What Is The Best Way To Light A Patio?

Has your patio seen better days? Are you looking to transform it into an outdoor space that you can be proud of and that you and your family can enjoy? A few well-placed lights could be just what you need to turn your patio from drab to fab! 

Installing lighting fixtures not only changes the look and feel of your patio. It could also make it a lot more welcoming and add to the enjoyment that you derive from it. And by planning your lighting carefully, you could get a lot more from your patio than you are currently. 

Planning patio lighting isn’t all that difficult. You probably already have sufficient space for lights and plenty of fixtures from which to mount them. Apart from the light sources, all you need are a few pieces of hardware and a bit of creativity. 

First things first 

The first step toward formulating a lighting plan for your patio is figuring out your objectives in adding lights. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do I mainly use my patio space for?
  • What do I want from my patio that I’m currently not getting with my current lighting?
  • What is more important: functional or decorative lighting? 

The answers to these questions will help you determine the best approach for illuminating the space and what lighting fixtures you should purchase. 

Types of lights 

There are many different types of light fixtures to choose from, each suitable for specific purposes. Check out these options when deciding how to light up your patio

Spotlights/flood lights

Spotlights and floodlights are ideally suited for uplighting, downlighting, and of course, spotlighting outdoor spaces. They are available in a wide array of styles, finishes, and weights, so you have almost limitless options for designing your patio lighting the way you want. Most even come in fixed or flexible positioning variants, so you can direct light to specific areas as needed. 

Pathway/area/garden lights

Pathway lights, area lights, and garden lights allow considerable leeway for customization, so they are perfect for homemakers that want to get their patio looking just right. You can mount them onto the exterior wall of your home, plant them into the ground on stakes, and even install them in-ground. They also come in various designs from traditional to modern, making them suitable for any home. 

In-ground well lights

In-ground and well lights provide subtle illumination that is more about mood than brightness. While they do a great job of lighting up outdoor spaces, you will find them perfectly suited for setting the perfect, calming atmosphere for your patio. You can choose from in-ground pavers, markers, and open-face designs for unobtrusive lighting that truly makes a memorable impression. 

Gooseneck/barn lights/sign lights

Gooseneck, barn lights, and sign lights are commonly used for illuminating doorways, but they are also excellent choices for downlighting. These are very flexible options from a design standpoint, as they come in everything from elegant, curving variants to more modern, angular formats. 

Wall lights/wall lanterns

These are ideally suited for exterior wall mounting, given their balance between aesthetics and functionality. Wall and LED lights can be used to illuminate the pathway to your patio, light up a dark deck, and even serve as decorative elements that add the perfect glow to an outdoor space. 

Industrial pendant lights

If you want a retro-inspired look for your patio, consider installing industrial pendant lights. They look great and will fit nicely with almost any design, and they have the notable advantage of being weatherproof. Whether you hang them up along your exterior wall or right above the patio, they provide the perfect finishing touch to your home design. 

Step lights/deck lights

If you need to light up the steps leading to your patio, consider installing flush-mounted step and deck lights. They serve a practical purpose and do a great job of beautifying the surroundings. You can even combine them with ambient lighting around the seating areas for a thoroughly relaxing atmosphere. 

Pick your Lights!

The best thing about lighting up a patio is that you virtually have free reign to design your lights how you like. Are you going for a more traditional look and feel or do you want a deck that looks like a tropical resort? Brightly lit or subtly illuminated? Spot lighting or floodlights? The choices are endless and with some creativity and a modest budget, the results can be spectacular!