Set the Mood With Outdoor Lighting

One of the keys to an outdoor extension of your home is the right lighting. Here are 10 ideas to brighten up your outdoor rooms.

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May 14, 2015

By: Camila Ramirez-Pavone

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Photo By: Via Food Network

Try DIY Pendant Shades

Electric or battery-powered hanging bulbs can be a starting point for an original outdoor shade. Designer Jamie Durie cut the bottoms from candle holders and fitted them around basic pendant lights to create a dabbled light effect in this outdoor dining room.

From: Jamie Durie

Go Stainless

Can't figure out where to start? You can't go wrong with a stainless steel pendant: It will not only blend seamlessly with most of the outdoor furniture on the market, it will also solidify an industrial-chic look. Image courtesy Knight Moves

Bring the Indoors Out

Emily Henderson used a thrift store light fixture as a focal point for this Japanese-inspired dining area. A glass and metal light like this one will be fine outdoors in the summer months, and you can store it indoors for the winter. Get more of Emily's tips to help you create your own alfresco dining room.

Give an Old Light Fixture New Life

In pergolas or freestanding structures where electricity may not be available, candles are your best solution. But don't just throw them on the table: With a few tweaks, turn a discarded chandelier into one powered by battery-operated candles. Image courtesy In My Own Style

Repurpose a Pot Rack

For a more casual, organic look, try traditional candles nestled inside Mason jars mixed with succulents or other plants. Erin from Erin Ever After used a hanging pot rack to suspend her arrangement over the table.

Hang a Candle Chandelier

The wire-and-glass chandelier featured in this Mediterranean living space is designed to be lit with candles at night, but it's pretty enough that it's a focal point during the day, too.

Try Moroccan Style

For an eclectic look, try a Moroccan lantern. These pieces can vary widely in price, so it's easy to find one in your budget. For a quick and inexpensive solution, find a thrift store lantern and use candles as your light source. Image courtesy John Coulter Designs

Light the Way

Don't forget to light the pathway to your outdoor room. Create this look like Karen of The Art of Doing Stuff did using only a ubiquitous globe fixture and a strand of white lights. Presto: chic, cheap outdoor lighting.

Use Holiday Lights Year Round

While it is typically frowned upon to have your Christmas lights up after the holidays, the strands of white bulbs can provide you with another amazing source of light for your outdoor room. String them across your patio like Emily Henderson did here, or use them to line a path, wrap around a tree or highlight a plant. Get more of Emily's tips to create an inviting outdoor room.

Bring In a Feminine Touch

With steel furniture, concrete, brick and stone, it's no wonder most outdoor spaces tend to lean toward a masculine look. Add a touch of whimsy and a more feminine vibe with a capiz chandelier, like the one featured on this bright and colorful patio (find the DIY project here). Image courtesy ModaChrome Home

Light Up Your Party

Even if you typically don't have an outdoor structure, events are a wonderful excuse to warm up your yard for guests. Paper lanterns are inexpensive and colorful and come in a rainbow of colors and a range of sizes.

Set the Mood With Outdoor Lighting

Related To:

Shop This Look

Try DIY Pendant Shades

Go Stainless

Bring the Indoors Out

Give an Old Light Fixture New Life

Repurpose a Pot Rack

Hang a Candle Chandelier

Try Moroccan Style

Light the Way

Use Holiday Lights Year Round

Bring In a Feminine Touch

Light Up Your Party

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