The Days Are Getting Shorter: 15 Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Brighten up Your Backyard or Balcony

Now that the nights are getting cooler, it’s time to stay indoors – just kidding! Grab a fantastic outdoor light or two and lengthen the season. If you decorate your outdoor areas as thoughtfully as your indoor living space, you’ll be good to go until the first snowfall, at least. Here are our outdoor lighting picks to drape, place and plug-in.

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Amazon

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Warm Glow

When it’s time to take the party outside, these simple cage lanterns have you covered. The lanterns charge during the day and automatically turn on for up to eight hours at night. LVJING Outdoor Solar Lights, Two-Pack, Amazon, $46.

Indigo

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Lunar Lights

Add shimmer with LED string lights by festooning the fence, an arbor or anywhere your backyard needs bling. Strung along a green wire, these opalescent bulbs cast a warm glow when lit. String Lights Moon Glow, 20 Ft., Indigo, $40.

Anthropologie

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Nostalgic Note

Available in blue or white, buy more than one of these solar-powered lanterns so you can cluster the charmers over the table at your next al fresco meal. Stainless steel is encased in synthetic all-weather lace fabric for durability. The lantern provides up to seven hours of light per charge. Floral Lace Solar Lantern, Anthropologie, $44.

Amazon

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Colourful Caper

Illuminated dragonflies settled on leaves: what could be prettier? Add a touch of multi-hued radiance to a potted plant or a tree with these string lights. Bonus? The lights can withstand rain or snow – holiday-decor alert! Solar String Lights, Amazon, $22.

Black pendant string lights over outdoor dining table

Wayfair

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Black Pendants

Now that your patio is perfectly furnished, you’ll need to complete the oasis with lighting – it’s so key! This 10-light set, with 10 LED bulbs included, exudes an industrial charm. Bulb Shaded String Light, Wayfair, $99.

Lightform

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Plant Light

Tucked into ornamental grass, this wand-like light mimics a reedy plant. Designed by Enzo Catellani for Catellani & Smith, the architectural light is equally beautiful indoors. Syphasera Outdoor Floor, Lightform, $400 to $492.

Crate and Barrel

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Stylishly Sleek

Those who can’t stand fussy embellishments will be drawn to this sleek black lamp’s minimalist silhouette. The portable lamp has multiple settings, so you control the vibe. Carrie Portable LED Lamp, Crate and Barrel, $280.

Amazon

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Balcony Boost

Is your balcony a little boring? Get an instant uplift by placing this lantern on a table. Scalloped cut-outs cast a mesmerizing glow. The lantern is solar-powered, waterproof and looks lovely suspended. Solar Lantern Light, 2-Pack, Amazon, $40.

edison-bulb string lights hung over patio

Amazon

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Gild the Gazebo

String lights create a dazzling starry-night effect overhead on a patio or on a gazebo. Now you can sit out into the evening with a cozy blanket snuggled to your chin. The Edison bulbs are totally trendy, too! Brightown Outdoor String Lights, Amazon, $36.

Modern pendants for outdoors or indoor use

Finnish Design Shop

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Hanging Around

Design enthusiasts, we’ve got you covered! The fun rechargeable – and cordless – lamp looks amazing hanging from a tree branch from its silicone loop, which was inspired by hair accessories and sailing equipment. The light is also available in green and yellow. Fatboy Bolleke Lamp, Finnish Design Shop, $107.

CB2

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Garden Party

Sometimes the most primal ideas are the best, and that’s why we love a candle flame. Tuck this tall tea light holder into a balcony plant’s pot for a brilliant glow. Garden Stake Tea Light Candle Holder, CB2, $7.

Crate and Barrel

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Timeless Teak

Lighting should match your home’s style. Framed in unfinished teak and topped with a notched square stainless-steel handle, these striking-yet-simple lanterns are ideal for clean-lined spaces. Crosby Teak Wood Lanterns, Crate and Barrel, $100 to $149.

Lightform

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Sculptural Quality

This gorgeous globe light creates a moody ambience outdoors, especially in gardens. Shaped by hand, the mottled light has an eye-catching presence on a patio, too. Designed by Enzo Catellani for Catellani & Smith, the lights come in two sizes. Medousê F Outdoor Floor, Lightform, $1,865 to $3,147.

Wayfair

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Bright Idea

Recalling a bee hive, these twinkling pendants are as pretty as can be. The built-in LED lights instantly elevate the patio. Hervey Bay 35 – Bulb Integrated LED Outdoor Pendant, Wayfair, $28 each.

Wayfair

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Elegantly Rustic

With its modern-traditional feel, this chandelier is a standout piece for a farmhouse porch. A warm kiln-dried weathered oak orb surrounds the chandelier for a vibe we are into. Flavien Brown Five-Bulb Outdoor Chandelier, Wayfair, $1,223.