The right lighting can enhance any outdoor space. In fact, creative lighting can take a basic backyard patio and transform it into a warm and inviting atmosphere. The creative outdoor lighting ideas below are all easy home upgrades you, or an electrician, can complete on a weekend.
Gas Lanterns
Gas lanterns are a gorgeous and unique outdoor lighting choice. They add a vintage charm to your front door or the doors leading into your backyard. Gas lanterns have real flames, so just make sure your homeowners association approves of their use before purchasing and installing them.
Gas fire pit
Installing a fire pit is one of the best ways to add light to your outdoor area. A gas fire pit can create incredible ambiance and enable you to use your outdoor space even after the weather gets cooler. There are many different types of outdoor fire pits. Some are rustic, while others are modern and built into outdoor tables. Whatever your style, one exists to suit it.
Chandeliers
If you have an outdoor dining area, installing a chandelier above the table is a creative and unexpected touch. You can hire an electrician to wire a chandelier or purchase battery-operated lightbulbs that you can charge before you host a special event. The best part about battery-powered lightbulbs is they do not require a socket. Your chandelier can be rustic or even crystal for a glam-inspired look. Either way, incorporating a chandelier into your outdoor dining experience can truly elevate the space.
Tiki torches
Tiki torches never go out of style, whether you’re a baby boomer, millennial, or Gen Z. If you want to create an outdoor haven that feels like a vacation, tiki torches are a great addition. These torches usually have citronella and can repel insects, too, so they serve two purposes. They can be functional in preventing bugs from bothering your guests, while adding a fun touch that can make your backyard feel like a tropical escape.
Solar path lights
A straightforward addition to your outdoor lighting is solar path lights. You can purchase these in many different places, and they come in various sizes, designs, and even colors. The great thing about these lights is that you don’t have to have extensive wiring. As the name suggests, they are powered and charged by the sun, so they charge during the day and light up on their own at night.
Rail lights
If you have an outdoor deck, patio, or stairs, installing rail lights can give your outdoor space a soft glow and improve visibility, preventing injury when people come over. In addition to rail lights, you can add step lights to ensure guests can safely get up and down stairs and out to your patio.
Floating pool lights
If your real estate broker found you a house with an outdoor pool, consider yourself lucky. A pool is one of the best areas to install creative lighting. There are many new products available, such as floating pool lights, that can add a lot of visual interest to your outdoor party. You can also install lights around your pool to showcase this beautiful part of your home.
Mason jar lights
Depending on the style of your home, Mason jar lights can add a nice touch to your backyard. Plus, Mason jar lights are very versatile. You can add a small battery-powered light or fill them with LED-powered twinkle lights. You can group jars together on a table or hang them from branches. The possibilities are endless.
Paper lanterns
If you are hosting an outdoor party, consider using paper lanterns. Paper lanterns are affordable and easy to hang if you have trees in your backyard. You can also place them on table tops, and they will add visual interest without sending you over budget.
Pergola lighting
A pergola is a great way to highlight a specific space in your backyard. Pergolas are designed to add interest, and you can set up outdoor seating or an outdoor dining table underneath. With posts and wood beams running across the top, pergolas are an ideal area to incorporate creative lighting. Fairy lights look especially great on a pergola.
Privacy fence lights
Privacy fences can be unsightly, whether your plot of land is large or small. If you add vertical lights to your privacy fence, it can create a sparkling wall that gives your friends and family a private space and a nice amount of light to your backyard.
Candlelight
Candles are always great for a warm, cozy outdoor space. You can get large lanterns or combine several small candles from inside your home to create a warm, comfortable vibe. If you live in an area that tends to be windy or you’re worried you will forget to blow them out, there are battery-operated candles with very convincing flickering flames.
Motion-sensor lights
Motion-sensor lights are a great addition to your backyard for several reasons. First, they provide security because they turn on whenever someone walks by them at night. They also conserve energy because they only turn on when motion is detected. You likely won’t be able to take them with you if you decide to sell your home and move, but they are still a smart consideration when creating your outdoor lighting design.
Other considerations for outdoor lighting
When choosing the best creative outdoor lighting ideas for your home, you should also consider:
- Safety: Keep walkways and stairs well lit to prevent falls. Also ensure your added lighting doesn’t exceed your electric circuit’s capacity. When in doubt, consult an electrician.
- Layering: Consider combining different types of lighting for a cohesive, layered look. For example, you can combine string lights, sconces, and candles to create dimension in an outdoor space.
- Eco-friendliness: There are many ways to create an environmentally friendly outdoor space. For example, you can install solar lights, motion-sensor lights, and lights that use rechargeable batteries.
- Delineating spaces: Much like furniture and accessories, you can also use lighting to delineate outdoor spaces. Some spaces could be cozier with warm lights and candles, while floating pool lanterns could signal a party area.
- Consult an agent: If you’re unsure whether your lighting plan is appropriate for your home, you can always consult a real estate agent.