outdoor lighting ideas for patios

Your patio is a prime spot to relax, party, host or entertain. But without the proper lighting, you likely aren’t getting the most out of what the space has to offer. Fortunately, there are several ways you can decorate and illuminate your patio that are inexpensive and easy. And if you’re looking for inspiration for your new patio creation, you’ve come to the right place! Now, the #1 provider of landscape lighting Phoenix AZ services reveals the top outdoor lighting ideas for patios!

The Best Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Patios

Need outdoor lighting ideas for your patio? Here are our favorites!

  1. String Lights

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - string lightsString lights are a simple way to add elegance to your patio. Also known as bistro lights, string lights have been used to illuminate outdoor patios in both homes and businesses for decades.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of sting lights is their versatility. They can be strung from the ceiling or fencing, wrapped around trees and posts, or placed along windows and pathways. They also look incredible when strung from a patio over pools, gardens or dining areas.

  1. LED Lights

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - led lightsLED lights are an increasingly popular way to brighten up any patio. And since they’re available in every color of the rainbow, it’s easy to see why. LED lights can be placed virtually anywhere on your patio. Strips of LED lighting can also be used under stairs or furniture to create an uplighting effect.

Not only do LED lights look great, they also can keep your friends and family safer by lighting up steps, pathways and walkways. LED lights are also more energy-efficient than traditional lighting. On average, LED lights last 25% longer and use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting.

  1. Lanterns

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - lanternsLooking for a timeless way to add light to your patio? Lanterns are the way to go! Lanterns are a great lighting accessory for any patio for many reasons. Firstly, they are available in every shape and size under the sun. They’re also easy to move, allowing you to add light to any area if you need it, when you need it.

While you can always go the traditional route by lighting your lantern with candles, you can also find a wide selection of LED lanterns available.

  1. Candles

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - candlesSpeaking of candles, if you want a classic look that never goes out of style, consider adding them to your patio. Candles are an inexpensive way to add light and ambiance to your outdoor space. And they certainly don’t require a lantern to maintain their appeal. Meanwhile, special outdoor candles can also keep bugs, mosquitoes and other pests out of your area!

However, if you’re worried about safety, pets or weather conditions, LED candles could be a better option for you.

  1. Light-Up Furniture

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - furnitureLight-up furniture can add an ultra-modern look to your patio. Glowing furniture uses internal LED lights to create a look unlike any other. Higher end pieces of light-up furniture are cordless, waterproof and rechargeable. And what’s more, you can choose between a variety of colors using a remote control!

Glowing furniture is available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tables, couches, love seats and chairs.

  1. Glowing Pots & Planters

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - pots and plantersIn the same vein as light-up furniture, glowing pots and planters can add a futuristic look to your patio. Many glowing pots and planters employ the same LED technology as glowing furniture. You can also cut the cord completely as solar-powered pots and planters are also available.

These portable pots and planters can be placed anywhere on your patio with no wires to trip on or weather conditions to worry about!

  1. Glowing Spheres, Orbs & Other Shapes

outdoor lighting ideas for patiosGlowing shapes are ideal for complimenting light-up furniture, pots and planters, but they are also big and beautiful enough to shine on their own. Though most commonly available in globes, orbs and spheres, glowing shapes also come in squares, triangles, rectangles and more! They can also be placed individually in separate areas of your patio or clustered together for a truly unique patio look.

Glowing shapes aren’t just for your patio. They can be added to other areas of your backyard, front yard, garden or landscape to create an ethereal look throughout.

  1. Lamps

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - lampsSometimes, you just can beat an old-fashioned lamp for lighting your patio! The soft glow of an outdoor lamp is perfect for doorways, tables and walkways. And with an unlimited number of sizes and shapes available, you can create any look on your patio you can imagine.

Most modern outdoor lamps are also waterproof and also include energy-saving LED lights.

  1. Pendant Lighting

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - pendant lightsThe possibilities for your patio are endless with pendant lighting.  Also called “drop” or “suspender” lights, pendant lights are single light fixtures that hang from a patio ceiling. Pendant lights are typically suspended by cords, strings, metal rods or chains.

Outdoor pendant lights come in a wide array of shapes, including bowl, dome, drum, globe, cylinder, disc, teardrop and linear. Because there are so many to choose from, you can create or compliment any look on your patio.

  1. Fire Pits

outdoor lighting ideas for patios - fire pitsIf you enjoy one of the original sources of light, fire pits are perfect for your patio or backyard! What better place could there be to enjoy a drink, share stories or just soak in the atmosphere than around a fire pit? Fire pits are suitable for any season and are sure to steal the attention of friends and family!

Light Up Your Patio With Stay Off the Roof!


If you want to leave your next patio project to the professionals, then contact the award-winning team right here at Stay Off the Roof!

We can create a custom design for any patio, backyard, pool, garden or business! And what’s more, we use only the best in energy-efficient lights on EVERY project!

If you need some inspiration for your outdoor space, check out our online gallery!

For more information about our patio, bistro or landscape lighting installation services, or a FREE, NO OBLIGATION estimate and consultation, call us at (480-567-7088 or set an appointment with just a few clicks below!

Get A Free Estimate on Outdoor Lighting Now!