The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Outdoor lighting will add functionality and ambiance to your home exterior.
Get inspired with these stylish outdoor lighting ideas.
What to Consider Before Installing Outdoor Lights
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The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Choose large Edison bulbs for a modern feel that will make your space feel festive and inviting.
Wall Sconces
Lucide Lighting
Choose space-saving sconces to light your porch oroutdoor living room.
These streamlined black sconces provide both uplighting and downlighting to maximize illumination.
@cottageandsea/ Instagram
Choose a stylish outdoor fixture that doubles as decor when the sun is shining.
Black lantern-style fixtures and a light blue Dutch door adds charm to this Southern California home.
Choose individual fairy lights or a string light curtain depending on how much surface area you want to cover.
Emily Henderson Design/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Floodlights
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Opt for floodlights to illuminate a backyard fence.
Downlighting will brighten the area and highlight the wood grain in yourprivacy fence.
This will create a focal point and can help to anchor an outdoor sitting area.
Lucide Lighting
These vertical fixtures will structure the space while providing a modern look.
On this modern patio, a large woven pendant light anchors the dining table.
Choose a pair of varying heights for a stylish look.
Emily Henderson Design/ Photo byTessa Neustadt
Thiscovered patioincludes string lights and a central light fixture to make the space more inviting.
Keep lanterns low to the ground for a lounge feel.
Pergola Lighting
Upstyle Your Home
Light your backyard pergolaby hanging string lights from the upper beams.
Emily Bowser forEmily Henderson Design/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Then add some boho-style straw pendant lights to complement rattan furniture.
Stake lights that are driven into the ground on either side of your walkway will get the job done.
Matching door hardware will brighten the look and add warmth to an all-white house.
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Lantern Posts
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Suspend solar-powered lanterns from the wooden posts of your outdoor staircase.
This will create a rustic look that is less modern than installing integrated staircase lighting.
Modern Globe Sconces
Tyler Karu
Modernize a traditional or farmhousefront porchwith large globe light sconces.
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Choose black metal mounts to complement a black-and-white facade.
Boho-Style Pendant Light
Anchor a boho-style outdoor seating area with a woven pendant light.
The airy fixture will complement rattan furniture and a jute rug for a relaxed feel.
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/ Margaret Austin Photography
This will create a warm feel that stands in for stars on a cloudy night.
Illuminated Front Steps
Turn a prominent front staircase into a feature with integrated outdoor LED lighting.
Warm light creates a welcoming feel on the exterior of this three-story home.
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Hang a pair of industrial pendants over a large dining table to ensure that there is adequate light.
Cozy Candlelight
@herzenstimme/ Instagram
Create a warm glow on your back porch or patio with candlelight.
Under-Eaves Lighting
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Highlight the roofline of your house by placing lightingbeneath the eaves.
@ladylandscape/ Instagram
This is a sophisticated way to call attention toarchitectural features that define your home.
These will provide a softer glow than exposed bulbs for a more relaxing feel.
It will glow in the evenings and disappear into the background when the sun is out.
@ann.living/ Instagram
This is an easy DIY way to decorate for a party or add ambiance on a budget.
Tree Lighting
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Highlight your favoritetree with string lights.
Driveway Lighting
Laura Brophy Interiors
Soften a prominent front driveway and garage door with outdoor lighting.
Desiree Burns Interiors
Mix uplighting and downlighting for a balanced feel.
Combine with landscape lighting like spotlights on trees to spreadlight throughout the backyard.
Warm oversized bulbs give this home nestled in the Catskills of New York a fairy tale glow.
Raymond Forbes LLC / Stocksy
Modern globe light fixtures on the exterior and interior give this space a cohesive feel.
The glass will catch light and create intriguing reflections and shadows depending on the time of day or night.
Just be sure that you don’t leave them out too long exposed to the elements.
Jess Bunge forEmily Henderson Design/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
What are the types of outdoor lighting?
Outdoor fixtures for a covered porch or patio include ceiling lighting and wall sconces.
An open deck or balcony may be lit with a combination of wall-mounted lighting and string lights.
@wildrosecountryhome/ Instagram
How do you choose a color for an outdoor light fixture?
Black is a classic choice that works with any style, from traditional to contemporary.
Is warm white or cool white better for outdoor lights?
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Mix and match warm and cool lighting.
Use warm lighting on areas like the front porch and door to create an inviting glow.
Upstyle Your Home
COS Design/ Photo byUrban Angles
Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byErin Kelly
Andrea Scharff Landscaping
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Tyler Karu
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Carli Teteris / Stocksy
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Laura Brophy Interiors
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Laura Brophy Interiors
Design byAHG Interiors/ Photo byNick Glimenakis
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/ Margaret Austin Photography
Jenn Pablo Studio
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