No new outdoor entertainment space is complete without lighting. Without it, your nighttime guests won’t be able to see your hard work or each other. We’ll explore a few outdoor lighting upgrades to transform your backyard into the perfect summer gathering spot, from pathways to patios.
Shine a Light on Outdoor Rooms
Outdoor rooms are an extension of your living space, and deserve just as much attention to lighting as your indoor areas.
Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and dimension. Use overhead fixtures for general illumination, add task lighting near seating areas or outdoor kitchens, and incorporate accent lights to highlight landscaping features or architectural elements.
Install dimmer switches or smart lighting systems to have more granular control over the lights. You can adjust their ambiance based on the time of day or the type of gathering you’re hosting. Turn the brightness up for a barbecue or bring it down to a mellow glow for a quiet evening.
Install Outdoor Path Lights for Safer Walking
Illuminating walkways and paths at night can also make a welcoming entrance to your outdoor spaces. By strategically placing your light fixtures, you can guide your guests to fire pits and sitting areas.
Position the pathway lights at regular intervals, focusing on steps, turns, and changes in elevation. Your goal is to light the path evenly without making harsh shadows or glare. Opt for fixtures that direct light downward to minimize light pollution and keep a soft glow.
Solar-powered LEDs are an excellent eco-friendly path lighting option that charges during the day and automatically turns on at night.
DIY Outdoor Tabletop Mason Jar Lights
Mason jar lights are a charming and budget-friendly way to light up pathways and patios. You can also hang them from trees and pergolas, line fences and railings with them, or swap in LED votives to use them as a candle centerpiece that adapts well to the seasons.
To make them, clean and dry your mason jars and place battery-powered string lights inside. You can also place a tea light or fake candle at the bottom. Add a few decorative elements to the jar if you desire. If you’re hanging the jars from a tree or roof, secure wire around their neck and create a loop.
Hang a Light Fixture From a Tree Branch
Suspending pendant light fixtures from tree branches is an unexpected design option that can create a magical, almost fairytale-like atmosphere for your outdoor space.
Select a weather-resistant or outdoor-rated pendant or chandelier that matches your existing outdoor decor. Use LED bulbs where possible, as they are energy efficient and have a long life span.
To hang the fixture, find a sturdy branch that can support its weight. Use properly-rated electrical cords, and consult with an electrician if you’re unsure about the wiring process.
Highlight a Pergola With String Lights
Create an air of romance under your pergola by wrapping it with string lights—or save yourself some effort and tack up strings along beams in a zigzag pattern.
To hang string lights on your pergola, wrap them around the posts and beams for a uniform look. Zigzag across the top of the pergola to make a canopy effect.
Use LED bulbs and outdoor-rated lights and cords and have a wire attachment with your stable gun on hand to avoid punctures. Edison-style bulbs offer a warmer, more vintage design that compliments many other styles.
Additional Lighting Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining
Here are a few extra ideas to further enhance your outdoor lighting setup.
Floating Pool Lights
If you have a pool or water feature, add floating LED lights for a mesmerizing effect during evening gatherings. These lights come in various shapes and colors so you can create a custom ambiance.
Fire Features
Fire pits, tiki torches, and tabletop fire bowls can add a warm, natural light source to your space and a centerpiece to your gatherings. The cozy interplay of light and shadow will invite your guests to gather around.
