12 of Our Favorite Patio Lights to Brighten Up Your Outdoor Space

Patio lighting is an imperative aspect of any nighttime gathering, and that's true whether it's an open-air dinner for two or a party for dozens. "When planning your entertaining outdoor space, it is vital to think through evoking more of the senses to have the full experience of your space (which will also help people remember the event, conversations, food, etc.)," Daniel McCurry, the co-founder of Father Nature Landscapes, says. "Lighting provokes emotion when used as art, but also has a practical use of getting guests outdoors. When lighting your outdoor space, you need to think of all of its benefits to get the most out of it." Ahead, we're showing you some of our favorite creative porch or patio lighting ideas that are guaranteed to elevate your backyard living space.

Lighting can take many forms—from candles to hanging lanterns, you have a number of options to choose from. But before you start thinking about what you do and don't like, it's important to take stock of the area you're trying to illuminate. "You want to create a soft environment around terraces, pathways, fountains, dinging areas, or art pieces," McCurry adds. "Outdoor lighting should be as seamless as the lighting the inside of your home, since we feel outdoor lighting is an extension of your interior." Porches, patios, backyards, and gardens all need different types of lighting, he adds. If you're on the hunt for functional and decorative lighting accessories for these outdoor entertaining spaces, you're in luck—we have several favorites.

We have plenty of options that you can shop right now; they are just a click away. For example, hang an outdoor pendant that looks as great suspended from your front porch ceiling as it does on your backyard patio. It's made of rattan and is just the thing to round out your outdoor décor. You could also opt for a minimalistic lantern, forged from metal, that can illuminate the path to your front door or double as a centerpiece. No matter what style you're looking for, you'll find a wide array of great patio (and beyond!) light ideas here.