From backyard birthday parties to evening cook-outs, the patio is often the hub of family life. It should be well-lit so that family members and guests can easily move around and enjoy the space. The right lighting can also add a decorative touch to the area, highlighting special features and creating a calming ambiance.
Whether it’s string lights draped around a wooden pergola or simple wall sconces, the key to patio lighting is adding just enough light for function and beauty. Too much light will create unintentional glare that detracts from enjoyment and can even make people squint. When planning your outdoor lighting scheme, be sure to include fixtures rated for outdoor use and consider including motion and photo sensors.
One way to make your patio feel like a separate area is to create distinct zones with different light fixtures. For example, hanging cafe lights from nearby trees creates a cozy lounge space while also providing natural ambiance and light for dining tables. If you have a small deck or a rooftop patio with an open layout, try a zigzag pattern of string lights to create a defined lounge area without taking up too much space.
For outdoor spaces with long garden features, such as tall trees or shrubs, choose lights that are a wide angle. Wide-angle light beams spread out more and can illuminate larger areas, making them ideal for commercial outdoor lighting. For shorter features, such as a flowerbed, opt for narrower beam angle lighting that casts bright pins of light over short distances and can highlight smaller details.