Fire pits are a great addition to any backyard, providing warmth and ambiance during the cool season. Whether it’s a quiet evening or one spent entertaining guests around your fire pit, the right lighting can set the mood and enhance the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. There are a number of outdoor lighting ideas that can be incorporated into your fire pit area. But keep reading because we’re going to explore five of our favorite ways to illuminate a fire pit, and make the most of your outdoor space.
5 Backyard Fire Pit Lighting Ideas
1. Pathway Lighting
Your first thought when it comes to lighting your fire pit area may not be pathway lighting, but it’s a really great place to start. If there’s one thing you want your fire pit area to be, it’s safe.
Pathway lighting provides visibility and safety for people walking to, from, and around the fire pit. This helps to prevent tripping hazards and accidents. Pathway lighting can also be used to highlight and showcase the fire pit, making it a focal point in your backyard.
2. Uplighting
Placing uplights at the base of nearby trees can add to the overall look of your fire pit area at night. Uplights are lights that are placed on the ground and pointed upwards, shining light on the branches of the tree. This can be used to create a dramatic effect.
When these lights are used in combination with other types of lighting, such as pathway lights, it creates a layered and dynamic look that highlights the natural beauty of the trees and the surrounding area. Uplights are great for creating a sense of depth and dimension, making the outdoor space feel more expansive. By illuminating the trees from the base upward, it tends to provide a natural and organic look, making the fire pit area feel more like an extension of the natural environment.
3. Downlighting
Placing downlights on structures surrounding your fire pit, such as trees or our house, creates subtle lighting. If your goal is to create a relaxing environment, downlighting is perfect because it’s soft and illuminates the area without being overly bright. Downlights can also be directed to certain areas to create a focal point or to highlight a certain feature, like the fire pit itself.
4. Seat Wall Lighting
If you have a seat wall surrounding your fire pit, then seat wall lighting can add a really nice touch. Since seat wall lights can be recessed or surface-mounted lighting fixtures, they can be installed along the top of the seat wall and used to highlight the texture and color of the seat wall materials. This adds depth and visual interest to the area. Overall, this type of lighting helps to define the space and make it look more cohesive and polished.
5. Light Sconces
Light sconces can be used to illuminate a fire pit area by providing ambient lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting. These lights can be placed on walls or columns near the fire pit to provide soft and warm lighting that highlights the area and makes it more inviting. Light sconces can be used to create a sense of depth by casting shadows and highlighting the textures of nearby walls and structures. Sconces can also be used to highlight specific features of the area such as plants or sculptures, making them stand out. They can also provide task lighting for activities such as reading or grilling.
When installing light sconces you want to be mindful of the direction of the light and the intensity of the light, to avoid any glare or harsh light that may be uncomfortable. The light sconces should be placed in such a way that they create a nice aesthetic, but are also functional.
Need Help Installing Outdoor Lighting Around Your Fire Pit?
If you’re ready to turn your fire pit area into a nighttime oasis, reach out to us here at Landscape Lighting Designers Plus. We’re a professional outdoor lighting company that services the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. areas. Our many years of experience provide us with the expertise to design and install an outdoor lighting solution that brings your specific vision to life. So don’t wait any longer to enjoy outdoor lighting for your fire pit— contact us today by calling 888-582-8845.
