The right patio light is essential to creating a well-lit outdoor space. From outdoor string lights to lantern-style lights that look like they’re straight out of a French cafe, these patio lighting ideas will illuminate your space for all night long and make it the ultimate place for socializing.
Hanging a row of pendant lights above the dining table is a great rustic patio lighting idea. Choose a fixture with a large design so it doesn’t get lost in the space and opt for a metallic finish that will catch the sunlight during the day.
Create a zigzag pattern of string lights overhead to illuminate your space in a soft, overall way. It’s the perfect solution for smaller outdoor spaces where you want to distinguish different zones like this backyard patio by Commune Design.
If you want to illuminate your patio without making it look like a football field, consider downlighting. This type of lighting is installed high above the area to cast light downward. It’s more subtle than spotlights that are pointed directly at the patio and can prevent glare.
Another option is to integrate your patio lights into the architectural framework of the space. For covered patios that have ceilings, track and can-style fixtures rated for the outdoors are great options that are unobtrusive and keep the architecture the focus. For uncovered patios, try flush-mount ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting that can be controlled with a dimmer to adjust the light level.