20 Backyard Patio Lighting Ideas With String Lights, Lanterns and More

Looking for backyard patio lighting ideas that go beyond a strand of bulbs? Think glowing tree branches, little lights along your steps or lanterns above the table.

These pictures include everyday seating areas plus a few dressed-up garden settings worth borrowing from.

You can keep things simple or go all out. I especially love the tiny lights tucked into jars! Start with the spot you want to light, then choose the details you’d like to bring into your own backyard.

Patio lighting ideas worth saving

twinkling tree trunks

We’re starting off strong with these gorgeous light-wrapped trees. Tiny lights follow the trunks and branches while larger bulbs stretch across the open space.

This is an elaborate celebration setup, but you don’t need the flowers or dance floor to borrow the idea. Try lighting one tree beside your patio for a smaller version.

lanterns above the table

How pretty is this garden dinner setup? I love the little lanterns hanging at different heights beneath all those rows of bulbs.

The table has its own line of glowing lights between the white flowers. If you want to try the same mix, keep your hanging lanterns clustered over the middle of the table.

greenery-wrapped pergola posts

This pergola may just be one of my favorites here. The greenery spiraling around the white posts looks so pretty with little lights tucked through it.

Larger bulbs drape across the seating area above the pale cushions. Keep both sizes if you want that same mix of tiny twinkles and bigger points of light.

a glowing stepping-stone path

Why stop at the patio? These small ground lights follow the stepping stones all the way to the chairs and round fire pit.

I especially love how the path leads toward the overhead string lights. For your own version, place the lights beside the walking route rather than on the stepping stones.

little lights along the steps

If you are looking for something a little less decorative, this one is for you. Small round lights sit along the pale step fronts, with pools of light falling onto the level below.

The dark treads keep the whole entrance looking simple.

fence lights by the fire pit

Don’t want to hang anything overhead? No problem! This circular seating area has lights mounted on the fence behind it.

One gives off a whiter glow while the other looks more amber. I’d choose a matching light color for your own pair if you want a more consistent look.

bulbs through the branches

I am obsessed with this tree lighting. The glowing strands curve through the branches above the picnic table, with plenty of leaves still showing between them.

You don’t have to wrap every inch of the trunk to borrow this look. Let the branches be the part you highlight.

up-and-down fence lights

These little black fixtures make such a pretty pattern. Each one casts light above and below it, repeating along the fence beneath a thin glowing line.

Try this direction if you’d rather dress up the edge of your yard than fill the space overhead with bulbs.

string lights on tall posts

Here’s a lovely way to frame a small outdoor dining table. Tall posts with short crosspieces support rows of bulbs above the chairs.

The surrounding garden stays open, with no full roof over the patio. I’d keep the tabletop just as simple, with a single vase of flowers.

lights beneath the umbrella

How cute is this umbrella setup? Small lights trace the ribs underneath, right above the sofa and chairs.

If you want lighting close to your seating without rows of cables across the yard, look for an outdoor umbrella with lighting designed for it. This one leaves the rest of the patio fairly open.

oversized white lanterns

I love these big round lanterns above the table. The different sizes make the strand look a little more playful than a row of matching bulbs.

White lanterns, a white tablecloth and pink flowers are such a pretty combination. Try outdoor-rated lanterns in a similar mix of sizes for your next garden dinner.

a glow beneath the bench

If you are looking for lots of lighting details, then this one is for you. There’s a three-bulb pendant, round wall lights and little uplights among the plants.

My favorite part is the continuous glow beneath the L-shaped bench. That’s the detail I’d borrow first for a built-in seating area.

glowing arched niches

These little illuminated arches are so pretty. They sit at staggered heights across a plain wall, with a large brown pot beside them.

The close-up doesn’t show a patio, but the wall detail is worth saving for an outdoor renovation. Ask your designer about weather-appropriate illuminated niches if you want a similar feature outside.

hanging jars against a wall

How sweet are these little hanging jars? Each has a candle-shaped light inside, with long cords placing them at different heights against the horizontal boards.

For your own version, choose outdoor-rated flameless lights rather than open flames near the wall and hanging cords.

tall patterned lanterns

The cutout patterns are my favorite part of these tall lanterns. Their dark outlines look gorgeous beside the low seats and patterned cushions.

Read also: 20 Balcony Patio Ideas With Pretty Plants, Small Seating and Twinkling Lights

This setting has dunes and palms behind it, but you can borrow just the lantern idea. Try a tall outdoor lantern beside the end of your patio bench.

pergola bulbs and a fire bowl

I love this L-shaped seating area with its pale cushions and black-and-white pillows. Strands of bulbs hang beneath the open pergola while a round fire bowl glows in the middle.

Read also: 20 Deck Ideas for Mobile Homes With Pretty Seating and Porch Details

The lights follow the seating area without wrapping every post. Save this one if you prefer a simpler pergola look.

posts in barrel planters

This is another post-supported lighting idea, but the bases are part of the decor too. Barrel-style planters sit around the patio edges with tall posts rising from their centers.

The flowers at the bottom are such a nice touch. If you’re planning something similar, use properly secured supports designed to carry the light strands.

curtains edged with tiny lights

If you want to go all out, this little dining corner has plenty of inspiration. Long pale curtains are tied back around the table, with tiny lights following their edges and larger bulbs overhead.

The hanging lanterns are gorgeous too. For a simpler version, I’d choose one pair of curtain panels and keep the opening clear.

black poles and round bulbs

Don’t want bulky posts around your patio? These slim black poles give you another look to consider.

Round bulbs hang in loose curves above the dark dining set.

I love the white flowers and pale patterned rug underneath. They’re lovely additions if you want to keep the furniture and lighting supports dark.

jars full of fairy lights

Last but definitely not least, we have these adorable glowing jars. I am obsessed with the tiny lights curling around inside them!

The jars hang at different heights throughout the branches. Choose outdoor-rated jar lights to try beside your patio, keeping them out of the walking area.