Need a dose of inspiration for your patio lighting ideas? There are so many great ways to add ambiance, and the best outdoor lighting ideas for small spaces are here for you. Why not add a little magic with magic light curtains or place twinkling firefly lanterns around the seating area? You can also decorate your space with a beautiful garland lamp and decorate the walls with a soft accent wall lamp.
Lighting is an important component of any good balcony space. Renowned lighting designer Marlena Kaminska explains that lighting not only increases functionality, allowing you to enjoy a space at any time of the year, but choosing the right lighting is key to creating a cozy atmosphere.
However, outdoor lighting doesn't just have to be functional - there are many modern lighting options that can visually take your balcony to a new level of design and style. As for accent lighting, we recommend starting by thinking about the mood you want to create," says Marlena.
24 great balcony lighting ideas for your outdoor space
Whatever your aesthetic preferences, find the perfect lighting option to match your porch idea.
1. Add a modern touch with garlands
Garland is an absolute classic for patio decor, available in a multitude of styles and colors. You can make a strong visual impression with the best wall lights, and choosing a large ceiling light can add depth to your space.
"Start by zig-zagging each strand of the chandelier at the top, securing it in place with a tack nail or zipper to create a twinkling canopy that complements the night sky," suggests Emily Kelsey of Lights4Fun.
"Alternatively, a decorative garland can be wrapped along the patio railing, secured with string ties for a soft glow after dark."
The perfect way to add a touch of color to your balcony is to use a warm decorative lamp with LED bulbs. Powered by a solar panel, there are 50 bulbs spaced 6 inches apart that can be switched to six different settings.
This replacement light bulb has a retro feel with its Edison bulb look. Suspended from a durable 48-inch black rubber cord, the 15 LED lights are highly weatherproof, long-lasting, and even dimmer compatible.
Why not go the elegant route with this stunning copper decorative lamp? We love the timeless beauty of a chandelier, and these 15 LEDs on a 10-inch plug cord are stunning, both on and off.
5. Promote romance with lanterns
Candle lights add a romantic touch to any outdoor space and are perfect for creating a cozy porch scene. Marlena Kaminska suggests using LED candles: they have all the ambiance-enhancing magic, but without the risk of a real flame.
"Designed to flicker like real candles, they are ideal for creating smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces," says Marlena. LED candles can always be left outside.
A pair of Lights4fun flashlights
This duo of black metal lanterns will add a modern touch to any foyer. Inside is a battery-operated LED candle that emits a warm, atmospheric glow that flickers like a real flame. There's even a handy 6-hour timer.
Firefly lantern with LED lighting
These twinkling firefly lights will make a magical addition to any outdoor patio at night. The flashlight is battery operated and has a time setting. Since they are made of durable plastic, they need protection from the weather.
If you're looking for elegance and sophistication on your front porch, make a statement with this beautifully decorated solar lantern. The LED candles inside will glow cheerfully all night long, and the rope frame gives it a rustic look.
9. Add a functional wall lamp to your balcony
Sconces are a great way to add unobtrusive lighting to your porch, while also adding a touch of elegance and class.
Balanced chandeliers are what's needed, says Ben Marshall, creative director of Hudson Valley Lighting Group, and they can also surround the patio with the right lighting. "Turn these sconces on a dimmer," says Ben, "to set the mood instead of the warm, bright light that hits your face as you try to capture the moment."
"If you use sconces, I recommend indirect lighting, wash the walls so the light isn't too bright."
Built-in LED cylindrical light
For minimal maintenance-free decorative lighting, these wall sconces from Amazon are a great option. The four light cords are made of smooth, stainless aluminum and emit soft ambient lighting up and down.
Brass lantern for outdoor wall
Why not add a little modern art to your balcony lighting? The single light of this wall lamp is encased in a rectangular brass frame, giving it clean, modern lines.
Updated street chandelier
Hanging lights are a great way to add the exotic to your porch and evoke memories of past hikes. This solar powered lantern is waterproof and dustproof and automatically turns on at night.
13. Choose a simple option with wireless lighting
Don't want to worry about getting a plug for your patio lighting ideas? Find projects you don't need. Battery or rechargeable options are the way forward. Or, if you have an outdoor porch with lots of sun, Talia Shaw of Sparkle Lighting recommends solar lanterns.
The above designs can be styled in a variety of ways and are sure to draw attention with their soothing glow emanating from the various hues.
Solar extraterrestrial lantern
This tall, smooth floor lamp is a great way to increase the height of the unlit areas of your balcony. We love this solar powered lamp that comes in a variety of designs made from handmade bamboo fabric. The light itself is 40 lumens of warm white.
Solvinden jug lamp on batteries
This battery-operated lamp from Ikea is a real find, and we're obsessed with the pattern it projects through the glass. A convenient hook attached to the lid allows you to hang it on a tree branch or a wall hook.
A matching pair of table lamps will never go out of style and both are hugely popular. Each of the thin metal frames contains a large light bulb that emits a soft light bright enough to read by. Both are battery operated.
17. Save space on the balcony with a chandelier
The veranda is a great place for an outdoor chandelier. "There are so many places to hang lights, and you can quickly make an impression because it's a small room to decorate," says Talia Shaw.
Use a covered area of your patio for a chandelier and hang more than one to make a real statement. The above design is simple but definitely effective and complements the handy layout perfectly.
Acrylic ball with mini LED
Hang these beautiful pieces on your covered porch and you'll have a hard time leaving. Internal LED lighting emits a warm glow that shines merrily through the clear acrylic of each ball, which hangs from a white power cord.
We love the whimsical pattern on this charming lace lantern from Terrain. Made from durable all-weather Tyvek synthetic material, it can be used all year round and only needs to be wiped with a soft damp cloth when needed.
The open frame is suspended from more than forty star-shaped LED lights. A built-in solar panel keeps it running, but there's also a rechargeable battery for cloudy days.
21. Set the scene with garlands
Plus, there are other types of string lights that will instantly liven up your porch after dark. Miniature paper lanterns are what we use to create a bohemian chic vibe, but they complement many other schemes too. Bright stars, flowers and other beautiful shapes will also add character.
Something more subtle, fairy lights are a popular choice for those looking to add coziness to their space. "Because it is so versatile, the placement of this lamp can be adapted to the shape and size of your porch," explains Marlena Kaminska. Why not try wrapping it around a fence, railing or logs in cast iron?
Emily Kelsey also suggests creating the perfect backdrop by lighting up your patio with warm white curtains. "Hang them along the walls on either side of the patio and choose the timer function for easy nighttime lighting," he says.
Stargazer Waterproof LED Flashlight
We love this lightweight vintage yarn in copper yarn. The set includes six light drums, each of which has 27 warm white LEDs along the wires. Each string has its own waterproof battery compartment.
What's not to love about sheer curtains? This beautiful lamp contains 300 waterproof LEDs, each of which reacts to eight different light settings. Play with waves, slow fades, sparks and cascades all night long.
How to choose outdoor lights for a patio?
When choosing an outdoor light for your balcony, it is important to consider its operation in any weather, as well as the overall appearance.
Marlena Kaminska recommends choosing products with an adequate degree of IP protection to protect against moisture and dirt. The higher the IP rating, the higher its resistance to water and dirt (most street lights should be rated at least IP44). Keep in mind that this number depends on how open your balcony is.
If you need a brighter light, perhaps for safety reasons, Julian Page, head of design at BHS, says you can opt for a powerful PIR floodlight, which uses a sensor to detect motion, activating the light automatically.
He adds: “You may also want to consider dusk-to-dawn lighting options, which easily provide light without the push of a button, using photocell sensors that detect the level of natural light and act accordingly to the image.
