Outdoor Lighting Options to Spruce Up Any Patio Space

Lighting plays a crucial role in establishing the feel and enhancing the functionality of spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Creating the right ambience for your space has quite a bit to do with choosing the right furniture and decor, but a whole lot to do with selecting appropriate lighting.

With summer approaching, many people are looking to spruce up their decks and patio spaces in preparation for outdoor gatherings. A great way to enhance these spaces is by adding or upgrading your outdoor lighting.

That being said, I've got good news and bad news for you. Let's get the bad news out of the way first: If you're looking to illuminate an outdoor space, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the plethora of options out there. There are a LOT of outdoor lighting options available, and it can be tough to narrow it down.

The good news? It's twofold. Illuminating an outdoor space is an affordable way to add charm and whimsy, giving you a lot of bang for your buck (which you know I love). And the guide to outdoor lighting options that you're about to read can help you avoid the dreaded overwhelm that often comes with outdoor lighting decisions.    

Let's dive in. 

Patio Lighting Options

Here, we'll take a look at 5 popular outdoor lighting options for patios and shine some light (see what I did there?) on how to choose which option will work best for you. 

1. Pathway Lights 

Pathway lights are especially great for illuminating walkways and borders. They can be used to designate paths to and from your patio area, or to illuminate the edges of a patio space. These lights come in a wide variety of styles and finishes, so you're sure to find one that's in your price range and aligns with the vibe of your outdoor space. Many pathway lights are also solar powered, meaning that you won't need to fuss with electrical wiring. 

Pathway lights are a great option for those looking to: 

• add an extra element of safety to their patio area

• illuminate pathways or the edges/borders of a patio area

• add ambience without having to hide wires or manage a complex installation

2. Lanterns

Lanterns are fabulous because they add a level of elegance to a space, but they're also portable and versatile. They can be placed on tables, hung from hooks or tree branches, set along pathways - the possibilities are endless, and you don't have to stick to just one. Lanterns also come in all sizes, styles, and finishes so whether your style is classic or contemporary and your budget is $ or $$$$, you can find a lantern option that will work for your patio space. These days, many lanterns are solar powered or fueled by rechargeable batteries or good old-fashioned candlelight so you won't have to worry about running electrical or finding a way to plug them in.

Lanterns are ideal for those who want a patio lighting option that: 

• is portable and doesn't involve electrical wiring

• is versatile and can be used in various ways

• adds an elegant ambience to the space

3. String Lights

String lights, also referred to as bistro lights, have become increasingly popular in the past several years - and for good reason. These add instant appeal to an outdoor space and make areas more charming and inviting with relatively minimal effort. They can be draped across pergolas, strung along railings, hung from trees or along overhangs, or even strung between poles. They are very affordably priced in most cases, and are available in various styles and colors. 

String lights are a good patio lighting choice for those who:

• don't mind doing some measurement to be sure they have enough lights to cover the desired area and an appropriate extension cord to reach a power source

• are willing to do some legwork to get them hung up, properly spaced, and secured 

• have electrical power available in the patio space

4. Wall Mounted Lights & Spotlights

Wall mounted lights and spotlights are a great option if you're looking for functional lighting in your space. These lights are often a bit too harsh for providing ambient lighting, but they're great for highlighting patio features or for fully illuminating a space. They can be hard-wired for reliable power, and will provide consistent lighting for your patio area. Both can be adjusted to focus on different parts of your patio, and can save space since they are mounted on the wall, out of the way. Once again, these lights are available in a wide variety of styles and at various price points. 

Wall mounted lights and spotlights are ideal for those who are looking to: 

• fully illuminate an outdoor space, or spotlight specific patio areas or features

• save space with lighting that's wall mounted

• are willing to do (or hire out) electrical work required to get them installed

5. Fire Pits, Fire Bowls and Candles

Fire adds an inviting, rustic ambience to any patio or outdoor space. Whether you do fire on a larger scale (think firepit) or on a smaller scale (think candlelight), fire features enable you to bring a very natural light to your space in a way that can suit any budget and style. In addition to providing light, fire pits and fire bowls also provide warmth, which is ideal on cooler evenings and during chillier times of the year. A fire feature can extend your patio season, which is an advantage that none of the other lighting options can offer. 

Fire pits, fire bowls and candles are appropriate for those who:

• want to add a natural, inviting ambience to their patio space (and don't mind some smoke if they choose a wood-burning option)

• have a patio that's adequately distant from any structures or trees that may create a fire hazard 

• are willing to take appropriate fire safety precautions 

In Conclusion

Whether it's a combination of the options above or just a simple set of string lights, adding some light to your outdoor space can create an inviting ambience that will level up your patio space. There are many patio lighting options out there, but with a solid understanding of your budget, your style, and your functional needs, you can narrow down the prospects and find the outdoor lighting solution that suits you best.  

Need a little bit of help finding your way when it comes to outdoor lighting for your space? Let's team up to figure it out! Together, we can generate the creative spark you need to light up your patio in a way that's uniquely you.