20 Deck Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Outdoor Living Space

Adding lights to your deck can instantly upgrade the space and elevate the ambiance. Not only does adequate lighting provide greater visibility, but it encourages you to spend more time enjoying your deck after dusk. From mounted light fixtures, to string lights, to overhead chandeliers, check out some deck lighting ideas to take your outdoor living space to the next level.

Built-In Deck Lighting

Use your deck as a source of lighting by installing light fixtures directly into the decking material.

1. Built-In Post Cap Lights

Instantly upgrade the look and functionality of your deck by installing built-in post cap lights. Simply remove your original post caps and pop on the illuminated new ones to brighten up the post and the surrounding area.

2. Illuminated Pergola 

If you have a pergola installed on your deck, don’t forget to illuminate the overhead beams and use your lighting scheme to tie the area together. These mounted light fixtures provide ample lighting that will ensure your outdoor get-together seamlessly transitions from day to night.

3. Inground Deck Lighting

Small floor lights make a big impact on the overall look of a deck, without taking up any space. The soft glow that is emitted by the lighting makes the perfect path to follow as you make your way outside for an impromptu evening dip in the pool. 

Mounted Light Fixtures

If you’re looking for a more permanent outdoor deck lighting idea, check out some of these mounted deck light options. 

4. Modern Recessed Lighting

Modernize the look of your deck by opting for recessed lights throughout the space. Install them overhead to brighten up a walking path, and strategically place them lining stairs and seating areas to add a soft glow to spaces you want to highlight.

5. Outdoor Sconces

Light up the exterior walls that surround your deck and adorn them with wall-mounted sconces. Not only does this brighten up the deck space and offer an inviting atmosphere, but it can illuminate dark corners and highlight architectural elements, such as alcoves and bump-outs. 

6. Flush-Mounted Lamps

Even though flush-mounted lights have a short stature, they pack a punch and can add a significant amount of light to an outdoor seating area. Strategically position them over cozy Adirondack chairs or a bistro set, so you can be sure to keep the conversation flowing after dusk. 

7. Geometric Patterns

The best part about flush mount lighting is that you aren’t limited to a one-size-fits-all model when it comes to styling. For example, these ceiling lights provide a more transitional look to tie together the aesthetic of the deck.

Chandeliers and Pendants

Who says chandeliers and other types of statement lights are just for indoors? Give your outdoor living space that “wow” factor by making the light fixture the center of attention.

8. Modern Farmhouse Candelabra

A little rustic, a little modern—incorporate elements from both worlds to achieve the modern farmhouse design aesthetic. Bring this look to your exterior space by choosing patio lighting that is functional and visually pleasing. This round candelabra-style chandelier will encourage you to spend more time dining outdoors (without having to plan the meal around when the sun sets). 

9. Minimalist Pendants

Let the natural elements of your yard do the talking and select minimalist light fixtures for your patio or deck. These understated pendant lights work well with the overall design of the outdoor area, without taking away from the scenery.

10. Basket Weave Pendant

Bring on the boho with a basket weave pendant overhead light fixture. Not only is this type of light trendy, but it brings texture into the space—one of the fundamental elements in creating a bohemian aesthetic. The natural wicker works well in an outdoor table setting and complements the earthy feel of the space. 

11. Dramatic Chandelier

Make a statement, and opt for a dramatic light fixture to serve as a focal point in your outdoor space. This iron chandelier suspended from the deck’s overhang provides the perfect mood lighting to take al fresco dining to the next level.

12. Modern Hoop Chandelier

Embrace a contemporary aesthetic in your deck space by promoting clean lines throughout the area. Tie modern outdoor furniture together with this stylish hoop chandelier, so you can sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of your yard after the sun sets.

String Lights

String lights are a quick and easy way to illuminate your deck. String lights come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Moreover, you can choose to hang temporary string lights for an event or outdoor garden party, semi-permanent standard-grade bulbs to last for the outdoor season, or commercial-grade bulbs for a permanent addition to your deck.

13. Enchanting Fairy Lights

Fairy lights add an element of charm and are a versatile addition to your outdoor living space. Hang these delicate lights in a lattice pattern above your deck to make it feel like you’re sitting in a grown-up tree fort.

14. Overhead String Lights

Draw the eyes upwards by lining a deck overhang with string lights and make a small space feel bigger. What’s more, you can hang string lights yourself, they come in a variety of styles, and they’re a relatively inexpensive option.

15. Highlighted Planter Box

Rope lights are a type of string light where mini LED or incandescent bulbs are wrapped in a flexible casing. They work particularly well for decks, as they can accentuate the straight lines of the composite or wood material. You can choose to isolate a particular area on the deck and adorn it with string lights, such as this planter box. Or, you can use them as railing lights, and hang them from the surrounding deck railing.

16. Inviting Paper Lanterns

Add pops of color to your deck by hanging paper lanterns above the seating area. Suspend them from tall deck posts or a fixed mounting point from your home’s exterior. You can find lanterns in a variety of sizes, price points, shapes, and colors to showcase your personality while encouraging you to spend more time outside. 

Accent Lights

Check out some other types of lights you can use to illuminate your deck and the surrounding area.

17. Homey Table Lights

Not just for indoors—table lights can complete the look of your deck space and create an outdoor oasis. The best part? You can often find battery-powered tabletop lamps so you don’t have to hassle with plugging them into an outlet.  

18. Lit Up Umbrella

Think outside of the box when adding lights to your deck space. For example, this patio umbrella light illuminates the seating area with a soft glow to elevate the ambiance of your outdoor living area. What’s more, you can often find built-in solar-powered umbrella lights that charge up naturally during the day and power off after sunrise.

19. Solar Light Pathway

Opt for solar deck lights as an environmentally-friendly option. These landscaping lights brighten up a pathway alongside your deck to promote visibility at night.

20. Accentuated Trees

If your deck has surrounding trees, be sure to include them in your outdoor lighting concept. These drop pendant lights provide an ethereal aesthetic while highlighting the natural silhouettes of the trees.