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  1. Midwest Living
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  4. 17 Ideas for Outdoor Lighting

17 Ideas for Outdoor Lighting

Updated March 22, 2021
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Light the way

Try Mason jars, floating candles, salvaged materials and more for stylish outdoor lighting.

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1 of 17

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Light the way

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.

1 of 17

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Salvaged statement

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

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.

3 of 17

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Enchanting illumination

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.

4 of 17

5 of 17

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Tiny delights

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

Roomscape

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

6 of 17

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Warm scene

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

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

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

Bubbly mood

Path lights can even seem to bubble with enthusiasm.

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Amber tones

Amber tones

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

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Floral fantasy

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.

12 of 17

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Bold looks

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

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

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

Pretty pendants

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

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Twice as good

Twice as good

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

17 of 17

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    1 of 17 Light the way
    2 of 17 Salvaged statement
    3 of 17 Raised lighting
    4 of 17 Enchanting illumination
    5 of 17 Tiny delights
    6 of 17 Roomscape
    7 of 17 Warm scene
    8 of 17 Cheery touch
    9 of 17 Pathway beacons
    10 of 17 Bubbly mood
    11 of 17 Amber tones
    12 of 17 Floral fantasy
    13 of 17 Bold looks
    14 of 17 Hanging around
    15 of 17 Twisty twines
    16 of 17 Pretty pendants
    17 of 17 Twice as good

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    17 Ideas for Outdoor Lighting
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