It's the best time of the year! The days are long, the nights are warm, and we're all spending as much time outdoors as possible.

If you have a patio, you know that lighting makes such a difference, whether you're working from your outdoor space, hosting dinner, or just relaxing outside.

As a renter, you're of course limited in what changes you can make. For example, no permanent fixtures, open flames, or hardwired installations. But that doesn't mean your outdoor space still can't be beautiful.

Here are some of our favorite patio lighting ideas for renters, along with styling tips and best practices to create an ambient outdoor space this summer.

Option 1: String Lights

String lights are one of the easiest ways to bring warmth to your outdoor space.

Popular string light options:

• Globe lights - Round bulbs that give off a warm glow, often used on bistro patios and decks.
• Fairy lights - Tiny, twinkling lights that create a soft ambiance.
• Edison bulb lights - Vintage-style bulbs with an elongated shape.

If you don't have an outdoor outlet, there are plenty of battery-operated and solar-powered versions that work just as well.

How to style:

• Create the illusion of an outdoor room by hanging string lights across four posts. These can be trees in your yard, store-bought posts, or even DIY planter posts.
• Weave string lights around your porch or balcony handrails and balusters.

Option 2: Lanterns and Lamps

Lanterns and lamps come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and are a stylish way to add a pop of color to your patio. Like string lights, many models are solar or battery-powered if your outdoor space doesn't have an outlet.

Lanterns and lamps are also lightweight and easy to move, allowing you to reconfigure your space when needed.

Popular lantern and lamp options:

The best option for your space depends on your layout. Do you want overhead lighting or soft, low-level illumination?

Here are a few of our favorite lamp and lantern patio lighting ideas:

• Hanging lanterns - Lightweight and stylish, hanging lanterns are great for renters and come in a range of colors and designs.
• Floor lamps and lanterns - These come in a wide range of styles. We really like this boho chicoption, and this one that's more modern and sleek.
• Tabletop lamps - Perfect for bringing the cozy feeling of the indoors to your outdoor area.How to style: Cordless floor lanterns are great for lining walkways and porch stairs, creating a welcoming (and safer) nighttime entrance to your home. Layered lighting creates a warm, inviting outdoor living space. Combining string lights, accent lighting, and a fire feature helps transform a patio into a comfortable place to relax or entertain after sunset.

Option 3: LED Candles

Small but impactful, LED candles are a quick and easy way to add ambiance to even the smallest outdoor spaces. They're incredibly versatile. Use them outside during warmer months, then bring them indoors in the winter to light up unused fireplaces. LED candles are also a great option for safely decorating shelves and tables without worrying about pets or kids bumping into them.

Types of LED candles: LED candles come in many styles, from tiny tea lights to tall tapered candles and large pillars. From these styles, there's a range of options to pick from, including:

• Flickering LED candles - These mimic the natural movement of a flame, giving a "flickering" appearance.
• Timer-controlled LED candles - You can set timers so you don't have to remember to turn candles on and off each night.
• Color-changing LED candles - Add a fun, festive touch with LED candles in shades of blue, pink, red, etc. These are especially great for birthdays, holidays, or other celebrations.

How to style: Place LED candles in metal lanterns and scatter them around your patio or nestle them among potted plants. If you're having guests over, lining the patio table with tapered LED candles creates a "candlelit atmosphere" without having to worry about open flames and wax spills.

Strategic Spot Lighting with Solar Stakes

Want to highlight a favorite plant or a small pathway?

• Solar Pathway Lights - These small, stake-in lights are designed for pathways but can easily be repositioned to illuminate specific features. They charge during the day and automatically turn on at dusk.
• Solar Spotlights - More focused than pathway lights, these can be angled to highlight a particular element, adding depth to your space.

Patio Lighting Best Practices

1. Keep the Bugs Away: Outdoor lighting is beautiful, but unfortunately, the bugs tend to enjoy it just as much as we do. Use small fans or rechargeable mosquito repellents to keep them away.
2. Check the Packaging: Double-check the packaging before you buy to ensure you're getting lights that are designed to be used outdoors.
3. Bring It Inside: If you know it's going to rain, bring candles and movable lamps/lanterns indoors during rainy weather to ensure nothing gets damaged.
4. Layer Your Lighting: Combine different types of lighting - string lights for overall ambiance, lanterns for accents, and spotlights for highlights - to create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere.
5. Adhesive Hooks: Command strips and other removable adhesive hooks are great for hanging string lights or small lanterns because they don't damage walls or exterior areas.
6. Check Your Lease: While these options are generally non-permanent, it's always a good idea to quickly review your lease agreement or check with your landlord if you have any concerns about outdoor decorations.

Final Thoughts on Creating an Ambient Outdoor Space

Being a renter doesn't mean you can't create a cozy and relaxing patio space! There are various options to add ambient lighting to your outdoor area without having to permanently install fixtures or cause damage. Again, if you're ever unsure about a decorative item, contact your property manager, and they can let you know if it is/isn't allowed.

If you're in the market for an apartment, Draper and Kramer's luxury rental properties offer tenants private terraces and balconies as well as convenient amenities and common areas where residents can relax outdoors. Many Draper and Kramer buildings have private terraces, shared rooftops, pools, coworking lounges, and a wide range of other energizing areas to relax and recharge.

Visit our website and contact us to learn more.