15 Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Make the Perfect (and Coziest!) Backyard Setup
Summer’s warm weather means it’s time to prep your outdoor space to get it ready for entertaining. Whether you have a balcony, porch, deck, patio or backyard, part of that prep work includes thinking about lighting — especially when you are planning a nighttime gathering. Lighting might be the most important accessory for your outdoor space; it ultimately helps set the mood and creates a warm and inviting ambience. You want enough light to comfortably see your guests and surroundings, but not so much that it disrupts the atmosphere — or attracts bugs! So how much lighting do you actually need?
When planning your outdoor lighting, you’ll want to factor in the space you are trying to light. “Are there loads of trees or is there a view of the ocean or a pretty vista; are you on a low terrace, or are you elevated on a porch? The key for me is a ‘variety’ of lighting that suits the environment,” says Anne Hulcher Tollett, principal and founder of interior design firm Hanover Avenue.
She explains that the variety of lighting you choose should include overhead, middle-, and lower-level lighting. “I love to have a warm glow overhead, whether it is small lights in trees, solar lanterns that glow from branches, bistro lights strung between structures, or umbrellas that come with little twinkle lights inside,” Hulcher Tollett says.
Middle-level lighting typically requires electricity — it includes any lighting that can be hardwired like sconces or plugged into exterior outlets such as lamps. However, if you don’t have electricity, portable lanterns and torches will also work.
“The lower level is a lovely way to light the perimeter of a terrace or yard. You can install ground lights to uplight trees in the distance, line a pathway, or highlight a beautiful stone wall. When it’s dark outside, this kind of lighting opens the sightlines and defines your environment. Many of these kinds of lights can be solar-powered and installed in an afternoon,” Hulcher Tollett adds.
The amount of lights you use in your outdoor space will largely depend on the size and location of the area you’re lighting. “Aim for bulbs with a warm tint, ideally a 2700-degree temperature,” Hulcher Tollett says. “As humans, we have evolved to look at fires in the evening, and exterior lighting that’s too blue or too white feels jarring. I don’t think you can overdo exterior lighting as long as you add a variety of heights and can still recognize the time of evening.”
When ambient light isn’t enough, these lighting options will leave your outdoor spaces bright and ready for entertaining. There are plenty of options that are solar or battery powered, making them great choices for renters or for anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of hardwiring in lighting. Get inspired below!
Outdoor Light Ideas
1. String Lights
If you want a space that feels charming and cozy, consider hanging a couple strands of string lights. Ranging from smaller twinkle lights to larger Edison-style light bulbs, some string lights are even dimmable, making them the perfect addition to your ultra cozy outdoor seating and dining areas.
Get the Look: Mlambert LED Outdoor String Lights, $37.99 at Amazon
2. Candles
Candles also help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Place them in uncovered hurricane vases or lanterns to shield them from the wind. Citronella scented candles can also help ward away unwanted bugs.
Get the Look: Citronella Scented Round Pillar Candle, $26.97 at Amazon; Careyes Handwoven Outdoor Lantern, $52.99 at Pottery Barn
3. LED Candles
If you want to avoid having real flames, opt for LED candles, which give the same soft lighting without actual fire. LED pillar candles often come in a multipack with candles of assorted heights, making them the perfect accessory to use inside of clear lanterns.
Get the Look: Flameless Flickering Pillar LED Candles, $26.99 at Amazon
4. Firepit
Create a cozy seating area surrounding a wood burning firepit or opt for a propane firepit to enjoy on your patio or porch. The fire emanates plenty of light, while also serving as a source of heat for chilly nights.
Get the Look: Howland Cast Iron Wood Burning Fire Pit, $109 at Wayfair
5. Sconces
Wall-mounted lights can be used to illuminate full decks, balconies, or porches. Sconces come in a variety of styles; some shine light downward, providing direct light. Others point upward and provide more ambient light in the surrounding areas.
Get the Look: Dorado Indoor/Outdoor Steel Cage Wall Light, $189.49 at Amazon
6. Solar Lights
As the name implies, these lights are solar-powered, making them easy to place just about anywhere outdoors. Use them to light up flower beds or planters, or around your patio to light up walkways and paths. There are even solar deck lights that can be clipped onto deck rails for added light, and stair lights that can provide extra safety.
Get the Look: Outdoor Waterproof Solar Garden Lights, $22.94 at Amazon
7. Chandelier
If you have an outdoor structure that has overhead hanging space, such as a pergola or covered porch, consider adding an accent chandelier or two. Chandeliers make the space feel more elegant and luxurious, while providing light to the area below.
Get the Look: Benedetto 6-Light Dimmable Chandelier, $189.99 at Wayfair
8. Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans with an attached light fixture help light areas up while also cooling them down. Outdoor fans can actually act as a mosquito repellent: the wind helps keep flying bugs away. When selecting a fan, make sure to choose one that is damp rated and is safe to use in covered outdoor locations.
Get the Look: Harbor Breeze Reidsport Flush Mount Ceiling Fan with Light, $99.98 at Lowe’s
9. Lantern
If you’re looking for a portable light option, consider a lantern or lamp. These compact light sources can be battery- or oil-powered, meaning they don’t need to be anywhere near an outlet. Use them to light up the farthest corners of your deck, balcony, or yard, or on a tabletop.
Get the Look: Stansport Hurricane High Oil Lantern, $15.93 at Amazon
10. Lighted Umbrella
Lighted patio umbrellas provide much needed shade in the sunlight and ample lighting at night. Whether you’re lounging on a sofa or dining alfresco, a lighted umbrella is a truly versatile backyard accessory that is useful throughout the day.
Get the Look: Blissun LED Lighted Patio Umbrella, $71.99 at Amazon
11. Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns, which are made out of thin — and often brightly colored — paper, are easy to install and are a fun decoration for both parties and regular enjoyment. Some lanterns can be attached to string lights, but others come pre-lit. They add the perfect pop of color to any outdoor space.
Get the Look: Colorful Paper Lanterns with LED Light, $16.95 at Amazon
12. Outdoor Fireplace
Cozying up around a fireplace is one of the many activities people enjoy in their homes, so why not bring that space outside? Opt for a built-in fireplace that’s installed by professionals, or purchase a ready-to-assemble fireplace that can be used wherever you want it.
Get the Look: Pirtle Steel Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace, $1,289.99 at Wayfair
13. Neon Sign
Neon signs are great additions to entertaining areas, especially outdoor bar setups. They provide plenty of light without being too bright when you look at them; plus, some are even dimmable. You can also order custom neon signs that match your design aesthetic and showcase your personality. The possibilities are endless!
Get the Look: Chicken Neon Sign, $350 at Brite Lite
14. Pendant Light
If you have space to hang a light fixture, a pendant light is a great decorative option. They can brighten up dark areas where you need overhead lighting, like above a dining table. Natural finishes like rattan and wicker feel very appropriate for summer and are perfect to use outdoors.
Get the Look: Flora Outdoor All-Weather Wicker Pendant, $359 at Pottery Barn
15. Spotlight
A spotlight shines a direct beam of light onto an object or targeted area, highlighting it. In the photo above, a tree-mounted spotlight illuminates a few disco balls hanging above the pool. Spotlights are great accent lights; they are perfect for drawing your attention to any desired object or area.
Get the Look: SUNVIE Dusk to Dawn Outdoor LED Spotlight, $49.99 at Amazon