Deck Lighting Ideas – That Will Transform Your Outdoor Living Space. As much as the patio is ideal for gathering and entertainment, your deck is equally perfect, especially after the sun goes down. Whether you are entertaining or just enjoying a quiet evening outside, good lighting is important from a safety and ambiance perspective.
From string lights to solar post caps, you have a couple of options to light up your deck and create a styleDeckck lighting ideas can range from under-rail LED strips and lanterns to in-floor options. These are architecturally oriented fixtures that can also be used for general illumination. With warm and cozy or low-key and flexible options on the market, deck lighting can turn your backyard into an inviting and adaptable sanctuary for every occasion.
Deck Lighting Design Ideas
- String lights over the railing
- Solar-powered post caps
- LED strip under the railing
- Stair tread lighting
- Recessed deck floor lights
- Hanging lanterns
- Pendant lights over seating
- Color-changing LED bulbs
- Mason jar lights
- Rope lighting along edges
- Motion sensor step lights
- Wall-mounted sconces
- Fire pit glow lighting
- Deck with solar pathway lights
- Waterproof fairy lights
- Lighted deck umbrella
- Candles in hurricane jars
- Tiki torch lights
- Spotlights on landscaping
- Bistro string lights
- Solar-powered torch lights
- Fiber optic star lights on the ceiling
- Battery-operated lanterns
- Hanging globe lights
- Pergola chandeliers mini
- Floating LED pool lights (near water)
- Vintage Edison bulb strands
- Copper lantern sconces
- Twinkle curtain lights
- Recessed stair riser lighting
- Light up Deck post caps with dimmers
- Corner post LED uplights
- Built-in bench lighting
- Solar deck rail lights
- Under-seating wireless puck lights
- Inlaid LED strips on the floor in walk areas
- Flush mount ceiling lights for a screened porch
- Smart RGBW deck lights
- Pendant lights with industrial flair
- Outdoor chandeliers
- Illuminated planters
- Coloured spotlights for trees/plants
- Motion-activated floodlights
- Glow-in-the-dark paint details
- Hanging basket lights
- Bulkhead lamp, marine style
- 12″ L x 8″ W x 8″ D Fiber Optic Twinkle Lights Built-In
- LED strips on pergola beams
- Strings of white lights crisscrossing in the air
- Solar LED lumperteichmauer brick style wall lights
- Under-table LED rope lighting
- Deck Post Lights Inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns
- Hanging orb lights that are solar-powered
- Lighting under the rails for the privacy screens.
- LED pebble ambient lighting
- Geometric wall lights
- sculptural LED cubes at which you can sit, and that also light up
- Solar mosquito lamps in the closest ponds
- Flush mount solar disk lights
- Industrial pipe lanterns
- custom lit name or sign on deck
- Neon deck edge outlines
- Bar Sig: If under-bar lighting is not practical (such as for outdoor bars)
- Cascading curtain lights along a pergola edge
- Deck railing post spotlights
- Lighted stepping stones
- Diffuse lighting, which is transmitted through frosted glass panels
- Ground lights for Circle and edge Type marking
- Faux fireplace feature below soft-lit portrait
- Under-coffee table lights
- Accent lights behind kissing gate braces
- Fairy lights under hanging swing chairs
- Artistic light sculptures
- LED fairy vines on the railing
- Rustic tree branch hanging lanterns
- Color lights you can control from afar
- Patterned-shade-casting lights
- Ceiling fan with light for covered patio
- Globe string lights, clear
- Recessed corner lighting
- Strip lights in the ceiling are hidden in beams
- LED Copper Wire Bottle Lights in Glass Bottle PICTURE AND BOTTLE COLOUR WILL BE VERY!!
- Oversized bulb string lights
- Under pergola canopy lighting
- Deck stair side wall lights
- Rechargeable hanging lights
- Deck fence downlights
- Bamboo torch LED lights
- Portable table lamps
- Wall-mounted LED bars
- LED effect light, effects projectors
- LED wall panel lights -horizontal vs.
- Garden ‘bearded’ gnome lights to either side.
- Rope light in deck boards
- Light-up planter pots
- Antlers, driftwood chandeliers
- Swag lights hanging between two poles
- Waterproof LED tape in rabbets
- Holiday string lights for parties
- Step 12: Add low-glow deck edge path markers.
Steps to Design Deck Lighting
1. String lights over the railing
- Measure the railing length.
- Opt for weatherproof string lights.
- Secure with even-spaced clips or hooks.
2. Solar-powered post caps
- Choose caps that fit the post size.
- Take off old caps and clean tops.
- Replace the new Caps. Let them charge up.
3. LED under the railing
- Wash the underside of the railing.
- Stick the LED strip securely.
- Connect to power and test.
4. Stair tread lighting
- Measure each tread width.
- Recess small LED lights into the surface.
- Power on in the safety of a power supply.
5. Recessed deck floor lights
- Plan and map out light points.
- Drill fixture holes and mount those, as well.
- Wire to the power via the deck.
6. Hanging lanterns
- Opt for solar or electric lanterns.
- Hang from pergola or shepherd hooks.
- The position of ambient coverage.
7. Pendant lights over seating
- Hang from the Ceiling or Poolside Pergola Beam.
- Secure wiring and fixtures.
- Install the bulbs and test for brightness.
8. Color-changing LED bulbs
- Change out old bulbs with RGBs.
- Pair with a smart control or remote.
- Customize colors and effects.
9. Mason jar lights
- Add the battery lights to the jars.
- Seal jars and attach handles.
- Hang or set on the deck railing.
10. Rope lighting along edges
- Opt for rope lights for outdoor use.
- Fix with clips along the edge.
- Plug into an outdoor outlet.

As the creative force behind DesignsDIY.com, Gabriella (Viverito) Carlson is living her passion in the ever-evolving world of interior design. With an eye for detail and a heart for design, Gabriella believes that true success lies in expressing her creative nature through meaningful client relationships and collaborative team efforts.