Looking for the Best in Patio Lighting?
Are you ready to have the most beautifully lit patio and backyard in the neighborhood?
Great, because we've scoured the internet for the best, coolest, most awe-inspiring ideas for patio lighting. From DIY candles to Christmas lights hung above your head, we have all the lighting ideas you need in one place.
If you haven't experienced the beauty of adding lights to your patio before, let us give you a quick rundown. Be sure to check out our new post with even more Outdoor Lighting Ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Lighting Ideas
Place a few lights strategically to change mood and flow. Add just a few lights in the right areas to transform the space, extend gatherings past sunset, and define zones for barbecues or quiet seating. Get the family involved for a fun, creative update. Patio Productions champions simple, high-impact ideas.
Rope lighting—cheap, waterproof, and plug-and-play. Rope lights are inexpensive, waterproof, and usually just lay out and plug in. Put them on a timer and outline walkways or key features for instant definition. Patio Productions loves the low-effort, big-glow payoff.
Hang white strands overhead for a warm glow. White Christmas lights cast a beautiful golden hue. Hang them above to lift the eye and avoid wires underfoot. They add visibility and ambiance for year-round evenings. Patio Productions says they’re a fast win.
Yes—wrap greenery or use lit planters. Wrap potted or hanging plants with lights, or choose pre-made pots with built-in lighting. Place or hang them along high-traffic routes to create clear sightlines and highlight favorite greenery. Patio Productions blends greenery and glow.
Use under-step lighting to guide guests. Steps are hazardous in the dark. A simple under-hanging light beneath each stair improves visibility, guiding guests and improving circulation after sunset. Patio Productions prioritizes safety without sacrificing style.
Mason jar candles are easy and affordable. Mason jar candles are a super simple, super fun solution. Drill a few holes in the bottom so rainwater can drain, then set them along tables or paths for twinkly charm. Patio Productions keeps DIY approachable.
Turn wine bottles into candles or tiki torches. Repurpose empty wine bottles as candles or tiki-style torches to bring warm, flickering light and a custom touch to your patio. Small, creative projects like these personalize your space. Patio Productions encourages upcycling with style.
Adding lights to your backyard is easy and often a ton of fun. Getting the whole family involved is a great way to speed up the process while adding your own creative touch to an otherwise plain outdoor space. Adding just a few lights in the right areas can completely change the mood of your patio or garden.
Depending on your chosen lighting and where you place it, lighting can also be a great way to distinguish space or boundaries within your backyard. Below you can find cool ideas for designing areas perfect for anything from a barbecue to simply enjoying a glass of wine. No more are the social gatherings subject to the daylight hours!
So here you go, Patio Production's picks of the best backyard lighting:
Rope Lighting
You can grab rope lighting at your local target or home depot for reasonably cheap. Not only is it inexpensive and waterproof, it is super easy to install (usually just laying out and plugging in). If you are tech savvy, set your rope lights on a timer and use them to outline your critical features in your backyard or walkways!
Christmas Lights
Everyone knows about Christmas lights being used as decoration for the holiday season, but the white lights actually add an amazingly beautiful gold hue to patios in need of some visibility. Hanging them overhead is a great way to bring your eyes up and not worry about stepping on the wires on the ground.
Lit Pottery
Using potted or hanging plants wrapped in lights is a great way to accent your favorite pieces in your garden or backyard. Using the above recommended Christmas lights or buying pre-made pots with built-in lighting features, you can place or hang plants off high traffic areas to create a great line of sight around your space.
Step Lighting
Steps are dangerous at night. Don't make your guests feel around outside in the dark. Using a simple under hanging light under your stairs will bring safety and flow to your space.
Mason Jar Candles
We came across this super simple, super fun solution. It's perfect for any backyard and costs very little. We might suggest drilling holes in the bottom to drain the water.
Wine Bottle Candles
This idea was posted on Pinterest and we love it! Instead of throwing away that empty wine bottle, save it and create your own torch to add that perfect ambiance. Find out how to make a Repurposed Wine Bottle Tiki Torch here.
Author: Michael Ellis is a freelance writer for Trade Winds Imports. He can be found camping with his dog or mountain biking when he is not writing.
