Try Out These Brilliant Balcony Light Ideas to Illuminate Your Outdoor Space

Katie Holdefehr
Katie Holdefehr
Katie is a fan of all things handmade and nature-made.
updated Apr 8, 2022
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
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Nothing beats the feeling of eating dinner out on your balcony or enjoying the company of family on your stylish new patio furniture set. When the warm weather months roll around, you’ll probably feel motivated to whip your patio into shape, whether it’s super small or expansive. 

Sure, you’ll want to add some weatherproof chair cushions and ceramic planters to your shopping list, but there’s one thing that sets the ambiance like nothing else: lighting. Especially as the sun goes down and darkness settles on your outdoor gathering, the lighting you choose will go a long way toward setting the right mood. 

Luckily, there are tons of balcony lighting ideas out there – you’re no longer restricted to utilitarian pathway lamps or not-so-stylish floodlights; outdoor lighting is super chic now—so chic that you might question if that pendant light or table lamp actually belongs inside!

Below, you’ll find a shoppable selection of many of our favorite balcony lighting ideas, from string lights to sconces, that’ll extend the time you can spend outside and really make your outdoor spaces shine.

Svater 96Ft Outdoor String Light
$74

Arguably one of the most popular balcony lighting ideas is string lights. And this vintage-inspired take on classic string lights uses Edison-style light bulbs to cast a cozy glow on an outdoor party. With an expansive 96 feet of lights, this set is dimmable as well, which is great if you have neighbors who don’t appreciate your lights as much as you do.

$74 at Amazon
Solar Powered Integrated LED Outdoor Lantern (Set of 2)
$33$30

How adorable is this two-pack of LED lantern lights? Each glimmering orb features lasered cutouts of daisies and dragonflies that throw light in artsy patterns onto your balcony or deck. Light shining through intricate designs is one of our favorite balcony lighting ideas with a friendly price tag and plenty of portability.

$30 at Wayfair
Simple String Lights
$69

String lights are fun, but this glam version features chic gold-brushed detailing for a posh balcony lighting idea.

$69 at West Elm
Maxim Chalet 10" High Bronze and Gold LED Outdoor Wall Light
$100$90

Wall lights can add a dramatic effect to a space, and this one in particular has an old world feel built into its modern shape and material. It’s a cool fixture with a big payoff that takes little effort to install.

$90 at Lamps Plus
Polyterrazzo Oil Lamp
$25

If all the other balcony lighting ideas are making you yawn, it’s time to wake up. Go beyond the classic examples of balcony lighting and opt for a unique oil lamp that no one else in your neighborhood probably owns.

$25 at CB2
Pacifica Outdoor Pendant
$398$318

Pendant lamps in natural finishes are near the top of our list of the best balcony lighting ideas. While they're typically pictured in indoor spaces, pendant lamps work wonders for outdoor rooms, too. You can select a large one or hang a few in different sizes for patio decor your friends will envy. Plus, nothing screams summertime quite like wicker textures.

$318 at Serena & Lily
Tanit LED Table Lamp
$377

Stay connected while bringing warm lighting to your space with this iron LED table lamp. The clean lines and geometric shape add a modern, attractive vibe, while the soft lighting won’t be distracting.

$377 at YLighting
Globe LED Indoor/Outdoor Lamp
$330$251

This glowing orb is the ultimate pool party accessory—the LED light can be placed on the patio or allowed to float on top of the water.

$251 at YLighting
Ivara 1-Light Cone Pendant
$290

This chic hanging pendant lamp has a modern farmhouse appeal to it, which means you can extend that shiplap and modern farmhouse vibe that’s radiating from your house all the way into your outdoor area.

$290 at AllModern
Outdoor/Indoor 10 ft. Plug-In Incandescent G Type Bulb String Light with 8-Smoky Glass Shades
$35

Adding smoky shades to outdoor string lights can add a major air of sophistication and extra drama to your outdoor setup. The tinted glass helps diffuse light and will set the right mood for al fresco dining.

$35 at Home Depot
Bronze Cage Light Shade, Set of 6
$30

LED lights aren’t quite the same when they’re enclosed in edgy cage light shades. These cool alternatives break away from tradition and will never fail to make a statement on any balcony, deck, or patio.

$30 at Pottery Barn
12 ft. 10-Light Battery Operated Metal Indoor Integrated LED String Lights
$12

Geometric shapes are all the rage, and we think they have a place on your balcony, too! Hanging up string lights with geometric cages is one of our favorite balcony lighting ideas. It can be a great little statement, especially for smaller outdoor spaces. All your plein air activities will benefit from the cozy atmosphere that these shapes create.

$12 at Home Depot
Lighthouse Lantern Teak, Small
$310

To really infuse a Japanese-inspired look in your backyard, a structural teak lantern will work wonders. We love this balcony lighting idea for its versatility: add colored candles and decor for any season or holiday to create a year-round festive look, or leave it bare for a minimalist vibe.

$310 at YLighting
Cylinder Indoor/Outdoor LED Sconce
$79

Need lots of light on your balcony but don’t want to feel like you’re playing flashlight tag? This sleek, spherical LED sconce has you covered. Bright LED light flows from both the top and bottom, plenty to illuminate your outdoor tasks without reminding you of a spotlight.

$79 at West Elm
Outdoor Patio Umbrella Marquee Lights
$100

A brilliant solution for lighting your outdoor feasts, this circle of LED lights snaps right onto the umbrella pole, no cords or power chargers needed.

$100 at Crate & Barrel
Woven Coastal Lanterns
$75$56

Add the sounds of steel drums and a mojito, and you’ll be transported to a tropical island right in your own backyard. Rattan hurricane glass lanterns are vacation-reminiscent but don’t cross over into kitschy territory.

$56 at West Elm
Mid-Century Clear Globe Sconce
$109

A mid-century modern sconce may be a dreamy addition to your interior, but you probably haven’t considered working one into your outdoor space. A lamp that fits in a patio or front porch setting that works with your style—how could you say no?

$109 at Shades of Light
Wexford Collection Hanging Lantern 3-Light Outdoor Matte Black Light Fixture
$100

This stylish pendant sconce features three candle bulbs that beautifully filter soft light throughout your outdoor space. Available in two finishes, this is the perfect addition to either a front entrance or back patio.

$100 at Home Depot
Rain Outdoor Sconce
$995

This stunning sconce is more a work of art than anything else. The glass that encases the single light is beautifully crafted to look like a falling raindrop, and air bubbles throughout cast a playful light across your space. Who said statement lighting can’t be a balcony lighting idea to consider?

$995 at RH
Solar Tealights
$34

This trio of solar-powered swirled glass lamps adds a gentle glow to an outdoor balcony.

$34 at Uncommon Goods
Burnished Silver Square Lanterns
$16$13

Clean lines and a burnished silver finish make these lanterns a stylish addition to a modern backyard.

$13 at Jamali Garden
1-Light Brick Patina Outdoor Cottage Wall Lantern Sconce
$35

With a seeded glass globe and a steel cage, this wall-mounted light blends cottage charm with industrial chic.

$35 at Home Depot
Arrington Outdoor Wall Light
$130

Clear glass panels let you peek at the Edison-style bulb inside this wall-mounted outdoor sconce.

$130 at Lamps Plus
Wooden Cozie Wrapped Lantern
$60

We can’t get enough of these wooden mini lanterns. They’re perfect for casting a warm glow on a small space. If you’re looking for balcony lighting ideas for a tiny space that only fits a cafe table, these little lanterns would be the perfect finishing touch.

$60 at Uncommon Goods

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