11 outdoor fire pit lighting ideas

This romantic fire pit area by @festivelightsltd features multiple lighting sources, including string lights overhead, twinkle lights on the trees and outdoor lanterns. Who wouldn’t want to put their feet up and enjoy a glass of wine next to this fire? If you use several kinds of lights, be sure each source is the same colour (warm white or cool white) for cohesion.

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Although string lights are most commonly hung above a fire pit, they can be used in many creative ways. In this outdoor space by @cassandra_corabi, the string lights run along the fence, creating a subtle light all around the patio. It’s a super easy solution if you can’t hang the lights from something tall.

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We love a fire pit under the stars, but a roof over your fire pit table it is a great way to stay protected from the elements during late-night chats. Light up a fire pit gazebo by hanging string lights on the underside of the roof, as shown here by @rscelectrical. You may need to install an outlet nearby.

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This fire pit by @outdoorliving.life features a built-in bench with under cap lights. They light up the bench area, which is convenient for finding your seat before the fire is lit. These built-in lights add a pleasing soft glow to the whole area.

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This whimsical fire pit garden by @bricksnblooms features string lights, hanging lanterns and tiki torches. Tiki torches are an often overlooked outdoor lighting source, but they’re actually a great choice. You can easily set them up almost anywhere. And if you fill them with citronella fuel, they can help keep bugs away.

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The pathway to this fire pit area by @landscaping_with_dylan is lit with LED paver inserts and bollard lights. There are solar and low-voltage options for both these types of outdoor lights. And paver lights are easier to install than you might think. Drill a hole in the paver or stepping stone with a 10mm diamond bit, then gently tap a mini puck light in place.

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If you lack a tall structure or tree to hang string lights, consider installing wooden posts. In this example by @thisnew_oldhouse, planters hold up the light posts surrounding the fire pit. Planters stabilise each post and add the beauty of flowers to dress up your entertainment area.

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Remember, when lighting up your fire pit area, the light source doesn’t need to be right next to the pit. In this backyard from @joefrazzanoteam, the tree spotlights provide plenty of warm light for the fire pit area even though they’re some distance behind it. You can get solar and low-voltage tree spotlights.

Want your back patio to feel like you’re at a trendy night club? Light up your fire pit area with colourful LED lights, like this example from @outdoorlightingpros. They used smart outdoor LED strip lights that change colour via an app on their phone. Pretty cool, right?

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Icicle lights are usually for decorating your house during the winter holidays, but they work great around the fire pit too, as shown here by @lady_muckmack_cottage. Hang them on a nearby structure, or string them in the trees. Either way, your outdoor space will be dripping with glimmering light.

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