16 Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Won't Break the Bank
Stay outside all day and night with these illuminating fixtures that are easy to install and enjoy — no expensive rewiring required.
Shining Example
Magic Lanterns
Decorative lanterns, vintage or new, are one of the easiest and most attractive ways to add lighting to an outdoor space. Cluster them on the dining table, group them at points around the edges of the space or line them up on a wall — the options are many and varied. You can use real wax candles or outdoor LED "candles."
Buy It: Target, $40
Fine Dining
Step Lightly
Lighting on steps and walkways is a smart safety measure — and, fortunately, one that won’t require you to call an electrician. Just mount these solar deck lights to any flat surface with screws included (or just place them on the ground); they’ll charge when the sun is out during the day, and turn on LED bulbs at dusk.
Buy It: Wayfair, $20.99 (Set of 4)
Instant Romance
Vintage Charmers
A string of twinkling lights will add a little something special to any outdoor space, but vintage-style lights with exposed filaments go the extra style mile. These Edison string lights add a fun party attitude to decks and patios and look great wrapped around an outdoor umbrella.
Buy It: The Home Depot, $49.97
Holding Court(yard)
String Light Solution
Flower Power
Vessels for spectacular blooms by day, lighting elements by night: These solar illuminated planters are powered by the sun, so you can display them anywhere without worrying about outlet placement. Choose color-changing mode or select a single color to complement your plantings.
Buy It: Gardener's Supply Company, $99.95
Work and Play
Bright Thought
Lamps aren’t only for indoors. Electric table lamps approved for outdoor use are ideal decorative accents that extend your outdoor time. This indoor/outdoor lamp takes a regular 60-watt bulb and comes with a cheery basketweave shade.
Buy It: The Home Depot, $130.28
Smart Solution
Firefly Effect
Here’s a fun project for kids and grownups alike: Upcycle empty bottles to create solar garden lighting. This solar bottle lantern kit consists of a rubber stopper with LED light strings attached. Just insert the light strings into a bottle of your choice and place the stopper in the top of the bottle. A small solar panel on the top charges the battery so that when dusk falls the twinkling LED lights begin to glow. Display the weatherproof project anywhere you like, year-round.
Buy It: Amazon, $14.99
Reflect on This
Sleek Spotlights
Candles aren’t your only choice for impromptu outdoor illumination. If you prefer a more modern look, consider these saucer-shaped oil lamps. They're made of poly/resin/stone for a modern take on midcentury terrazzo. Filled with mineral oil or citronella oil, the lamps will burn for up to eight hours.
Buy It: CB2, $19.95
Safety Counts
Highlight your deck railing, posts or stairs with these solar deck accent lights. They turn on automatically at dusk and add an attractive amber-hued ambiance for approximately eight hours after a full day of sun.
Buy It: Plow & Hearth, $39.95 (Set of 4)

Photo By: Martin Cox Photography; Design By: June Scott, June Scott Design