18 Ideas for Outdoor Lighting

February 25, 2013
Try Mason jars, floating candles, salvaged materials and more for stylish outdoor lighting.
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Light the way

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.

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Salvaged statement

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.

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Raised lighting

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.

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Enchanting illumination

Tiny tea lights add mystery and romance to any outdoor event. Line the tea lights in a moss-covered tray for elegance. Silver accessories glimmer in the candlelight.

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Video: How to make a garden chandelier

Create a unique garden chandelier using a shallow tray, canning jars, votive candles, moss, a flowerpot, rope, chain and birdseed.

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Tiny delights

Lighting creates mood, so make sure the kind you choose matches yours. Candles floating among flowers is pure romance.

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Roomscape

An outdoor living room takes on the look of indoor spaces when you use furniture and accessories that echo interior styling.

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Warm scene

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.

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Cheery touch

Oversize candle holders hung between striped curtains make for a bright and cheery look on a porch.

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Pathway beacons

Path lights direct beams where guests need it. The tulip glass on this fits right in amid a flowerbed.

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Bubbly mood

Path lights can even seem to bubble with enthusiasm.

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Amber tones

Tea lights flicker in votives placed in holes left by long-gone lights in this chandelier.

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Floral fantasy

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.

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Bold looks

The teardrop-shape white light sitting on the deck injects a mod look in this bold setting.

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Hanging around

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.

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Twisty twines

Wind strings of lights of various sizes and shapes around plant supports, a trellis, a pergola or the like for a whimsical touch.

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Pretty pendants

Streamlined looks still work hard. Focus light where you need it by hanging pendants.

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Twice as good

Ceiling fans hung on porches stir air on summer days and pool light over seating or eating areas on summer nights.

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