Most BBQ sessions start during the day, but the real fun only begins when the sun goes down and evening falls. That's when you don't want to head indoors because it's getting too dark, but keep the party going at your outdoor kitchen. With the right lighting you can not only keep cooking safely, but also make the atmosphere even better. In this blog we share smart lighting tips that let you get the most out of your outdoor kitchen until late in the evening.
The importance of good lighting in your outdoor kitchen
Good lighting in your outdoor kitchen is about two things: functionality and atmosphere. You want enough light to cut, grill and serve safely, but you also want a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages people to stay outside.
Why lighting is so important:
- Safety: You need to see what you're doing with sharp knives and hot grills.
- Comfort: Nobody wants to search for things in the dark.
- Atmosphere: Good lighting makes the difference between an okay evening and one to remember.
- Extension: With lighting you can enjoy your outdoor space well into the night.
Task lighting for your outdoor kitchen
Good task lighting is essential for cooking comfortably and safely in your outdoor kitchen in the evening. The light should be aimed at your work surface, so you can see clearly when cutting, cooking and barbecuing.
LED strips under the worktop are a practical and stylish solution. They give bright light exactly where you need it, are energy-efficient, suitable for outdoor use and often dimmable. By mounting them on the underside of the worktop, you avoid glare and work with direct light. In addition, directional spotlights above zones such as your BBQ, sink or hob provide extra focused lighting. For even more flexibility, rechargeable clip-on or magnetic lights are ideal when you need extra light temporarily.
Ambient lighting around your outdoor kitchen
Once the functional lighting is sorted, you can focus on atmosphere. With the right lighting, your outdoor kitchen becomes a warm, inviting place where you'll happily linger. String lights are a real classic: they create instant cosiness and can be strung above your outdoor kitchen or under a canopy for a soft "ceiling" of light. Warm white, waterproof LED bulbs give the most atmospheric look, ideally dimmable so you can adjust the intensity.
Garden torches or a fire basket around the outdoor kitchen add extra warmth and experience. The live fire gives not only light but also warmth on cooler evenings and a relaxed, cosy atmosphere. Do place them at a safe distance from the kitchen. For an intimate touch, you can put lanterns or (LED) candles on or next to the worktop, preferably along the edges and at different heights. Finally, solar lights are ideal for subtly lighting paths, plants and the patio around your outdoor kitchen without any fuss with power, while still creating atmosphere all evening.
Smart lighting: automation and control
Modern smart lighting takes your outdoor kitchen to the next level. You can control all the lights from your smartphone, set timers and adjust colours.
What you can do with smart lighting:
- Voice control: "Hey Google, turn on the outdoor lights"
- Timers and schedules: Lights switch on automatically at sunset
- Dimming: Adjust the brightness to suit the mood
- Colour changes: Some systems let you change the colour of the light
- Groups: Switch on all the ambient lighting at once, but keep the task lighting separate
Seasonal lighting inspiration
| Season | Character | Lighting ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fresh and functional | Warm white base lighting, subtle string lights, accent lighting on plants and walls |
| Summer | Bold and sociable | Coloured light if you like (with smart lighting), extra string lights for a relaxed BBQ atmosphere |
| Autumn | Warm and rustic | Amber lighting, more lanterns, fire basket for light and warmth |
| Winter | Sleek and comfortable | Warm white light, understated winter lighting, extra spotlights in the canopy |
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake 1: Too little task lighting. You can't cook in the dark. Invest in good task lighting first before you start on ambient lighting.
Mistake 2: Too much light – more isn't always better. Too many lights make things feel restless. Build in layers and dim where possible.
Mistake 3: Wrong IP rating. An indoor light won't survive a Dutch winter outdoors. Always check the IP rating.
Mistake 4: Light shining in your eyes – position lights so they shine downwards or sideways, not straight into your guests' eyes.
Mistake 5: Everything on one switch – you don't always want all the lights on. Spread your lighting over several switches or circuits.