The right type of lighting can transform your outdoor space, making it a more enjoyable place to spend time and entertain. Check out these ideas for using lighting to give your patio an upgrade.

Outdoor lights enhance your curb appeal and allow you to continue entertaining outside even after dusk. You can use them to provide ambient lighting for all sorts of activities, highlight features of your landscaping and outdoor decor, and even increase the security of your home. Get the most out of those pleasant late summer evenings with some of these lighting solutions.

Wall Lighting

Wall lights are a great way to illuminate a space and make it more usable. There are many different types of fixtures available depending on how much light you need and where you want to direct it. Open-bottomed wall sconces are a popular choice as they provide plenty of light and can allow you to keep the party going well past sunset. Arm sconces are also a good option for saving wall space and directing light where you want it.

Lanterns

Lanterns, which can also be mounted on the wall or hung from the ceiling, will bring a bit of extra charm to your outdoor space. They provide a warm and diffused glow and tend to be more decorative rather than functional in nature. While they can be used to help illuminate the area, lanterns typically serve more as accents that highlight architectural or decorative details. It is common to install them above or on either side of a door.

String Lighting

The soft, low-voltage glow given off by string lights makes for a whimsical accent perfect for creating an intimate ambiance. Plus, you can install them just about anywhere–around posts, from the eaves, from the gazebo or pergola, around window frames, or from a fence. Look for LED string lights that are waterproof and rated for outdoor use. Battery – or solar-powered products are best as you won’t need to run extension cords across the yard.

Path Lighting

Pathway lighting not only looks great, but it also makes your yard safer to walk through after dark. Installing pathway lights along any walkways will make it obvious where to step, preventing trips and falls. The small, low-voltage lights also have a great visual effect. In fact, you can even use them as an accent around features like flower beds and fountains. Pathway lighting is usually driven into the ground on stakes and is often solar-powered.

Spot Lighting

Spot lighting is also known as landscaping lighting because its main function is to illuminate features of your landscaping. These lights are typically installed near ground level and pointed upwards to light up trees, plants, or other ornamental features on your property. If you work hard on your landscaping, then spot lighting can ensure that it gets the appreciation it deserves even after dark.

Security Lighting

Security lights are one of the main lines of defense against theft and property damage. Fitted with a motion sensor, these lights turn on when someone walks by. Flood lights that brightly illuminate a large area are a top choice, as someone who is up to no good won’t want to stay where they are fully exposed. Security lights can also help keep away animals, or at least alert you to their presence.

Well-chosen and properly positioned lights will create a more functional and enjoyable space. Lighting is an important part of your home’s exterior, so don’t take it lightly!