Patio lighting creates a relaxing setting and can add value to your home. Depending on the type of patio you have (some have solid roofing structures, pergolas, or just an open space), there are a number of outdoor patio lighting ideas that can be used to create a well designed space to be enjoyed in at night. We’ve included a lot of photos to help you get an idea of how the different lighting ideas fit into an outdoor patio space.
Patio Ceiling Lighting Ideas
If you have a patio with a solid structure covering it, then there is a range of ceiling lighting ideas you can use. Here you can have recessed or outdoor pendant lights fitted, including mini chandeliers.
A patio using outdoor pendant lights with wicker basket shades
A patio lit with recessed lights
A chandelier hangs over a patio dining table
There is also the option of having an all in one fan and light
There are other lighting ideas if you have a pergola structure over your patio, or you can create your own ceiling with string lights – both of which we later go over below.
Post Lights
Post lights that are usually used to line paths can be fitted around the perimeter of your patio like in the photo below. You can find post lights that are solar powered or electric low voltage patio lighting fixtures.
Post lights outlining the perimeter of a patio
Another option is to use tall street lights, like the solar powered one below:
Solar powered street lights can also be used to light a patio
Wall Lights
There are a number of ways to use wall lights to light up a patio:
Wall lanterns hung around a patio
Wall and swimming pool lights lighting up a patio
Another example of wall lights lighting a patio
Patio pillar lights
Pergola Lighting
A patio pergola helps provide shade in the daytime, and is an elegant structure to have lights fitted onto to light up at night.
Some pergola lighting ideas include:
- Attaching lanterns to the posts
- Installing recessed lights into the posts
- Having recessed floor lights pointing up onto the posts
- Hanging lights from the overhead beams
- Having string lights wrapped around the posts and the overhead beams
Lights attached to a pergola lighting up a patio
Another example of pergola lighting
String lights wrapped around the beams of a pergola
Patio Umbrella Lighting
A patio umbrella makes for a quick and simple lighting structure. There are a number of ways to fit umbrella lights:
- One option is to hang string lights on the edges of the umbrella and wrap them around the pole
- Another option is a solar light that uses a solar panel at the top of the umbrella while the lights are attached the pole [search ‘solar umbrella light’ at Amazon].
Umbrella lighting lighting up a patio
Another example of umbrella lighting
Solar powered umbrella lights
Ideas Using String Lighting
String lights can be used to create an enchanting setting, are inexpensive and are versatile light fixtures. They also come in a range of different style (i.e. globe lights, mini lanterns) and can be electric or solar powered. As they are easy to install and are lightweight, there are a number of patio string lighting ideas and options. They can be:
- Wrapped around railings
- Wrapped around trees
- Hung from the ceiling
Patio string lights
String lights can also be used to wrap around trees and railings
String lights strung from wall to wall to light a patio
String lights come in a range of styles
Or how about hanging a number of string lights side by side to create a curtain of lighting:
String lights creating a curtain of lighting
You can even create a ceiling of lights by hanging a number of string lights side by side overhead. You can attach them from the wall of the house to a tree, a fence or you can erect an arch or just a pole to attach them to, like in the 2 photos below:
Create a ceiling of lights by hanging string lights side by side overhead
String lights overhead attached to a pole
If you use the small string lights, they will create a starry night sky effect:
String lights used to create a starry night sky
Fire Power Patio Lighting Ideas
Fire based options provide soft glowing tropical light, some can help keep you warm, and even act as a natural insect repellent.
One fire based lighting idea is to place tiki torches around the patio area. If you fuel the torches with citronella oil, it will act as a natural insect repellent. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of having to light each tiki torch then there is the option to have permanent gas powered torches that you can turn on from a central valve.
Tiki torches can be used to light up a patio
There are elegant fire pits that can light and heat a patio. These can come as propane gas fueled, wood or coal burning. Modern versions include fire glass pits and sculptural pits like the ModFire.
An outdoor fire place on a patio
ModFire: A modern outdoor fire pit
A fire glass pit out on a patio
Table Lighting
One way to easily add outdoor patio lighting is to use table lights. Candles are a popular choice (while battery operated LED candles are a good alternative). Oil lamps are another option, as well as tabletop tiki torches – these can be fueled by citronella oil that acts as a natural insect repellent (DIY oil lamps).
Table top fire bowls are another option that are fueled by a small propane tank or non toxic fuel gels:
A tabletop fire bowl
Recessed Floor Lights
Recessed lights that are fitted into the floor are another outside patio lighting option. These can be placed to line paths, or can be installed up close to a wall for more decorative lighting. They can be solar patio lighting fixtures or electric powered.
Recessed floor lights
Indirect Patio Lighting
Lighting other areas in and around the garden will provide indirect lighting for the patio deck. If you have a swimming pool, the soft glowing lights will spill over into the patio. Or wrapping string lights around nearby trees will provide indirect patio lighting.
The glow of the pool, softly lights up the patio
Other Patio Lighting Pictures
String lights lighting up a gazebo on a patio
Related Posts:
- Simple Landscape Lighting Ideas
- 10 Simple Wireless Deck Lighting Ideas
- A Homeowners Guide To Driveway Lighting: The 3 Areas To Light and Choosing Between Low Voltage or Solar Lighting
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