19 Ideas for Outdoor Lighting
Floral fantasy [1]
Candles and flowers add romance to any garden event. (Use battery-powered candles if wind is a bother or fire is a concern.) Hang a chandelier like this up in a tree or from hardscaping.
Salvaged statement [4]
A large piece of architectural salvage still works hard as a light when strung with twinkle lights. The contrast between big and bitty makes for a charming look.
Bold looks [7]
The teardrop-shape white light sitting on the deck injects a mod look in this bold setting.
Light the way [10]
Canning jars with tea lights create a sparkling entrance to any outdoor gathering. Wrap the tops of lidless jars with hose clamps and suspend from a tree branch or a shepherd's-crook stake.
Tiny delights [13]
Lighting creates mood, so make sure the kind you choose matches yours. Candles floating among flowers is pure romance.
Roomscape [16]
An outdoor living room takes on the look of indoor spaces when you use furniture and accessories that echo interior styling.
Warm scene [19]
Hurricane-style lanterns warm the look in this fall setting. They come in many styles, making it simple to find one to fit your look.
Raised lighting [22]
Floating candles offer illumination for an evening garden party. A raised, galvanized tub overflows with delicate flowers; inside, a smaller tub holds the floating candles.
Cheery touch [25]
Oversize candle holders hung between striped curtains make for a bright and cheery look on a porch.
Pathway beacons [28]
Path lights direct beams where guests need it. The tulip glass on this fits right in amid a flowerbed.
Bubbly mood [31]
Path lights can even seem to bubble with enthusiasm.
Amber tones [34]
Tea lights flicker in votives placed in holes left by long-gone lights in this chandelier.
Touch of tapers [37]
Hang a chandelier on your porch for a shabby-chic style. Graceful tapers will cast a gentle glow when lit at night. (Use battery-power tapers for safety.)
Hanging around [40]
Paper lanterns come in a range of colors, sizes and shapes—some are even solar powered. Choose ones that match your outdoor furniture. Hung on plant hangers in the garden bed, these will create a cocoon of light around the seating area.
Twisty twines [43]
Wind strings of lights of various sizes and shapes around plant supports, a trellis, a pergola or the like for a whimsical touch.
Pretty pendants [46]
Streamlined looks still work hard. Focus light where you need it by hanging pendants.
Twice as good [49]
Ceiling fans hung on porches stir air on summer days and pool light over seating or eating areas on summer nights.
Classic statement [52]
A version of an old-fashioned street light identifies your home, acts like a beacon and lights the pathway.
Holiday cheer [55]
Wrapping holiday lights around planters can be a seasonal touch or a year-round spirit brightener.