Layered Lighting: Transform Outdoor Entertaining Spaces
As the days get longer and the weather warms up, New Zealanders are drawn outdoors to fire up the BBQ, host alfresco dinners, and enjoy time with friends and family in their gardens. But to truly elevate your outdoor entertaining spaces, you need more than just a great deck and comfortable seating — you need the right lighting.
Done right, outdoor lighting can transform your space, creating the perfect atmosphere for evening entertaining. It enhances the overall ambiance, improves safety, and allows you to use your outdoor area well into the night. Layered lighting - combining ambient, task, and accent lighting - is the key to creating a versatile, welcoming outdoor entertaining space that adapts to different moods and activities.
With modern lighting more efficient and affordable, it's easier than ever to create a beautifully lit backyard that's energy-smart, eco-friendly, and perfect for hosting guests.
What Is Layered Outdoor Lighting?
Layered lighting is all about combining different types of lighting to create a flexible and balanced outdoor space. Just like interior lighting, the goal is to use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to cater to how you use the space - and to create an inviting, functional environment for entertaining.
Ambient lighting is your base layer. It provides overall illumination, ensuring that the space feels welcoming without being too harsh.
Task lighting is more focused, lighting up specific areas where you'll be working or moving, like outdoor dining tables, BBQ zones or pathways.
Accent lighting adds visual interest and mood, drawing attention to key features like garden beds, trees, or water features.
When layered together, these different types of lighting create a dynamic and versatile outdoor area that can easily transition from a lively gathering to a quiet evening retreat.
Tips for Designing an Outdoor Lighting Plan
When it comes to refreshing your outdoor lighting, the hardest part can sometimes be knowing where to start.
1. Ambient Lighting: Set the Mood for Socializing
Ambient lighting is the foundation of your outdoor lighting plan, setting the tone for your entertaining space. It ensures that your guests feel comfortable and can move around easily, while also adding to the atmosphere of the evening.
For your deck or patio, consider soft, warm lighting that creates a relaxed vibe. String lights, hanging lanterns or festoon lights hung over the area are perfect for creating that festive feel, while wall-mounted or post lights can cast a gentle glow along walkways, creating a safe and inviting environment.
In garden areas, solar bollard lights or inground decking and patio lights can add soft illumination along the edges, allowing guests to wander through the garden or around a pool or deck without feeling blinded by harsh light. This is the layer that will make your outdoor area feel like a cozy, functional extension of your indoor living space.
2. Task Lighting: Lighting for Food, Fun and Safety
Task lighting is all about functionality - it focuses on areas where you need stronger, more directional light. For outdoor entertaining, this could mean lighting up the BBQ area dining and seating, an outdoor kitchen, or paths and steps that guests will use.
For the BBQ or outdoor cooking zones, look for adjustable spotlights that shine directly on the cooking area. Recessed deck lights are perfect for highlighting steps and transitions between levels, ensuring guests move safely around the space. Motion-activated lights around entry points or along driveways are another great way to boost safety and convenience for evening events.
While this layer is more utilitarian, it’s still important to blend it seamlessly with your ambient lighting, creating a cohesive look while providing functional light where needed.
3. Accent Lighting: Create Drama and Atmosphere
Accent lighting adds personality and depth to your outdoor entertaining space. This is the fun part of your lighting design - the layer that transforms your garden into a stunning visual experience.
Focus on key features in your garden or outdoor living area that you want to highlight, like a tree, water feature, or even architectural elements like pergolas or outdoor fireplaces. Use low-glow spike lights or well-placed uplights to create striking visual effects. LED strip lighting under outdoor furniture or along a patio railing can add a subtle glow, while highlighting your space’s textures and features.
Accent lighting is essential for creating the right atmosphere, whether you’re hosting a lively dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars.
Why You Should Consider Solar Lighting Options
One of the best things about outdoor lighting in New Zealand is our abundance of sunshine. This makes solar lighting a particularly smart option for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor entertaining spaces. Modern solar lights are more efficient than ever, offering longer-lasting performance and brighter, more consistent illumination.
Solar lights are easy to install — no wires, no trenching, and no electrician required — which is perfect for DIY upgrades. They’re low-maintenance, cost nothing to run, and can be moved or adjusted as your garden evolves. And with so many stylish, weatherproof designs now available, there’s no need to compromise on looks to get the benefits of solar.
At Alpha Lighting, we offer a range of solar lighting products that are perfect for your outdoor entertaining spaces, from stylish garden bollards to motion-sensor floodlights like our NOX range. Whether you're lighting a backyard BBQ area, illuminating your driveway for guests, or adding mood lighting to a pergola, we have a solar option to suit every need.
Explore Our Outdoor Lighting Range
Looking for ideas or ready to get started? Browse Alpha Lighting’s full selection of outdoor and solar lighting options. Whether you're looking for ambient, task, or accent lighting, we’ve got you covered with products that combine quality, performance, and style.
Not sure what’s best for your home? Our team is here to help you choose the ideal lighting solutions for your outdoor space. Get in touch today via our Contact Us page here and start designing your dream outdoor entertaining area!