What is the best lighting around a fire pit?

Having the right kind of lighting around a fire pit can make a big difference in the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor space. The goal is to have enough light to see clearly and create a warm glow, without having glare that detracts from the fire. There are several factors to consider when choosing lighting for your fire pit area.

Types of Fire Pit Lighting

There are a variety of lighting options to illuminate your fire pit space:

• String Lights – Strings of LED or incandescent bulbs are an easy way to add a soft glow overhead. They can be wrapped around poles, hung from trees, or crisscrossed above the seating area.
• Torch Lights – Freestanding torch lights placed around the perimeter provide bright, focused light. Flickering flame bulbs or amber shades create ambiance.
• Ground Lights – Low-voltage lights sunk into the ground along pathways help guide people safely to the fire pit at night.
• Accent Lights – Small spotlights aimed at architectural features, plants, or decorative accents provide detail.
• Solar Lights – Small solar-powered stake lights are handy for edging pathways and marking stairs or changes in elevation.
• Hardwired Fixtures – Permanent light fixtures like sconces, post-mounted lanterns, or can lights give the most control over light direction.

Lighting Level

First, determine the general level of brightness needed. A brightly lit space allows for easy visibility and tasks like cooking, eating, and socializing. Low lighting sets a cozier, more relaxing mood. For most fire pits a combination works well – bright enough to get around safely but not too harsh to distract from the firelight.

As a general guideline, aim for:

• 10-20 footcandles for high-use areas like seating, cooking areas, and pathways
• 5-10 footcandles for lower-use peripheral areas
• 2-5 footcandles for accent lighting atmospheric glow

Footcandles measure the amount of light falling on a surface. More footcandles means more light. Keep in mind the fire itself will add ambient light – you don’t need to achieve full daylight brightness at night.

Placement

Strategic light placement is key for the best mood and function:

• Illuminate main pathways leading to and around the fire pit to prevent tripping hazards.
• Position accent lighting to highlight plants, rock features, or other landscape elements you want to spotlight.
• Aim lighting upwards whenever possible to reduce glare.
• Place string lights above the seating/dining area for good visibility while eating and conversing.
• Use multiple points of light from different angles to evenly fill the space, avoiding harsh shadows.
• Highlight stairs and changes in grade to improve safety and wayfinding at night.

Light Color

The color or temperature of the lighting affects both aesthetics and function:

• Warm white light in the 2700K-3000K range adds comfortable warmth like an incandescent bulb.
• Soft white or bright white in the 3000K-5000K range is more visually clear for tasks.
• Amber lights in the 2000K range create an antique look.
• Red, orange, or yellow bulbs evoke festivity.
• Blue-toned lights can seem cold and stark.
• Varying tones from multiple sources can add visual interest.

Match the lighting color to the mood you want to achieve. Warm white or amber tones encourage relaxation, while bright/cool white suits lively gatherings and cooking tasks.

DIY vs Professional Installation

For simple spots like a string light overhead or a few garden torches, DIY installation is straightforward. But for built-in hardwired fixtures, or more complex lighting plans, consider hiring a professional landscape lighting company. Their expertise allows for:

• A thoughtful lighting design meeting safety codes.
• Proper wiring, voltage, and LED compatibility.
• Neat, hidden electrical lines.
• Advice on lighting controls like dimmers and timers.
• Maintenance services.

While DIY can save money upfront, professional installation gives the best quality and safety over time. Evaluate whether it’s worth the investment for your space.

Lighting Controls

Controls like dimmers, timers, and motion sensors add convenience and customization:

• Dimmers – Dial down brightness as needed, like later at night.
• Timers – Automatically turn lights on/off on a schedule.
• Motion Sensors – Motion-activated lights turn on when approached and off shortly after.
• Smart Controls – Adjust lighting remotely via smartphone/voice assistant.

These give flexibility to control both ambiance and energy use. Put frequently used areas like pathways on timers/sensors to avoid wasting electricity.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Choose energy efficient lighting to save on electricity costs and be eco-friendly. Top options include:

• LED – Extremely energy efficient and long-lasting.
• Solar – Powered entirely by the sun’s rays.
• Low-voltage – Uses less energy, especially with LED bulbs.
• Timers/sensors – Only use power when needed.
• Motion activated – Turn off when not in use.

Using efficient lighting and controls prevents waste and unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions while saving money on your utility bills.

Safety Considerations

Fire pit lighting requires some special safety precautions:

• Position string lights high enough overhead to avoid becoming a fire hazard. Do not drape them too close to the flames.
• For hardwired fixtures, use only outdoor-rated lights and junction boxes.
• Bury low-voltage wiring at the proper underground depth per local codes.
• Ensure lighting circuits have GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection.
• Check wattage limits if connecting to existing outdoor receptacles.
• Don’t overload extension cords.

Consult a professional if unsure about electrical safety. Proper lighting clearance and wiring methods reduce the risks around open flames.

Creating Ambiance

Lighting design involves technical considerations but also creativity. During your fire pit gatherings, lighting can transform the mood and atmosphere. Create an inviting space guests will enjoy in both daylight and nighttime with these tips:

• Use multiple lighting sources at different heights for visual interest – overhead, accent, ground level, in-fire.
• Play with the lighting levels and controls. Bright for activities, low for relaxing, off for stargazing.
• Hide bulky light fixtures from view during the day. Sconces, downlights or ground lights keep the focus where you want it.
• Pick lighting colors to suit the purpose – red and orange for excitement, amber or white for calm.
• Highlight landscape and architectural features to make them pop at night.
• Layer portable and permanent lighting. String lights overhead + garden torches + stair railing lights.
• Consider luminaires like glass jars or lanterns to diffuse and soften glare.

Lighting opens up many creative possibilities for your fire pit environment. Take advantage of the ways lights can transform the area from day to night.

Sample Lighting Plans

Here are two sample lighting plans for inspiration:

Cozy Backyard Fire Pit

• String lights crisscrossed high above seating area
• Downlight aimed at cooking grill, controlled by switch
• Low-voltage garden path lights leading from patio to fire pit
• Steplights along stones surrounding fire pit
• Amber flame-effect bulbs in freestanding torch fixtures
• Accent floodlight pointed at ornamental tree

This combination of overhead coverage, task lighting, ambiance and accents create a warm, inviting backyard environment for relaxation and entertaining.

Grand Backyard Fire Feature

• LED rope lighting hidden under bench seating
• Multiple ground-recessed lights illuminating entire patio space
• Line of miniature lanterns along patio edge
• In-ground steps lights on stairs down from patio
• Accent up-lights focused on architectural columns
• Automated color-changing LED lights inside fire feature
• Smart home controls to dim, brighten, and change colors

For large-scale landscapes, use hardwired permanent lighting on switches or automation for the most control and customization of lights.

Spotlight: String Lights

String lights mounted overhead are one of the most popular fire pit lighting options, and for good reason. A net of string lights creates flattering illumination for faces and food below while adding festive sparkle. Here are helpful tips for using string lights:

• Choose bulb spacing wisely – 4 to 6 inches is ideal for even light coverage.
• Opt for LED over incandescent for much lower energy use and longer bulb life.
• Look for durable, outdoor-rated cords and water-resistant bulbs.
• Bright white light is best for illuminating faces/food. Amber or colored bulbs create ambiance.
• Hang strands at least 7-8 feet above seating areas so people can pass underneath comfortably.
• Crisscross two sets of parallel strands to reduce shadows and dark spots.
• Mount strands using hooks, ties, or clips to poles, rafters, branches, or wire cables.
• Consider commercial-grade cafe string lights for durability in wet conditions.

String lights overhead provide both form and function! Follow these tips when installing them above your fire pit.

Conclusion

Great fire pit lighting illuminates the space for safety and visibility while also creating a warm, welcoming ambiance guests will love. Consider light color, placement, controls, and energy use when planning lighting. String lights overhead, pathway lighting, and accent lights are popular options. Following lighting best practices allows you to enjoy your fire pit long into the evening hours.