Patio Lighting Ideas: Magical Illumination for Warm Weather Gatherings

As we round out spring and cruise down the final stretch into summer, new design opportunities come our way as more gatherings are to be had! Yes, we have longer days and warmer nights in late spring and summer, perfect for hosting evening barbecues, outdoor dinners, and cozy times on the patio with a cocktail in hand. 

While I’m not a lighting expert, I do have a knack for selecting lighting that sets the mood for an outdoor event. In this piece, I’m excited to share my patio lighting ideas and strategies, aiming to help you discover the best lighting solutions for your outdoor gatherings, regardless of the type of occasion! 

Patio Lighting Ideas – The Magic Begins as The Sun Goes Down

One of the most indescribably beautiful moments of the warm weather seasons is when the sun begins to set, twilight emerges, stars start to twinkle, and even a firefly or two dance around the sky. It’s cosmic, magical, and illuminating in all senses of the word. With my patio lighting ideas and strategies, I try to capture just a little of this natural magic/beauty and extend it long into the night if possible. 

Different lighting options will help fulfill the needs of the night; some are more utilitarian for larger gatherings, and others will be more romantic for smaller, more intimate events, but all will help you extend long into the night. 

Here are some simple strategies to follow when selecting the lighting you’ll be using for your patio gathering:

Cozy, romantic, intimate gatherings

It may not surprise anyone that candles are the go-to lighting choice for cozy and intimate occasions. Candles are simply timeless, and while not the best choice if you need lots of lighting for activities and such, they’re great for a slow and enchanted evening; the soft, flickering light of candles adds warmth and intimacy to any setting. 

A simple but highly effective candle placement strategy is to use tea light candles scattered in an organic pattern across the center of your tabletops; the scattered illuminated chaos is like something you’d see in nature (fireflies). You can also place larger candles in farmhouse-style lanterns at the corners of your patio, along walkways, and in areas that need more luminance; this is an easy and unforgettable lighting arrangement! 

Festive, enchanted, and fun

I love string lights and mention them quite often because nowadays, you can get them in all shapes, sizes, and hues. They’re an inexpensive way to add a little design magic to your scene instantly! Also, string lights can be as serious or whimsical as you need them to be. For example, an outdoor wedding reception may drape classic white string lights overhead or along railings for a timeless and elegant look. On the other hand, a fun Americana-centric 4th of July barbecue may call for some hot dog or flamingo string lights to be draped over the patio umbrella; the needs string lights can fulfill are endless.

Currently, my favorite type of string lights are what’s called “fairy lights.” Fairy lights are typically defined by small lights strung along a flexible, thin metal wire. They can be molded to fit into shapes or wrap around architectural features. Using delicate fairy lights immediately creates a magical, starry night effect, perfect for wrapping around tree trunks or weaving through pergolas. I personally love stuffing some into mason jars and scattering them around my patio! 

Bright and bold, best for utility and function

LED lighting options are quite common these days. LEDs are very effective for practical use, such as illuminating patio borders, landscaping, pathways, or even just needing light to cut the birthday cake on the patio table. However, they are not as warm and romantic as other patio lighting options. Some LED lighting systems offer color-changing options, so you can choose warmer, cooler, or even multi-colored lighting scenes to match the occasion. 

There’s little doubt that LEDs are super helpful, cost-effective, and energy-efficient compared to other patio lighting solutions. Still, I feel they are best left for times when lighting control is needed for activities, not so much as passive background lighting. They come across as a little sterile compared to their traditional lighting counterparts. 

Period lighting

When you add lighting to your outside spaces, it can be an opportunity to reinforce the design of the inside of your home. Are you using only contemporary, understated lighting inside? Let’s take that concept outside as well. Using craftsman prairie-style fixtures throughout your home? Find exterior fixtures to carry your design aesthetic outside. Taking this approach can set you apart from your neighbors and friends’ homes because you will have carried your personal style to the exterior, making your outside spaces as warm and inviting as when you entertain inside! 

Patio Lighting Ideas – Light and Color are Interwinted! 

As a color expert/color consultant for both commercial and residential clients, I’ve had to learn a few things about lighting in my day. I must understand how light plays with colors, how colors will look under different lighting conditions, and, ultimately, which lighting options best suit the emotional intentions of the spaces I work in. Now, outdoor patios don’t require as much consideration as interior lighting when selecting paint colors but always keep lighting in mind when choosing your color palettes for your outdoor areas. 

Whether illuminated by a fire pit, candlelight, string light, or LED, your chosen lighting will impact your color choices. That said, have fun with your lighting during these warm nights and enjoy the company of family and friends during this outdoor-oriented time of year!