When it comes to patios, bigger isn’t always better. Outfitting your small patio to make the most of your space is key to increased enjoyment… a small grill station here, an infrared heater there and you’re ready to go. Lighting your outdoor space not only adds safety and security, but it’ll also be the easiest way to set the mood for our backyard parties. We asked our patio experts to find their 10 favorite small patio lighting ideas and boy did they deliver!

As a long-time staple for patios everywhere, string lights offer an inexpensive way to add ambient lighting to your gazebo or pergola… they’re perfect for general lighting, but they lack a little pizazz. Add a little more style to your small patio by supplementing this general lighting with an outdoor chandelier to add a stylish focal point to your backyard get-togethers. When selecting your chandelier, make sure to choose one that is “wet rated” so that rain or mist won’t be a problem. We love the Crystorama Lighting Solaris outdoor chandelier for the classic design and crystal details.
Allow us to present to you the trifecta of patio gadgets – the linear fire pit. Top quality fire pits like the Fire Pit Art Linear fire pit, provide light, heat, and the amazing ambiance that only flickering flames can provide. Fitted for either natural gas or liquid propane installation, the warm glow of this modern fire pit comes in 36”, 48”, 60” or 72” sizes. Whether you have a whole gaggle of people to entertain or just the one special someone, the romantic atmosphere created by the beckoning flames will captivate their attention for hours on end.
Small patio spaces are perfect for a couple of comfy chairs and a small end table to create a mini conversation pit. By adding decorative outdoor wall lights (sconces), the area has been transformed into a cozy conversation pit or quiet reading nook. The Kichler Lighting wall sconces aren’t just ready for the elements, they defy them. As part of the Kichler Climates collection, they are made of a unique material built to withstand saltwater spray, direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Curl up with a cozy blanket and a good book and while away the hours in this cozy nook.
Once you’ve put in an outdoor dining area, you’ll wonder how you ever did without one. Compliment your outdoor dining area with an amazing outdoor chandelier – If you’ve got a long table, we suggest an elongated wet-rated chandelier like the Hinkley Lighting Alford Place chandelier. Add this piece into our 12-volt backyard lighting plan to light your patio in style. Constructed with the highest tolerances, this gorgeous fixture is perfectly at home under a covered patio or even hanging from a slatted gazebo (rated for direct water contact).
As your guests arrive at your house and begin to traverse the walkway to your front door, make sure that they have the light they need to follow your path safely by installing pathway lights about every 8 feet. With a nod to nautical inspirations, the Kichler Lighting Seaside low voltage path light runs off of a 12-volt transformer (sold separately). They’re also the perfect way to light a backyard garden path to guide your guests through your outdoor space and allow them to enjoy all your backyard has to offer.
Living rooms are perfectly named – for many of us, when we’re not working on something we’re hanging out in the living room. Create your outdoor living room built for relaxation – start with an amazing fireplace and add softly cushioned furniture, plenty of tables (where frosty beverages can rest) and cap off the space with a fabulous chandelier. The densely woven, weather-resistant handcrafted mocha rattan shade on the Progress Lighting Pembroke outdoor chandelier creates a casual vibe, perfect for long conversations by the fire.
Once you’ve decided on your basic furniture layout, use ceiling fans and outdoor lighting to create virtual room separations and define each space. In your living room space, you’ll find that a ceiling fan with a light kit pulls double duty (cooling your guests in the summer and lighting the area all year round). Add a classic outdoor chandelier to your dining space to define its purpose and create a “room” focal point. We’re partial to the unique “rounded square” look of the Progress Lighting Swansea outdoor chandelier, perfect for installation under a covered porch or patio.
We’ll finish up with one of our favorite small patio lighting ideas… when creating hardscaping, build in long-lasting LED lights to dramatically light your masonry work. The perfect place for hardscape lighting is steps – enhancing the safety of your guests as they light the area beautifully. Added to retaining or sitting walls, hardscape lighting creates pathways for your guests with just a touch of drama thrown in. As a part of the 12-volt landscape plan, the Hinkley Lighting Nuvi deck light fits in perfectly on this short retaining wall, creating a lit pathway for guests.