The right lighting can turn an ordinary deck into a wonderland perfect for any party or event. Party lighting ideas can include candles, tiki lights, string party lights, LED lighting, solar lighting, and even fire pits. The right lighting sets the mood for your deck area but also provides valuable lighting to make it safer to use the space.
Let your imagination run wild when coming up with ideas for the party lighting for your deck. The more ideas you have the easier it will be to choose the best ones for your event.
Great Party Lighting Ideas for Decks
Candles
Create a grouping of candles on a table or a board. Just be sure they’re on a solid surface and are not too close to the house or anything flammable.
Fill a punch bowl with water and place some floating candles in the water. Floating candles can be purchased, or for those who are into DIY projects, the floating candles can be made to fit your party motif.
Torches
Another great lighting source, that requires no electricity, is a torch. You can find torches in different colors and also torches that are designed to ward off pesky insects. A line of torches around your event area can be a strong party lighting idea and help to make the evening more enjoyable by cutting back on the insect population.
A quick tip: Mosquitos don’t like the wind. A few well-placed box fans can also help to keep them off your guests.
LED Lights
These small lights, aka fairy lights, can be placed in everything from balloons to mason jars. You can even get LED light stickers. The diversity of these lights will allow your imagination to run wild.
Repurposed Christmas Lights
You can purchase string lights in every imaginable shape, size, and color, or you can just use your Christmas lights. String them across your deck railings, or overhead.
Fill a bowl or jar with a string of lights. Make a powerful lighting display by placing dozens of these bowls or jars around your party area. Alternate the design to include colored lights and all white lights to add to your party atmosphere.
Create light Columns
You can also use your string of lights to wrap around a stick or pole. Cover the stick or pole with paper lanterns or create your own covers with textured paper. When you have covered the pole, then plug in the string of lights and you will have your own light column.
Glow Sticks
These fun lighting options can be worn by guests. They can be used to create rings for games. You can also line walkways or stairs with glow sticks. Many companies sell them in bulk. Glow sticks could be a great theme for your next party.
Inside Lights
Bring the inside outside by placing household lamps around the seating area of your party. You will make your outdoor space feel more like a living space and the extra lighting will help make it easier for your guests to get around. Be sure to keep the inside lights out of the elements.
Solar-Powered Lights
Solar lighting is an eco-friendly option that is both versatile and budget-friendly. You can find solar-powered lights in various forms, such as lanterns, string lights, and pathway lights. These lights charge during the day and automatically turn on at night, adding a soft, ambient glow to your deck without worrying about electric outlets or cables. They are also perfect for events that run late into the evening, as they offer consistent lighting throughout the night.
Fire Pits and Fire Bowls
For those who want to incorporate warmth and a rustic glow, fire pits or fire bowls are excellent choices. A fire pit can double as a functional centerpiece for your deck, providing both light and warmth. It’s ideal for cooler nights or more intimate gatherings. Make sure to position the fire pit safely away from flammable materials, and provide a clear, safe path for guests to move around it. Consider using flameless, fire-safe gel if you’re concerned about open flames.
Lanterns and Hurricane Lamps
Lanterns, especially hurricane lamps, offer a vintage touch to deck lighting. These can be placed on tables, steps, or railings, casting a warm, flickering light. Many modern lanterns now come in LED or solar-powered versions, allowing you to maintain a charming aesthetic while keeping things low-maintenance. Hanging lanterns or placing them on shepherd hooks adds vertical layers to your deck’s lighting design, giving the space an elevated, elegant atmosphere.
Wall Sconces
Installing wall sconces is another elegant lighting solution for a deck. They can be mounted along the walls or posts of the deck and offer soft, diffused lighting. This type of lighting is ideal for illuminating pathways and creating a cozy environment without overwhelming the space with brightness.
Recessed Lighting
For a sleek, modern look, recessed lighting can be installed into the deck itself. These lights are usually embedded into the floorboards, steps, or rails, providing subtle, yet effective, lighting that won’t obstruct the flow of the party. Recessed lighting is particularly great for enhancing safety by lighting pathways and stairs, while also creating a high-end, polished look for the deck.
Color-Changing LED Lights
Take your party up a notch by incorporating color-changing LED lights. Many LED light strips or bulbs come with remote controls, allowing you to set different colors and lighting effects depending on your event’s theme or mood. Whether you want a relaxing soft blue hue for a chill evening or vibrant rainbow colors for a festive celebration, color-changing LEDs give you maximum flexibility and creative control over your deck’s lighting.
Smart Lighting Systems
For those who want complete control over their lighting, smart lighting systems are the way to go. You can use a smartphone or voice-activated assistant to adjust the brightness, color, and even the timing of your lights. This is particularly handy if you want to change the mood throughout the evening or set your lights to turn on automatically as dusk falls.
Let your creative spirit run free when thinking of ways to light up the outdoors. Make a list of all the ideas you can think of and then choose the ones that fit your theme. There are a wide range of lighting sources and power options that can help you come up with the perfect party lighting ideas for your deck.
