Backyard Patio Evening
A patio only needs lighting and a little personality to go from functional to inviting after dark. This look layers string lights, a durable outdoor rug, and a couple of statement pieces that hold up to weather.
A styling reference for the look, not a photo of the exact products below — see “Shop This Look” for the real pieces we picked to match it.
Styling Notes
Light from more than one source
String lights overhead plus a lantern at ground or table level create depth instead of one flat wash of light.
Ground the space with a rug
An outdoor rug visually defines a seating area on a patio or deck the same way an indoor rug defines a living room.
Add one piece with personality
A whimsical accent like a solar garden statue gives the space a bit of character beyond purely functional pieces.
Shop This Look
OHLUX Outdoor String Lights, 55FT Shatterproof LED Patio Lights with 26 Dimmable Plastic G40 Bulbs, 2200K Waterproof Connectable Hanging String for Backyard, Cafe, Porch, Deck, E12 Base
55 feet of shatterproof, waterproof string lights built to stay up through every season.
Read Full Review →SAND MINE Waterproof Outdoor Rug 8x10 ft, Plastic Reversible Rug, Modern Area Rug, Large Floor Mat for Outdoors, RV, Patio, Backyard, Deck, Picnic, Beach, Camping, Black & Beige
A reversible, hose-cleanable rug that defines the seating area and resists fading.
Read Full Review →Kante Concrete Modern Rectangle Outdoor Planter Set of 2, 31" and 23" Long Lightweight Planter Pot for Patio, Garden, Backyard
A two-piece concrete-blend planter set that layers greenery along the patio edge.
Read Full Review →DECORKEY Lantern Decorative Indoor & Outdoor, Large Hanging Candle Lanterns, Vintage Metal, Black
An oversized vintage-style lantern adds warm light and a focal point at table height.
Read Full Review →Design Toscano QL30314 Solar Garden Gnome Statue - Edison Gnome with Solar Lantern - Outdoor Garden Gnomes - Lawn Gnome Statues, full color
A solar garden gnome statue adds whimsy by day and a soft glow after sundown.
Read Full Review →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
FAQ
Can all of these stay outside year-round?
The lights and rug are explicitly weatherproof for year-round use; concrete-blend planters and the solar statue generally hold up well too, but check your specific climate's freeze-thaw conditions for concrete pieces.
Do I need an outlet for the string lights?
Yes for this pick — it's a plug-in strand, not battery or solar, so plan the layout around an existing outdoor outlet or a rated extension cord.