4 Deck Lighting Trends For Your Next Project

Do you feel like it's tough to keep up with the latest and greatest trends in deck lighting? Homeowners are looking for professionals who can offer innovative, high-quality lighting solutions for their outdoor spaces. Failing to keep up with deck lighting trends and innovations can result in missed opportunities to grow your business and build your reputation as an expert in your area.
We’re sharing the top deck lighting trends that our in-siders are installing right now, so you can secure more jobs with these ideas. These designs use some of our favorite outdoor lighting styles in new ways to create eye-catching and modern looks. Let's dive in!
1. Deck Inlay Designs
If you’ve been hired to build a new deck, consider incorporating lighting with an inlay design by adding deck boards in various colors, textures, and angles to create a visually captivating pattern. Add an additional layer of depth to this special feature by using recessed lights. You can install them to create a specific geometric shape in the deck boards, or in a way that creates a formation.
Try This: Used deck inlay designs with low-voltage lighting to highlight specific areas of a deck or patio. By installing recessed lights in a specific pattern, you can draw attention to a particular feature or element, such as a seating area or a water feature. This will create a focal point in your layout space that’s both functional and visually appealing. The growing trend of homeowners seeking unique and personalized outdoor spaces is one of the reasons why inlay deck lighting designs are so popular. You have the ability to create custom designs using recessed lights and can work with your client’s personal style to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor space.
Use This: HYVE WARM Recessed Light
The HYVE fixtures are eye-catching and will add a touch of sparkle to any outdoor space. The honeycomb lens is what makes the light extra shiny and bright. These recessed lights come in three different models and work great on paths, decks, and driveways. You're gonna love 'em!
2. Covered Deck Spotlights
We always say that the key to a well-lit deck is to use different fixtures and shadow effects to create layers and depth within the space. WINDECK understood the assignment when designing the deck pictured above. They installed the SCOPE outdoor LED spotlight on the ceiling of the pergola to cast downlighting throughout the entire structure. The SCOPE fixtures paired together with the magic of the EVO FLEX line lighting create a WOW factor.
Try This: Instead of installing recessed lights in the overhead beams of a covered deck or pergola, go for the bold look and the soft glow of an in-lite spotlight. Consider mixing and matching different sizes of ceiling lights to add depth and highlight specific areas of the deck, such as a bar or seating section. Installing both large and small spotlights will create a more balanced lighting effect.
Use This: SCOPE CEILING Downlight
The in-lite SCOPE CEILING spot is perfect for outdoor use, like under an overhang or pergola. The KILLFLASH 2 with honeycomb structure makes the light focused and not too bright on the eyes.
3. Angled Recessed Lights

Install a recessed light, with a twist! Angled recessed lights can be installed at a slant, rather than flush with the surface, allowing the light to be directed at a specific target. This type of outdoor light produces a wide, focused beam of light that is perfect for highlighting specific elements in an area. By directing the light at a specific angle, you can create a dramatic effect that draws the eye to a feature, such as a tree or wall.
Try This: Install a couple of angled recessed lights on your next deck that shine onto a feature wall with a unique design element. The light will highlight the focal point, making it a perfect centerpiece.
Use This: LUNA Recessed Light
Meet LUNA (Light Under 'n Angle). Its sloping LED spotlight shines where it is needed.
These lights can be installed in stone patios, walkways, or decks, to point at elements like fences, bushes, walls, and trees. You can create subtle accent lighting or dramatic spotlighting, depending on the angle and placement of the light.
4. The “Starry Night” Pattern
This trend has been around for a while now, but we’ve included it in this list because it is a foolproof way to add some dazzle to your deck projects. The "starry night" effect, created with recessed outdoor lights, is a lighting design technique that aims to mimic the appearance of a starry sky. This effect is achieved by installing small recessed lights of various sizes in a deck, patio, or pathway. The lights are spaced out in a way that creates the illusion of stars, resulting in a magical and dreamy atmosphere. The starry night effect is a popular, and timeless, style that adds a touch of enchantment to any setting.
Try This: Consider going vertical with your starry night pattern. Add this effect using soft recessed lights in a privacy wall on or next to your next deck project. This will create a stunning visual effect that is sure to impress your clients and their guests. It's a great way to add some extra charm and personality to an outdoor space and enhance its overall ambiance.
Use This: FUSION 22
The FUSION 22 is the softest light from in-lite, thanks to its diffused lens. Using this fixture will create the dreamy effect you’re looking for in a star pattern. The FUSION gives off a warm white light and comes in a light, dark, and RVS (rust-free steel) option. Click here to see the differences between in-lite’s 22 and 22 RVS recessed light fixtures.
“Personal Favorite | Love this fixture. Blends seamlessly into the walkway during the day and brings an amazing effect at night!!!” - Val K, Verified Buyer
Low-voltage outdoor lighting has come a long way in recent years, with new technology and designs making it easier than ever to create stunning lighting effects. That's why we're constantly pushing the boundaries and innovating to develop new and exciting products. As a professional, it’s essential to keep up with current trends and the latest lighting installation styles if you want to grow your business and boost your lighting installation sales.
In addition to trying out these trends in your next deck project, make sure you’re also using the latest in SMART lighting technology. Become an in-sider to get the latest and greatest product updates, including details on our color-changing SMART TONE lights coming soon. Or, contact us at info@in-lite.com or +1-833-472-9960 for more information on the program.