.

Can I leave the patio lights off in the winter?

Yes, you can leave your patio lights off in the winter as long as they are rated suitable for outdoor use. However, leaving patio lighting ideas outdoors during the harsh winters will shorten their lifespan. This is especially true of solar lights, where solar panels can be damaged over time by snow and ice.

To create a cozy setting for alfresco dining, wrap a set of lights around acheating on meat(opens in new tab), like this one from Terrain. This will instantly increase yourpatio furniture ideas, and set a tone for something special.

For a semi-permanent solution, you can use plug-in lights, but if you're decorating your patio for an occasion or don't have easy access to a power source, battery-operated lights will work too.