Lanterns and string lights

Lanterns and string lights
COURTESY OF @FESTIVELIGHTSLTD

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.

No fire pit? Learn how to build one.

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Fence lights

Fence lights
COURTESY OF @CASSANDRA_CORABI

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.

Check out our homeowner’s guide to the best outdoor lighting.

Gazebo lights

Gazebo lights
COURTESY OF @RSCELECTRICAL

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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Under cap lights

Under cap lights
COURTESY OF @OUTDOORLIVING.LIFE

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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Tiki torches

Tiki torches
COURTESY OF @BRICKSNBLOOMS

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.

Check out our video of h ow to turn a washing machine into a fire pit.

LED paver inserts

LED paver inserts
COURTESY OF @LANDSCAPING_WITH_DYLAN

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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String lights on posts

String lights on posts
COURTESY OF @THISNEW_OLDHOUSE

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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Tree spotlights

Tree spotlights
COURTESY OF @JOEFRAZZANOTEAM

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.

LED strip lights

LED strip lights
COURTESY OF @OUTDOORLIGHTINGPROS

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?

Learn more about how to make a cosy outdoor area this winter. 

Icicle lights

Icicle lights
COURTESY OF @LADY_MUCKMACK_COTTAGE

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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