If you’re lucky enough to have a patio, balcony, or any kind of backyard space, some nice outdoor lights will let you enjoy the fresh air around the clock. The thing is, you can’t just set up a cool table lamp or spotlights and be done with it. Beyond aesthetics, functionality has to be the top priority. There’s no point in picking out something that’s not durable or anything that can easily get weathered with use. You want decorative lighting solutions that last and can illuminate an area in ways you’ve never thought of before—whether with delicate deck lights or subtle chandeliers that work in any space (sorry, you won’t find any flood lights here). Ahead, you’ll find top-notch design tips and lighting ideas (above all, watch your wattage) from hospitality entrepreneurs who have completely reimagined outdoor spots at their respective properties.
The simpler the better
When it comes to outdoor lights, less is more. Since nature is the reason you’re out there, choose accent lighting such as some simple LED string lights that highlight the scenery and don’t dominate the ambiance around it. “My basic lighting strategy has been quite simple: Get out of the way,” Ram’s Head Inn owner Aandrea Carter tells AD. “More nature has afforded us an amazing view and naturally sloping grounds, so we’ve chosen lighting with the simple goal of not the presence of light, but the absence of darkness.”
SANJICHA Extra-Long Solar String Lights
Amazon is full of very versatile landscape lighting options—like these best-selling string lights that have over 6,000 five-star reviews and come in seven different colors.
SOLPEX Solar Ground Lights (12 Pack)
If you’re looking for something unobtrusive, these path lights will remain understated during the day but shine bright after sunset.
Simple String Lights
Elevate any outdoor festivity with these elegant frosted bulbs.
Svater Outdoor String Lights
If hazy-looking bulbs aren’t your taste, opt for these similar-looking globe lights that give off a warm glow.
West Elm Aurora Glow Solar String Lights
Crafted from handblown glass and weather-resistant, these durable solar lights from West Elm are sure to give your space an artisanal feel.
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Birch Lane Galena 48′ Outdoor 15 – Bulb Standard String Light
Turn the backyard into a rustic oasis with a string of these vintage-inspired hanging lights.
Twinkle Star 20 LED 10.3 FT Cactus String Lights
If you feel inspired by your surroundings, let your lighting blend in by reaching for these cactus strong lights. They’ll add a whimsical touch to your foliage during the daytime and provide a soft light during the evenings.
Blend in with the background
Get inspired by nature and go with outdoor light fixtures that complement it, like the Flora All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Pendant. That’s what Jayma Cardoso, founder and creative director of The Surf Lodge, did with her outdoor light installation. “Our deck features rows of balanced wicker baskets suspended from wood beams,” she says. “They look completely natural and camouflage with the environment. They just fit and add to what makes our space unique.”
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Allsop Home & Garden Stella Bell Solar Lantern
No outlets, no problem: These enchanting lanterns use rechargeable batteries and solar panel technology to disperse light.
Allsop Soji Stella Market LED Outdoor Solar Lantern
This perfectly rounded silhouette from Allsop is another great non plug-in option to try (and available in seven colors).
Pottery Barn Flora All-Weather Wicker Pendant
Wicker for the outdoors isn’t particularly groundbreaking, but we think this modern fixture should complement any natural surroundings.
Beachcrest Home Alessa 13″ W Charlene Metal Pendant Light With Rattan Shade
Another light and airy option to suspend from your patio cover or deck ceiling.
Serena & Lily Pacifica Outdoor Pendant
For a modern-meets-coastal aesthetic, a gray wicker pendant light will add an unexpected yet elevated feel to your backyard setup. You can shop the 26″ diameter option to make a statement or the 13.5″ diameter version for a more subdued look.
But also let your imagination run wild
From motion-sensored security lights to bold shapes in your entryways and walkways, have fun with it and explore everything that’s out there. “We actually do a lot of experimentation on Amazon,” Dive Palm Springs founder and CEO Dale Fox says. “Lighting is evolving rapidly with the state-of-the-art changing on a quarterly basis.”
Solpex Solar Pathway Lights Outdoor
Light the way with these mini post lights that’ll give your gardens and pathways an ethereal feel.
2-Pack Motion Sensor Outdoor Wall Sconces
This set of two motion-activated fixtures have a smart-dim light sensor that makes it easy to venture in and out of the house at night or provide some extra brightness if you’re hosting a soirée.
GIGALUMI Solar Hanging Lantern Outdoor
Tree lights aren’t just for the holidays! Place some candles (we recommend a no-flame option from Amazon) into these delicate-looking lanterns to illuminate the branches on your favorite tree.
URI Portable Table Lamp
A portable outdoor lamp, like this stylish option from the MoMa Design Store, always comes in handy. This rechargeable design can be taken wherever it’s needed without having to worry about pesky wiring.
Smart & Green Vessel 2 Bluetooth Outdoor LED Lamp
These color-changing floor lamps from Lumens are another travel-friendly LED lighting solution.
Philips Hue Impress Outdoor wall light
Help set the mood with this wall light from Philips. It’s easily controlled with the Hue App, where you can program color changes and even enable voice command.
Allgala Hurricane Candle Lantern Set
Looking to create a sophisticated atmosphere? These modern-looking lanterns and a few no-flame candles should do the trick.
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Glow Nomad Light
As you spend time in your backyard, you shouldn’t have to worry about lighting up the harder-to-see spaces. The Glow Nomad Light solves this issue, as its portable and extra bright, so you can get a glimpse of your entire space by bringing it along for a stroll.
Can it weather a storm?
We can’t stress this enough: Make sure the lights you’re buying are built for outdoor use. Even if you have a covered patio or shaded balcony, storms can still get to them, so invest in something that can handle heavy precipitation. “Functionality of outdoor lighting is part of the style,” Jayma emphasizes. “It has to be durable and made well enough to withstand everyday weather elements. When you look at an outdoor light installation in a storm, you immediately appreciate the importance of style and functionality as one.”
Factory 6 Outdoor Sconce
A durable and affordable option, this textured sconce doubles as accidentally stylish wall decoration.
Jsot Outdoor Fence Lights
Surrounding your outdoor living space with these uniform fence lights is one way to ensure a well-lit setting. Plus, their solid, stainless steel design will weather even the fiercest storms.
TOBUSA Modern Outdoor Wall Light
Here’s a sleek pair of outdoor sconces crafted in anti-rust aluminum and equipped with power-saving automatic sensors to detect the brightness of their surroundings.
Serena & Lily Beacon Sconce
A marine-inspired sconce will make your backyard feel closer than ever to the ocean. This option from Serena & Lily is made with enameled steel for weather resistance and has a glass dome shade to give a warm glow.
Break out new light bulbs
Don’t settle for the bulbs built into your set—swap them for energy-efficient Dimmable Edison LED Bulbs, which are known to reduce energy bills by 90%. “The key is to replace the bulbs that come with the strands,” Dale says. “Filament Edison LED lights have come a long way in terms of elegance, cost, and quality. The operating costs are a fraction of traditional incandescents.”
You could also match summer’s heat with warm, matte lights that won’t overpower a space. There’s nothing worse than harsh exterior lighting that comes on too strong, so stick with toasty and inviting lights. “Color is everything,” Dale points out. “We never go any cooler than 2,700K lighting, but the best is the lighting around 2,100K. That’s truly equivalent to candlelight. It’s warm, intimate, romantic, and really sets a scene.”
6-Pack LED Dimmable Edison Light Bulbs
These dimmable bulbs feature an energy-saving LED filament, making them ideal to replace 40W incandescent bulbs and save over 90% energy.
Vintage Incandescent Edison Bulbs
These decorative light bulbs are another dimmable design that will allow you to capture the function’s mood and ambiance.
Phillips Color and tunable White A19 LED Light Bulb
Set the tone of your space by replacing traditional light bulbs with Phillip’s Wi-Fi enabled alternatives. All you have to do is connect them to an app on your phone for digital accessibility—the color choices are endless.
GE Cync Smart Direct Connect Light Bulbs
Soft white lights will give a toasty glow to your outdoor space. The GE Dimmable light bulbs make achieving that cozy feeling a breeze.
It’s not always just about the light
“Obviously, lighting is a key component to any outdoor space,” Jayma says. However, illumination shouldn’t be the only purpose of your outdoor lighting fixtures. Take your design a step further by considering a multipurpose ceiling fan that simultaneously keeps you and your guests cool.
Pottery Barn Stellar Ceiling Fan
If you live in an extra warm climate, you’re familiar with the challenges that come with spending time outdoors. Ensure you and your loved ones stay cool by opting for a ceiling fan with extra blades to give you a much-needed cool breeze.
Sofucor Ceiling Fan with Lights
Perfect for any season, this aerodynamic design has controllable airflow and a built-in light for extra brightness.
Hunter 44″ Cassius 3 – Blade Outdoor Standard Ceiling Fan with Pull Chain
Hunter Fan’s ceiling fan has over 100 five-star reviews, with many buyers praising the model’s accessible price point and simple installation.
Kwartet Ceiling Fan with LED Light Kit
Modern and sleek, the Kwartet outdoor ceiling fan will elevate your porch and give you built-in bright light for evenings outdoors.
