22 Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Outdoor string lights add a bit of magic to any garden and are one of the most popular forms of outdoor landscape lighting. Some patio lighting ideas include wrapping string lights around tree trunks, deck railings or even trellises for an unexpected focal point. Even add some vintage flair by elegantly draping Edison bulb string lights or mercury ball string lights along walkways.

Porch lights add curb appeal during the day and a welcoming glow after the sun goes down.

On a deck or patio, wall-mount lanterns and sconces let you create the perfect look for your outdoor room. The right wall-mount light fixtures can even give your garage a carriage house look. Choose from a wide selection of styles, including outdoor lanterns with candle-style lights for a traditional look, gooseneck barn lights for farmhouse appeal and more.

If you’ve got a small outdoor area, flush mount outdoor wall lamps make the most of your space. Complete your look with different types of glass, including the antique appeal of seeded glass, the rippled look of water glass or the sophistication of beveled glass. Choose lights that point upward for ambient light or downward for more direct light. Finally, ensure the fixture is damp rated or wet rated depending on where you plan to use it.

Make your home exterior elegant with outdoor chandeliers. From rustic to farmhouse to modern, these light fixtures give you bold options for your outdoor lighting ideas and can create the perfect look to complement your home and landscape. Light an outdoor dining area with a fixture sized to your table or choose a full-sized design for a covered deck or screened porch. You can style a large front porch with a chandelier above your front door or dress up a smaller sitting area with a compact design that’s not overpowering. An outdoor chandelier can even add an unexpected glow of luxury to a gazebo. Don’t forget to select a damp-rated or wet-rated chandelier based on exposure. And make sure your ceiling is high enough for at least 7 feet of space under the fixture.

Outdoor lanterns add a welcoming glow and are extremely versatile. They're available as post lights or hanging lights and feature many luxurious finishes. Mix different lantern sizes together and create a post-light centerpiece across from the dining table. Group smaller lanterns on a side table next to conversation chairs for more intimate lighting, and place larger lanterns from posts to mark pathways. Consider LED lanterns for reliable lighting that's cool running and energy efficient.

Hanging lanterns are also timeless statement pieces. Save time and space by hanging a lantern from a shepherds hook. You can also hang lanterns from tree limbs, pergolas or gazebos. Make a lantern cluster in a tree, hanging several at various heights for an instant landscape transformation.

Post lights add whimsy as well as additional illumination along pathways, in your front yard and in your garden. There are a variety of fixture shapes and finishes to choose from to accent your landscape perfectly.

Landscape lighting illuminates the trees, shrubs and flower beds that you’ve been caring for. Flood lights and spot lights reveal trees and larger areas of your yard. Most landscape lights are available in low-voltage, solar and LED versions, helping you conserve energy while lighting areas far from power outlets. Outdoor landscape lighting kits come with everything you need for your unique DIY plans. For more information on landscape lighting, check out our Outdoor Lighting Buying Guide.

Use path lights to accentuate walkways in your garden, leading up to the front or back porch and around your home’s exterior.

Fire pits create a lively centerpiece for entertaining any time of the year. When you place a few cozy patio chairs around a fire pit, you also create an additional seating area. A simple wood-burning fire pit is perfect for entertaining, but it's not your only option. You can opt for an impressive stone fire pit fueled by propane and never worry about running out of wood. Keep the marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers at hand because any season is a good season for s’mores if you have a private fire pit.

Candles provide accent light with a soft glow. Arrange candles together on a dining table or side table for a more dramatic effect. Look for flameless LED candles if you have small children or pets with active tails. Flameless candles create the same look without the risks associated with real flames.

Decorative torches, commonly made from split bamboo or metal, add festive flair to your outdoor spaces. They're a fun option for any budget. As with any open flame, avoid overhanging eaves, trees and areas of activity where the torches could be knocked over.

Hanging outdoor pendant lights help evenly distribute the glow throughout an outdoor living area while adding vertical interest to the space. They can also be clustered under a pergola or overhang to create a faux-ceiling effect.

LED rope lights install easily without a lot of tools and can be used to frame and accentuate outdoor stair railings, porch railings, fences, planting boxes and more.

Use spot lights, stake lights and other types of landscape lighting to illuminate trees, potted plants, flower beds and hedges at night.

Protect your home against intruders with motion-activated security lights. When combined with a home security system and sturdy locks on doors and windows, you can help keep your property and loved ones safe. Plus, most security lights can be installed easily as a DIY project.

Use step lights to make traversing outdoor stairs at night much safer. These lights can also add additional curb appeal when combined with other types of accent lighting.

Rail lights are an excellent way to brighten up your deck in the evening when entertaining outdoors.

Pool lights are fantastic for night swimming. Plus, they look beautiful playing off the water’s mirrored surface. You can have built-in lights installed if you have an inground swimming pool or simply purchase free-floating LED versions, or use both.

Create intimate mood lighting for outdoor dining with a lighted patio umbrella. It’ll help create an elegant space for enjoying the cool night air and the sounds of nature with family and friends.

Project a welcoming glow outside your front door by framing it with wall sconces, porch spot lights or even string lights.

Create your own outdoor light ideas to get the custom look you need for the space. For a bit of inspiration, check out our how-to DIY String Light Planters.

It’s always good to have a plan before making your backyard lighting ideas a reality. Think about the activities you enjoy and how you’d like to use your outdoor space. Outdoor lighting showcases what you're proud of while providing useful glow. For a smaller area, create an intimate setting by grouping lanterns and candles. Add landscape lights around the patio and along any pathways leading to the house. For areas with daytime sunlight, consider solar outdoor lights, especially if you don't have a lot of outdoor power outlets. Or look into low-voltage and LED options to reduce energy use. Deck or stair lights also create a warm pattern while providing safety.

If you have ample space, use lighting to define different parts of your yard. Outdoor string lights work great draped from a pergola or gazebo and create a lighthearted vibe. A fire pit provides warmth and a secondary place for guests to gather. Use spot lights or flood lights to illuminate trees and shrubs, putting the finishing touches on your retreat. Ready to add your lights? Check out How to Install Landscape Lighting for useful advice and tips.