Lighting Your Outdoor Living Space On a Budget

Second to great company, lighting is probably the most important element in creating amazing outdoor evening experiences. Good lighting can even make a simple setting shine. 

I would like to offer you a few easy hacks to upgrade the lighting for your outdoor gathering space, without blowing your budget.

First, let’s review the problems:

Harsh Light Sources

Even worse than no light at all, is having a single light source that is just harsh and blinding for your guests. Flood lights and other security lights meant to light a whole yard from a single point are not meant to be welcoming and do nothing for the mood, especially if they have motion sensors and turn off until someone generously waves at it like a mad man.

Deep Dark Shadows

Along with harsh light sources comes deep shadows. While the person facing the light is well lit, and mildly assaulted, the person with their back to the light is unrecognizable. Apart from that, the shadows cast by people and objects are stark and unattractive. 

The solution is to have multiple, softer light sources, to light everyone’s face gently, no matter where they are facing. Here are a few ideas for achieving that.

Sconces

Start by swapping out any ugly security light with an attractive sconce. You shouldn’t need an electrician for this if you’re handy. Just make sure the power is off. If you get a fixture with an outlet too, take it. You can use an outlet for some of the other ideas in this list.

Solar Landscape Lights

Seriously consider some solar landscape lights. Solar technology is getting better by the day. My lights stay on for many hours after dusk. I find that they can make a pathway very welcoming and define the perimeter of your entertainment space. Throwing some light under those creepy hedges and shrubbery doesn’t hurt either.

Dining Table Light

If you are sitting around a dining table you definitely want to see everyone’s face, and to see what you are eating. Sometimes candles don’t do the trick. You may want to try a kerosene lamp or cordless led light. I’ve also used a small bedroom lamp, just passing the power cord though the umbrella hole if you have one. It’s novel and charming.

Umbrella Lights

If you have an umbrella over your dining table, how about under-umbrella lights. These can be retrofitted and battery operated and very cost effective.

Fire

If you can do it, go for the open flames. A fire pit or tiki torches throw really warm light on peoples faces. The flickering is extra. And if you use citronella fuel you can chase away the mosquitoes too.

Light a Tree

For some reason this is not done enough. Wrap a nearby tree with string flights. This can give a warm glow from a wide source, and it always adds a touch of magic to the air.

Bistro Lights

Last but not least is my favorite, bistro lights. If you can only do one thing, do this. Hang them along your roof’s gable, run them out to a pole, or into the trees, zigzag, crisscross, form a canopy, you can’t really do anything wrong with bistro lights. They really spread the light around well and they create a festive atmosphere. 

Oh, and if someone is on the grill, please make sure they have enough light to see whether they are burning the meat or serving it raw.