Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor accent lighting is a must-have finishing touch for your pool patio, backyard deck, or paved terrace. Modern outdoor lighting fixtures seamlessly blend form and function. Dining al fresco in the evening? Wall sconces will illuminate your dining area. Planning for a night of stargazing? A lantern (or two!) will fit the bill. No matter the occasion or out of doors location, designer outdoor lighting fixtures will help create memorable experiences.

From mid-century modern outdoor lighting pieces — like a portable globe lamp — to contemporary fixtures, the options are nearly endless. With an abundance of outdoor patio lighting ideas, setting the mood has never been so easy.

Types of Outdoor Lighting

There’s handful of different outdoor lighting types and styles. Take a deep dive into this roundup of some of the most covetable options.

An outdoor wall sconce, which is hardwired, mounts to an exterior wall. Usually, this type of fixture is rendered in durable weather-proof materials, including brushed copper, bronze, and powder-coated aluminum. Some designs feature a gooseneck and dome-shaped diffuser, while others are more geometric in form. Outdoor lantern lights combine high-performance materials with candlelight. This type of light looks equally chic positioned on an outdoor dining table or lining a pathway.

Portable lamps are an increasingly popular choice for deck lights. Think of a portable lamp as a modern take on a lantern. It boasts a beautifully sculptural silhouette and is easy to transport from one outdoor area to the next. A Bluetooth speaker with lights is similar to a wireless lamp, but it offers a luminous glow and high-end audio — the best of both worlds.

Finally, an outdoor bulkhead light, which mounts flush with the wall, is an industrial design element. With its origins rooted in maritime history (this type of light was first used on ships), it features a vintage nautical aesthetic.

How to Choose Outdoor Lighting Fixtures for Your Home

It’s best to narrow down your lighting needs before choosing outdoor fixtures. Ask yourself, “What am I trying to accomplish?” If you want to provide ample light for a dining area, opt for outdoor LED lighting. Many modern wall sconces employ long-lasting, energy efficient LEDs that ensure ample light for several years.

Portable outdoor lights (like a lantern or lamp) are an easy choice for outdoor areas without an outlet or nearby electricity. To illuminate a pool or an uncovered pathway, select outdoor waterproof lamps. This weather-resistant type will provide light, rain or shine.

As a rule, it’s important to choose weatherproof outdoor lights. Think about a fixture’s construction and material — and ensure that it can stand up to the elements. Powder-coated aluminum outdoor wall lights, high-density polyethylene lamps, and teak lanterns are among the best durable outdoor lights.

If you design your space with pragmatic yet stylish outdoor furniture and lighting, it’s destined to be a haven for seasons to come.

At Design Within Reach, we’re here to answer questions and more, with complementary design services to support you at every step of your interior design journey. Our staff of in-store design professionals can give advice and recommendations via chat, photos, and live video. They can also do 3-D renderings of your rooms so you can see how an arrangement might work. Look for the black chat icon at the lower right of webpages.