Become the best host on the block with a well-appointed al fresco entertaining area. While there are many things to prepare when hosting a party, one key element is proper lighting. Setting up outdoor lights serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. When done correctly, this helps set the tone for your celebration and ensures your guests can see and enjoy the whole experience. From classic string lights to outdoor solar lighting ideas, here’s how to illuminate your next gathering.
How to Light Your Back Patio
Survey your patio. Review power sources, check for existing structures like trees or beams that can support lights, and identify key areas that need the most illumination (like pathways and seating). These factors will determine the kind and quantity of lighting that will best suit your outdoor space. Keep reading for more ideas.
Use Pathway Lighting
Establish the mood right when your guests arrive home while safely guiding them where to go.
String Lights
If you have a tree-lined path or shrubbery flanking the way to your patio or backyard, consider installing LED string lights to provide ambient light as guests enter.
Solar Pathway Lights
Line walkways leading to your patio or al fresco entertaining area with stake lights that illuminate the way. These also make a simple landscaping solar lighting idea: Strategically place these lights to bring flair to your well-manicured garden at night.
Hang Outdoor Lights Around the Patio and Garden
Review the landscape and layout of your patio and identify how you can best illuminate the whole area from overhead. Hanging patio lights will serve as your main light source and cast a warm glow over the proceedings.
Cascading String Lights
Hang string lights in columns from tree branches or high beams to create a stunning patio backdrop. These are the ideal outdoor tree lights for summer.
Festoon Lights
Festoon string lights are meant to hang diagonally across space, so take advantage of tall trees bordering your patio or high ceiling beams if you have a roofed area to create festive overhead lighting.
Decorative Light Fixtures
Hang decorative patio lights that come in interesting shapes, such as orbs. These double as accent pieces that amplify your outdoor décor.
Insider's Tip
If you plan to set up patio umbrellas, add a few outdoor-safe string lights underneath each one to ensure sufficient lighting. Check our guide to hanging outdoor lights for more tips.
Use Standing Lights and Lanterns
Patio lights aren’t limited to hanging ones. In addition to ceiling and string lights, set up a few standing lights as well. Incorporating these will help create a balanced, well-lit space. This is also a great opportunity to use backyard solar lighting ideas like lanterns for an eco-friendly alternative.
Lanterns With Fairy Lights
Lanterns are versatile outdoor décor pieces that add a beautiful rustic touch to your patio. Their soft glow also creates a cozy atmosphere.
Decorative Lights
Cluster groups of decorative lights in key spots like steps and pocket seating areas to provide mood lighting.
Incorporate Pre-lit Foliage
While wreaths, garlands, and topiaries are great ways to brighten up any space, adding lights can create an even more stunning display. Choose pre-lit foliage to take the guesswork out of arranging lights around your greenery.
Set the Table With Candles
Lastly, don’t forget to add polish to your table décor with candles. These create a warm and cozy ambience and serve as an additional light source—perfect for photos of and around the table. Choose battery-operated LED candles to help set the mood without the risk of an open flame.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Lighting
Here are answers to some common questions about outdoor party lights.
What Type of Lighting Is Best for Outdoors?
This depends on the specific area you intend to light. Survey the spot and consider how bright it needs to be and the available power sources. Your options include overhead lighting with string or pendant lights, spot lighting with standing lamps, or a combination. You can also explore solar outdoor light ideas, like stake lights or lanterns. Whatever you decide, check if the lights are clearly marked as outdoor-safe. These are specially designed and tested to withstand exposure to the elements.
What Color Should Outdoor Lights Be?
Warm white bulbs cast a cozy and welcoming glow perfect for evening gatherings. You can also experiment with colored bulbs for a more festive vibe. Try color-changing light strings that allow you to switch across various options for versatility.
Are Outdoor String Lights Waterproof?
Outdoor lights have been crafted and tested to be waterproof and even weatherproof to a certain degree. Check the product specifications carefully when selecting your lights.
How Should I Decorate With Outdoor Solar Lights?
Use solar floodlights to illuminate larger spaces like lawns or decks. Meanwhile, line pathways with solar stake lights or mini lanterns to help guests safely navigate your al fresco spaces. You can also hang solar lanterns or lights from trees or porch beams for a warm and cozy glow.
Do Solar Patio Lights Need Direct Sunlight?
The brightness and longevity of your solar patio lights depend on the strength and quality of the sunlight they are exposed to. Exposure to ample direct sunlight during the day ensures your solar patio lights shine brightly come nighttime.
How Long Do Patio Solar Lights Last?
The lifespan of your patio solar lights relies on their quality and how well you maintain them. With the right care, your solar lights can last 3-5 years before the batteries need changing.
Now that you’ve taken care of the outdoor lights on and around the patio, you’re sure to have a night that you and your guests will always remember. Click the button below to see our full selection of outdoor lighting options.
Learn More About Decorating With Outdoor Lights
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