What types of outdoor lighting features that are available is often more a function of the specific design ideas you have in mind. Most of the lighting options available are given a name that describes where or how they’ll be used. We’ll cover some of the more general elements of patio lights and then give you some specific ideas about what type of lights might work best for you in that scenario.

For example, if you are looking for lighting ideas for your outdoor room or similar space, then you are more likely interested in lighting for ambiance. Yes, you do need it for simple navigation as well, but you want to set a tone or mood in the space. You can utilize any number of outdoor lamps for this purpose, as well as an outdoor chandelier or more specific types of spot lights. These are just like using recessed light fixtures in your indoor rooms. They can be hidden within the rafters of most patio covers. Built this way, they can be hidden from site and provide great lighting elements that can actually help to define spaces in that outdoor room.

For large spaces, you can count on outdoor flood lights to provide the illumination. In many cases, flood lights will not give you any spot lighting features, but are more for safety and a wash of light in one area. These can be set to turn on and off with a motion sensor making them even more efficient and saving you energy. Another way to save on energy is to use either compact fluorescent bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDs). These are both great innovations in lighting design.

Here is a close up of a rope light.

Along these same lines are things like solar garden lights. These lights also come in a variety of styles and have different options. Some are simple stuck in the ground with no wires to worry about. Other garden lighting options that utilize solar have a wired set-up for the ability to store power and send it to the lights when necessary (ie. poor weather, extended evening use, temporary dirty photovoltaic panels, etc.). Photo credit

Then, there are lighting options that are designed specifically for use on stairways or deck rails and similar applications. These deck lights go by different names, but patio string lights is one of the more popular ways of describing them. They are also called rope lights, often times. Either description gives you an idea as to what they look like. They can be very helpful both for navigation on multi-tiered decks or stairs as well as illuminating or highlighting specific rail features. Plus, they just add another dimension to the overall outdoor lighting design of your backyard space.

You’ll also find in your searches ads and the like for outdoor lighting that will include wall lights, sconces, floor lamps and an assortment of specific lighting needs.  The one area where patio lighting is becoming more and more specialized is in the area of task and accessory lighting.  There used to just be those outdoor flood light types of installations available and that was about all.  Now, you can find lighting that is as simple as a little bullet shaped head concealable in your patio structure itself or something more of a focal point, like an outdoor chandelier.

Just a look at an outdoor lamp style.

Your outdoor lighting needs are only limited by your design and decor elements and budget of course.  With the materials and tools available now, it is possible to create just about any type of lighting for your outdoor needs that you can dream up.  In fact, many custom installations take pride in the fact that their rustic lighting looks like it has been around for years to develop that patina.  Similarly, this type of rustic look can give your patio space a very defined look.

Just because your outdoor space doesn’t have the formal walls and ceiling of your indoor rooms, don’t think you can’t decorate it just the same.  In fact, with the stars and sky as your ‘ceiling’, there is no limit to how creative you can get in making your outdoor room feel as comfortable as an indoor space.  If your patio paver ‘flooring’ isn’t creating the soft type of feel you are after, look into the number of outdoor rugs made specifically for this purpose.  Need more lighting next to your chaise lounge, opt for an outdoor lamp.

Styles of Outdoor Lamps

We talked earlier in this article about how there are many different names for these outdoor lighting choices.  When referring to outdoor lamps, you might be thinking one thing and Google or Yahoo might be thinking something else.  As you read here, you can see what was chosen to use for a picture in this article.  While this is not all inclusive of the types of lamps available, it does show a couple different styles.

Another very popular style consists of outdoor floor lamps and table lamps.  As mentioned, outdoor rooms have created a big boom in the way of products made specifically for the outdoors.  Originally, you would have to simply bring the couches, chairs or other items you wanted to use out to your patio – usually the stuff you didn’t care as much about because you knew the weather would take its toll on it.  But now, with the technology advancements and changes in materials and designs, your outdoor wares rival anything that is made for indoor use only.  You can find outdoor lamps that are made with the same high grade materials and craftsmanship as your favorite Tiffany lamp from yesteryear.

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With the trend in outdoor room designs and plans, there will be an even greater availability of lighting options.  Currently, you can still find a wide range of patio lighting options that include rustic lighting and specific pieces to highlight a particular space.  Just like in an indoor room, you may have a centerpiece or spot lighting to bring more attention to certain areas.

This is an example of how outdoor flood lights can be mounted.

Similarly, you can have an outdoor chandelier that can provide a great focal point of lighting while adding ambiance to your space.  Then, with some hidden spot lights tucked up into your patio cover’s rafters, you can give lighting to specific points of interest in your outdoor room.  Because these rooms often have no formal walls, lighting can even create different seating areas beneath your covered patio space.  Imagine how this works.  Out of the darkness of the outside sky comes this beam of light to highlight the perfect patio chair or chaise lounge to rest on and enjoy your favorite drink or engage in a great conversation with company.

Outdoor Flood Lights: Styles and Features

Now, if we are talking about an outdoor flood light, these are less for show and more for function.  While you can get a stylish looking flood light, most are simple by design and function.  Usually, they are mounted to a wall or other structure on or near your home and illuminate a path or other large area at once.  If you do have an area that requires a fair amount of light, installing a motion sensor to your lighting will be a good idea.  This will not only be more convenient both in terms of function, but it will also save you electricity.

A motion sensor is more convenient because you don’t have to switch on the light from a location that may or may not be near where you are.  Then, after you don’t need the light, you’ll have to remember to shut it off.  Not rocket science here, but having it done automatically is just simpler.  In addition to this, a motion sensor flood light will go on if you have any intruders or animals in your space, thereby providing you a degree of safety as well.

Just like with other types of lighting in the home and auto industry, light emitting diodes (LED) lights are making strides here as well.  The key benefits of using LED lights are in efficiency.  These bulbs last many thousands of hours longer than traditional bulbs and the light they cast can seem brighter as well.  They also are cooler, not that this is an issue in your outdoor space necessarily.  You will not have to climb ladders to replace these bulbs for a long time – if ever!  They cost a bit more than traditional lighting, but for the convenience and long-lasting benefits, LED outdoor flood lights make are a great investment.

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With outdoor lighting, you have many options.  If you’ve ever gone into the lighting area of a home improvement warehouse, then you know how many options you have to choose from, just there alone.  There are whole stores that cater to both indoor and outdoor lighting, as well as custom orders.  The difference between rustic lights and lights are just old and deteriorating is in the quality craftsmanship that goes into them.  Some metal materials are meant to rust and take on a rustic quality to them as they patina in your outdoor space.

Still other patio lights are meant to look more polished and clean looking.  You can even have your patio cover built to hide your patio lights out of sight.  This can enhance the overall look of your covered patio or outdoor room.  Concealed lighting, like in your indoor space, is becoming more popular.  However, if you are looking into rusting lighting fixtures, then this is probably not the case for you.  You wouldn’t want to spend the money on a unique or custom looking fixture, then hide it in between your rafters or patio roof.

So, What Are Rustic Lights?

This name simply implies that special look.  As mentioned, some lighting fixtures are meant to rust or develop a type of patina from being outdoors.  Others are meant to look like they have some old world charm to them.  These would be things like old Western themes or cut-outs of wildlife images that are backlit by the light itself.  Rustic outdoor lighting could also take the form of chandeliers.

This is an antler chandelier - gives a nice rustic look to your space.

The fact is that outdoor chandeliers are becoming more and more popular.  In fact, they are showing up in all sorts of places within the home as well.  With respect to your patio, the chandelier might be one of those rustic looking antler styles.  These are typically made from a resin product cast from naturally shed antlers.

Remember that your lighting will also set the mood for the space beneath your patio.  If you have an outdoor room type of set up, then you’ll likely need a bit more light for seeing and some additional lighting for ambiance.  Rustic lighting is perfect for that ambient lighting touch to give you just the right sense of a glowing warmth.

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So, this is another point to consider.  If you plan on using your patio for entertaining, then lighting will need to be discussed long before you even build your backyard out.  Because of the available patio lighting options, function and elegance can coexist in your outdoor space.  You don’t have to settle on an ugly ‘functional’ light that is used for making things more visible, such as food or beverage on tables and such.  Your spot lighting can be hidden between beams in your pergola.  This is where great covered patio plans come into play. It is much easier to plan for your lighting needs before or while building rather than retrofit later.  Sometimes this simply isn’t an option, but when it is, it makes life much easier.

Some Asian inspired patio umbrella lights.

Accent lighting is the next thing on your design plate.  Because patio lights come in so many styles, shapes, colors and designs, you can mix and match as you experiment.  You don’t have to feel locked in with your accent lighting.  This is where you can let your personality shine.  You can opt for a single patio light that is in the shape of a star or other whimsical design.  Then, there are the popular patio string lights.  These are usually sold in specific lengths.  Ten and twenty foot lengths are common and can be strung together, much like winter holiday lights, to create longer strands.  They come in a wide variety of styles and configurations.  You can find metal ones, holiday ones, flower or animal-shaped ones.

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If you have a special theme in mind, you are bound to find a patio string light style that will be a great match.  These can be hung beneath your covered patio or out on your deck railing.  Another popular trend is having patio umbrella lights.  These can be light strands that are specially made to hang beneath your patio umbrella or can be just be a few strands of the string lights plugged together.

Smart Solar 3730WR30 Solar Star Light String, 30 White LEDs with Star Covers The Smart Solar 30 LED star light string is ideal for decorating shrubs, umbrellas and doorways. The 30 energy-saving white LED’s with transparent star covers are powered by a separate solar panel allowing lights to be placed in shady areas

Smart Solar 3732WR30 Solar Light String, 30 White LEDs with Crystal Ball Covers The Smart Solar 30 LED crystal ball light string is ideal for decorating shrubs, umbrellas and doorways. The 30 energy-saving white LED’s with transparent crystal ball covers are powered by a separate solar panel allowing lights to be placed in shady areas

Tiki Head Light String Set – Luau Party Patio Lights Great set of tiki face lights, perfect for the patio, lounge or tiki bar! Includes ten 3″ plastic lights on a 7 1/2 ft. strand. UL-listed. Light sets interconnect.

Royce Lighting RSL01-23 Indoor/Outdoor Ten-Light String Lantern Oil Rubbed Bronze RSL01-23 Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze Features: -Ten light string light. -Available in oil rubbed bronze or fossil stone finish. -ISTA 3A certified. -Assembly required. Specifications: -Accommodates (10) candelabra bulb. -Manufacturer provides one year warranty for indoor items and three years…

3.5″ D Multicolor Paper Lantern String Lights (set of 10) These multi-color paper lantern party string lights are for indoor use ONLY. However, you could use them in a sunroom or other enclosed outdoor patio room.

Aurora Glow – Glass Solar String Lights – Amber (Amber) (3″H x 12″W x 3″D) Hand crafted and truly beautiful, the Aurora Glow string lights are ready to enhance your backyard. Simply string them, or wrap them around a tree or deck railing. These lights are also a great accent woven underneath an umbrella. These lights are solar powered – since they are equipped with a…

SunSetter Patio Lights Made of tough, unbreakable Lexanu00ae these beautiful weatherproof lights take standard 60 watt bulbs (not included) for plenty of illumination for evening activities. The smoke-colored prismatic globes diffuse the light so there’s no harsh glare. They look so festive they’re great for entertaining…

Homemade Patio Lighting

You can make patio lights out of all sorts of objects found around your home.  These make very unique lights that your guests will certainly remember.  Just for an example, you can use empty soup cans with the labels peeled, then punch holes in the bottoms to hang lights in.  This will take a bit of work, but the end result will be a really endearing focal point to your patio.  This is a project that the older kids can help you out with as well.  These ideas have also been replicated at a local pizza place in town, using those large tomato cans with the labels still on and mounted over the bar area for spot lighting.  It looks great and gives a chic feel to the place.  This is not only a neat look but it also is an environmentally friendly way to recycle those old cans.

Similarly, solar patio lights are available that are friendlier to Mother Earth.  Much like their solar garden light cousins, these patio lights can be more inconspicuous.  You wouldn’t want to see a big photovoltaic cell mounted there off your patio or other backyard structure.  Also, if you plan on entertaining into the wee hours, you may lose some of the endurance and intensity that on-the-grid lighting will provide.