Whether you’ve got a small patio space or an entire yard to play with, decorating your outdoor space is essential. And no matter how you choose to decorate, good lighting can truly make or break the overall vibe. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor lighting ideas to give your space the oomph it needs.
From DIY options to simple, affordable lighting, as well as more intricate designs, there’s something for everyone. They’ll all give your space a cozy vibe, as well as provide ample, ambient light for the nighttime. There are a few different types to choose from, including landscape lighting, safety lighting, and accent lighting.
With all that being said, let’s dive right into these 15 outdoor lighting ideas.
Table of Contents
Outdoor Lighting Ideas
1. Globe String Lights
Globe string lights are a classic option for outdoor lighting, adding an industrial and detailed touch to the space. They’re also easy to hang, connecting to poles, walls, ceilings, and trees with a few zip ties. Plus, they’re versatile enough for all different areas, whether you want to hang them over a dining or conversational area or add a little light along a walkway.
2. Floor Lanterns
Floor lanterns come in an abundance of different styles to suit any space. Whether you want something glass that’s cool and simple or a metallic design that casts shadows across your lawn, there’s something for everyone. They add a lived-in, comfortable feel and are versatile since they can be easily moved or hung up.
3. Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns are an ethereal and romantic touch to any backyard space. They come in an abundance of different colors, they’re easy to DIY, and they’re light enough to hang almost anywhere, whether that’s from the ceiling, wooden posts, or a tree. Plus, like floor lanterns, they can be moved around to suit your needs.
4. Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are often battery-powered, but there are solar-powered options on the market as well. They are a daintier option and are more ideal for ambiance rather than functionality. They can be strung along the sides of your balcony, attached to trees, strewn across lawns, and fitted on railings to add a minimal and sparkly touch.
5. Wall Sconces
Ideal for adding safety as well as style, wall sconces can be placed in high traffic areas. You’ll normally find them outside of doorways, but they can also be placed around seating and in dining spaces. Wall sconces are another option that is available in plenty of different decor styles, but it’s important to find a weather-safe design.
6. DIY Mason Jar Lights
DIY mason jar lights are functional, trendy, and eco-friendly. They effectively reuse old sauce jars you’ve used up over time and add a farmhouse-chic touch to your outdoor space. There are so many different DIY options out there, whether you want to recreate the firefly look by filling a jar with fairy lights, toss a candle in, or hand make a functional light.
7. DIY Tin Can Lights
Another DIY lighting option? Tin can lights! You can carve them to cast custom shapes and shadows onto your lawn, paint them, and even get the kids involved. Plus, they’re eco-conscious as well since you’ll be reusing something you may have otherwise thrown away!
8. Hanging Lights
If you want to add something decorative yet functional to your space, hanging lights are sure to be the conversational piece of your backyard. They’re usually quite simple to hang and look best attached to a weeping willow, the walls of your home, or the posts along your yard.
9. Garden Statue Light
A garden statue light is a seamless way to decorate your landscape while adding a luxurious touch that will truly make your space shine during the nighttime. They’re often crafted from ceramic or concrete material and are solar charged, making them a hassle-free and long-lasting option.
10. Pathway Lights
As the name would suggest, pathway lights are ideal for lighting long stretches and will guide you through the yard, but they can also add an aesthetic touch. Whether you want to play with shadows, cast a little light on your garden, or keep all eyes on the careful woodworking of your deck, pathway lights are a functional and stylish choice.
11. Stair Lights
Like pathway lights, stair lights are a necessity for safe walking at night. The best ones are inconspicuous and set beneath the stair, casting light onto where you should step next. But there are more unique options on the market as well, whether they attach to the railing or stake into the ground.
12. Tiki Torches
Often used at parties or boho-themed yard spaces, tiki torches are a fun and functional way to add lighting to your outdoor space. They can be staked into the ground around the patio, yard, or garden space, whether you’d like to use them to light a pathway or show off the florals in your garden. Plus, they’re versatile and can easily be moved around whenever and wherever you need.
13. Candles
While battery-operated candles are the safest option, a candle is a great way to add a cozy and functional touch to your yard or patio. They can sit in jars and lanterns, but you can also set them on tabletops and create unique centerpieces. Plus, they come in all different colors and sizes so you can opt for one that suits your needs best.
14. Hanging Wicker Lanterns
Wicker is another token option for boho spaces, but it can be a great way to add a warm and home-y touch no matter your vibe. The lanterns can be strung up in all different sizes for an eclectic look, strewn along the patio to guide the way, or placed alongside seating to add a cozy vibe.
15. Patio Fire Pit
A fire pit is a crowd favorite in terms of outdoor lighting. But, it also adds the benefit of everything from burning marshmallows to cozying up on a cooler summer night. Many can also be used as tabletops during the daytime and pair seamlessly with other lightning options for an inviting and unique look.
To Sum Up
If you want a cozy, luxurious outdoor space, the best thing to do is combine more than one lighting idea. In many of our inspo pics, you’ll see combinations of multiple different modes of lighting. By putting lanterns on the floor, sconces on the wall, and stringing lights overhead, the space has dimension and depth.
No matter which option you choose to go with, we’re looking forward to hearing about it! Let us know all the deets below–which lighting solutions will you be combining?