Top 5 Outdoor Lighting Tips to Transform Small Spaces
Updated July 2, 2025
Brilliant Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Small Patios and Balconies: Brighten Up Your Space with Nite Time Décor
When it comes to outdoor lighting design, most people think of illuminating front entrances, walkways, large backyards, or beautiful trees and gardens. While these areas are great to highlight in a landscape lighting design for large outdoor spaces, it’s also important to remember that small spaces—like patios and balconies—can benefit from professional outdoor lighting too.
Why Illuminate Your Small Outdoor Space?
Just like illuminating any large outdoor area, adding some light to a patio, deck, or balcony after the sun goes down allows you to create valuable extra living space. Let’s face it: the patio or balcony is great for relaxing during daylight, but once the sun sets, it can become underused. With expertly installed outdoor lighting, you can extend your evenings outdoors and maximize every inch of your space.
With the right landscape lighting design, you can create a warm, calming atmosphere—perfect for entertaining guests, dining al fresco, or simply relaxing under the stars. Whether your space is cozy or compact, the right lighting will make it more inviting.
Tips for Small Patio and Balcony Lighting
To get you started with planning the perfect outdoor lighting design for small spaces, we’ve compiled a list of important aspects to consider before making any purchases, as well as some popular outdoor lighting solutions you may want to incorporate into your new lighting plan this summer.
1. Determine the Primary Use of Your Outdoor Space
When it comes to designing a lighting plan for a small patio or balcony, first think about how you use the space most often. Will you be outside after dark barbecuing, dining, reading, or hosting guests?
Clarifying the purpose of your outdoor area helps guide your lighting choices. For example, task lighting may be needed for a cooking zone, while ambient lighting works well for reading or lounging.
2. Map Out the Space Before You Install Lighting
Before creating your custom outdoor lighting design, take time to map out your space. Consider the existing layout, including any furniture, planters, or structures.
If there are windows or glass doors directly facing your balcony or patio, take those into account when choosing the right lighting options. For example, if your balcony faces a bedroom window, choose low-voltage, subtle lighting to avoid disturbing household members or neighbours.
3. Add Ambience with String Lights
Outdoor string lights are one of the most versatile and timeless choices for small spaces. Whether you drape them overhead, weave them through railings, or tuck them into greenery, string lights bring warmth and charm to patios and balconies.
They’re also easy to install and offer budget-friendly outdoor lighting solutions for renters and homeowners alike.
4. Choose Warm LED Bulbs for a Cozy Glow
To create a cozy and inviting mood, choose warm-coloured LED bulbs. These are ideal for small outdoor areas because they provide just the right level of illumination without being harsh or overpowering.
LED outdoor lights are also energy-efficient, long-lasting, and can withstand Canada’s changing weather—making them a smart investment for year-round landscape lighting.
5. Use Professional Lighting Design for Best Results
Even small spaces can benefit from a well-thought-out outdoor lighting plan designed by professionals. Strategic placement of fixtures, careful attention to safety and code compliance, and selection of quality materials all help ensure your space looks beautiful and functions perfectly.
Design Inspiration from TV: Small Spaces, Big Style
The rising popularity of home design shows like HGTV’s “Small Space, Big Style,” “Tiny House Nation,” and Netflix’s “Dream Home Makeover” has proven one thing: when it comes to outdoor and indoor living, size doesn’t limit style. These shows spotlight clever, creative ways to maximize smaller spaces without sacrificing comfort or visual appeal. And just like interior design, exterior lighting design plays a key role in making compact areas functional and beautiful.
In fact, many of the backyard transformations on these programs showcase the power of strategic patio lighting—from soft uplighting along privacy walls to elegant string light canopies and recessed deck lights that define the space while adding ambiance. Inspired by these shows, more homeowners are realizing that professional outdoor lighting isn’t just for large properties with sprawling gardens. It can completely transform the look and feel of a modest balcony, terrace, or urban backyard.
Just because your outdoor area is small doesn’t mean it has to be overlooked. Like the stylists and designers on these shows often say, lighting is one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate a space, especially at night. When chosen and installed correctly, lighting becomes both a practical and aesthetic feature. It draws the eye, sets a mood, and encourages people to gather and linger—even after dark.
How to Apply These Ideas to Your Home
Take inspiration from these TV transformations and consider zoning your outdoor space with light. Use wall sconces or step lights to highlight specific zones like a dining nook or reading chair. Add planter lighting to show off greenery or herbs. Accent lights tucked into corners can give the illusion of depth, making small areas feel more expansive.
You can also bring an interior design mentality to your outdoor setup. Think of lighting as layered: start with ambient light, add task lighting where needed, and then finish with accent lighting to highlight textures, plants, stairs or architectural details.
By working with a lighting design specialist like Nite Time Décor, you get a personalized approach that ensures every fixture and bulb works with your layout, your lifestyle, and your taste. Just like your favourite designers on TV, we’re focused on making the most of every square inch—turning small spaces into standout features of your home.
Contact Nite Time Décor for Beautiful Custom Outdoor Lighting Design and Installation
Whether you’re just getting started with outdoor lighting for your small patio or balcony, or looking to upgrade your current lighting system, Nite Time Décor is here to help. Our team of professional landscape lighting designers will work with you to create a space that reflects your style, meets your needs, and enhances your property’s curb appeal.
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Hamilton, and the surrounding Halton Region. Let us help you transform your small outdoor space into your favourite place to relax.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how custom outdoor lighting can make a big impact—even in small spaces.
