Discounted Patios is a family-owned business based in Victoria with over 25 years of experience in enhancing outdoor living spaces and providing top-quality products at competitive prices. Outdoor lighting has the power to transform your patio from a basic seating area into a welcoming, cosy space for hosting gatherings and enjoying the summer. Not only does outdoor lighting serve as a practical light source that extends the functionality of your patio, but it also elevates the visual appeal and overall enjoyment of your outdoor area.
Types of Patio Lighting
Flat Insulated Roof
A flat roof patio is just as it sounds—a sleek, modern outdoor insulated roof with a subtle slope for adequate water drainage. This design features durable, two-piece roll-formed beams, offering greater longevity compared to traditional timber.
Gable Roof
A gable roof is a design with two sides that slope upwards to meet in the middle, forming a triangle shape. This type of roof offers a traditional look and has been a popular choice for residential homes due to its timeless and functional features.
Pergola Roof
A pergola roof is incredibly versatile, offering the flexibility to attach it to your existing building or position it as a standalone feature within an open space. Its design, including the size and shape, can be customised to complement your home and meet your specific needs perfectly.
Louvre Roof
A patio louvre roof can be installed overhead as an alternative to a traditional roof, or horizontal shutters can be added. These adjustable slats allow you to control sunlight and shade, combining functionality with a sleek, adaptable design for your patio.
Understanding Your Patio Style
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is a fixture installed into the ceiling, floor, or wall, offering a modern, discreet lighting solution. This design directs light into your outdoor area while taking up minimal space, making it ideal for patios where a spacious feel is desired. Installation methods vary based on the roof type: for insulated panels, recessed lights are integrated within the ceiling; for flat roofs, they are attached externally to the beams; and for louvre roofs, they are installed internally into the beam.
Outdoor String Lights
Outdoor string lights are affordable and easy-to-install light fixtures that provide a soft glow, enhancing your outdoor living area. Hanging string lights is simple and commonly involves using pillars, beams, and hooks as anchors to spread the lights around the space. These lights are available in various colours and shapes to match your aesthetic preferences. Warm white or cool white are commonly used for a welcoming glow. While string lights are great for outdoor lighting, they offer limited brightness and may experience wear and tear due to the elements, so it’s essential to ensure you buy weather and water-resistant string lights. These string lights are also available in solar options, highlighting their energy efficiency.
Lanterns
Lanterns are a timeless choice for your outdoor dining area, offering a warm glow and enhancing the space with their classic design. They come in various shapes, colours, and sizes, allowing you to customise them to match your vision. Available in battery-operated or open-flame styles, lanterns can be hung, placed on tables, or positioned around the patio. Their portability lets you adjust their placement as needed. However, like other portable lighting, lanterns may require regular maintenance or replacement due to weather exposure and power limitations, making them a less permanent patio lighting solution.
Torches
Lining the perimeter of your patio with torches is an energy-efficient way to add warm, natural light to your outdoor space. Torches are a popular choice for patio lighting ideas because they are portable and easy to set up while also repelling insects—great for summer nights when mosquitos are more prevalent. However, this outdoor lighting option carries a fire risk due to the open flame and requires regular refilling and maintenance. For safety reasons, this lighting idea isn’t suitable for households with young children.
Ambient Lighting for a Cosy Atmosphere
When you step out onto your patio or backyard, you want to avoid the stark, clinical feel of bright LED lights typically found in parking lots. Instead, you should experience a warm, cosy, and inviting atmosphere that genuinely enhances your outdoor space, aligning with the relaxing environment you seek to enjoy. This can be achieved through the use of patio lighting ideas that focus on creating an ambient glow. Ambient lighting pairs well with a fire pit, as the warm atmosphere has likely already been established. Recommended options to elevate your patio to be inviting and have that warm feel include string lights and fairy lights, particularly the ones with a warm white colour and lanterns with an open flame set up on the table or near entrance points.s
Tip: Light pillar candles inside mason jars or vases for an affordable way to achieve a cosy atmosphere. This simple trick creates a beautiful, warm glow that enhances the ambience of your patio.
Outdoor Lighting for Functionality
When selecting light fixtures for your outdoor spaces, it’s crucial to balance illumination with functionality. While creating a warm and inviting atmosphere is essential, you may also need brighter lighting for practical tasks. A pendant light can act as a stylish focal point, adding both increased illumination and functionality to your outdoor dining area. Specific outdoor wall lights, such as floodlights, can enhance your outdoor space by providing increased security lighting and extensive brightness. They offer ample illumination for activities not only on your patio but also for all your backyard lighting ideas. These lighting fixtures are ideal for families with young children who still want to go outside after the sun goes down.
Tip: To ensure that your outdoor lighting serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, it’s recommended to choose dimmable fixtures or adjustable options. This will allow you to easily switch between creating a cosy ambience and providing bright, functional lighting for tasks or security needs.
Accent Lighting for Aesthetic Appeal
A mix of garden and outdoor lights can transform your patio into a beautifully lit area perfect for evening gatherings. Landscape lighting can highlight the features and architectural elements of your garden’s outdoor space. To make the most of accent lighting, strategically illuminate specific features such as plants, sculptures, or architectural elements.
Tip: Position uplights to emphasise vertical elements such as trees and downlights to spotlight horizontal surfaces, decorative objects, or sculptures.
Energy-Efficient Lighting Options
Opt for solar lights that blend seamlessly with your current fixtures and architectural elements to illuminate your garden efficiently. Solar hanging lights or fairy lights are excellent outdoor lighting ideas, combining functionality and warmth into your backyard setup. By choosing solar lighting, you’ll enhance your space, save on electricity, and reduce your carbon footprint. LED lights are a perfect choice for energy saving due to their reduced power consumption compared to traditional bulbs. They are not only highly efficient but can be tailored to meet your design and functional needs.
Tip: Incorporating timers and motion sensors into your patio lighting plans is a simple way to conserve energy and create a sustainable, cost-effective outdoor lighting setup.
Planning and Installation Tips
Fixtures like hanging lights, fairy lights, lanterns, and torches are generally easy to install and often don’t require a professional unless they need to be installed at heights. However, it’s crucial to ensure that wiring and power sources are protected from weather elements to avoid potential fire risks. For more complex patio lighting options, such as recessed lighting, pendant lights, and flood lights, it’s advisable to consult a professional. Proper installation is essential to ensure safety and optimal performance.
Tip: We recommend talking to an experienced professional for some outdoor lighting ideas; they know better than anyone how to make your space cosy and functional.
Select the perfect lighting for your patio
Well-chosen patio lighting creates ambience, improves functionality, and adds a level of warmth to your outdoor space. By exploring various lighting options, you can create a cosy, inviting environment that suits your needs and style. Experiment with different fixtures to find the perfect balance of warmth and practicality for your patio.
For more inspiration on enhancing your outdoor patio and verandah, explore our guide on Creative ways to design, layout, and use your verandahs, patios, and pergolas.