If your home has a patio, you are fortunate to have an outdoor living space that’s full of potential. Whether your patio is relatively low key, adorned only with a table, chairs, and barbecue grill, or it includes bells and whistles like an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or giant fountain, there’s one must-have element: lighting.

For many people, one of the biggest draws of a patio is the ability to sit outside at night under the stars. Even when the moon is full, moonlight isn’t sufficient to keep you safe and adequately allow you to see what you’re doing. And, it doesn’t amp up the aesthetic appeal of your patio. For those things, you need to add patio lighting. And, there are more options available than you probably realize!

Festive String Lights

String lights are an inexpensive, easy way to add decorative flair to your patio. You can find housings in myriad shapes and colors, ranging from sophisticated and sparkly, to seasonal (pumpkins and candy canes), to quirky (flamingos and cacti). They’re perfect additions when you’re decorating for a theme party!

Funky Floor Lamps

If you think of your patio as an outside living space, a floor lamp will tie right in. Waterproof, weatherproof, rugged options are available. You can find models ranging from functional to whimsical. As with any floor lamp, you’ll need an outdoor outlet for the lamp’s plug.

Fun, Functional Patio “Street Lights”

Patio “street lights” resemble actual old-fashioned decorative street lights you’ll find in quaint cities like Paris and New Orleans. The patio version is much smaller, but does emit enough light to illuminate your space with a pleasing glow. They make a unique addition to your space.

Accent Up-lighting

Landscape lighting can transform trees that would be invisible during the dark of night into towering focal points. Make sure to purchase a transformer with enough voltage power to provide the level of brightness you’re looking for.

Relaxing Oil Lamps

The flicker of a dancing flame is a lovely addition to any space. Unfortunately, candles can become extinguished even with a moderate breeze – and they have a limited lifespan. Once they’re melted, they must be replaced. Oil lamps are enclosed in a glass housing to stay lit, and they burn for up to 50 hours! Once the oil has been used up, these lamps can easily be refilled. They are decorative, functional, and cost-effective!

Versatile Fiber Optic Accent Lighting

Fiber optic lighting is a beautiful option for adding a touch of color to your patio. Because the lights are 15 watts at their brightest, fiber optic lights won’t provide enough light to allow you to comfortably read a book, for instance. However, they are bright enough to line stairs so they can be seen in the dark, or to provide a decorative accent.

Toasty Chimeneas and Fire Pits

Let there be plenty of light bathing your patio in a pleasant glow. And, in the cooler months, let there be plenty of warmth so you’ll be able to stay comfortable for longer! Chimeneas (free-standing fireplaces) and fire pits add flickering flame and significant warmth. Kids and kids at heart will also love having the ability to roast marshmallows when the craving hits.

Practical Deck Lighting

Adding light fixtures to the posts and railings of your deck add ambiance and safety. At a relatively low expense, you can purchase lighting kits featuring light fixtures, wiring, and a transformer to power the glow.

Lighting doesn’t sound exciting. And, a bulb in a nondescript ceiling fixture is definitely not exciting. But the aforementioned examples show that with a little creativity and effort, lighting becomes far more than a functional necessity. It sets a mood and adds to the ambiance of your space. For best results, mix and match these ideas until you create a look that will make you a proud host or hostess for your next patio party!