How to Combine Fire Features & Landscape Lighting for Maximum Impact
Fire & Light: Part two of a three part series—Fire and light should work together, creating an immersive atmosphere that invites conversation, relaxation, and unforgettable nights outdoors. Here’s how to get it right.
Picture a cool spring night, a crackling fire, and the perfect glow of landscape lighting—it’s the recipe for an outdoor space that feels as good as it looks. But here’s the mistake most homeowners make: they assume the fire alone is enough. Sure, flames are mesmerizing, but they don’t provide enough light for entertaining or safety. Worse, when paired with the wrong lighting, the effect can be harsh, uneven, or just plain awkward.
Let Fire Take the Spotlight, but Not the Job
Balance the Glow
Fire is a statement piece. Whether it’s a fire pit, fireplace, or modern fire bowl, the flames create instant ambiance. But if you rely only on firelight, you’ll end up with:
Harsh shadows that make faces look ghostly (not ideal for an intimate gathering).
Uneven lighting where one side of the space glows and the other fades into darkness.
Functional issues—because good luck finding your drink or navigating stairs in the flickering half-light.
How to Fix It
Indirect lighting that softly enhances the fire without competing with it. Think warm-wash lighting on surrounding walls, subtle path lights, or gentle uplighting in nearby landscaping.
Moonlighting from above (mounted in trees or pergolas) for a natural, diffused glow that mimics soft moonlight.
Under-seat lighting to ensure guests can move comfortably without disturbing the cozy ambiance.
Pro Tip: 2700K-3000K is the sweet spot for fire-friendly lighting. Any cooler and you risk clashing with the fire’s natural warmth.
Fire Features Need a Supporting Cast
A fire pit alone is great, but when it’s part of a complete lighting design, it becomes a true centerpiece.
How to Make It Shine
Framing the Space: Bordering fire pits with low-voltage landscape lights or recessed lighting in stonework subtly defines the area.
Uplighting Trees & Walls: Adding soft lighting around the fire draws the eye outward, preventing the “floating fire effect” where everything beyond the flames disappears into darkness.
Fire and Water: Fire bowls alongside softly lit water features create a high-end, resort-like ambiance.
Real-World Example:
One of our clients had a gorgeous modern fire pit, but without proper lighting, the seating area felt detached from the rest of the yard. We added under-cap lighting beneath the stone seating, a soft uplight on the nearby trees, and a subtle wash light to bring depth. The result? A seamless, inviting outdoor retreat.
Photo: Custom-built brick fire pit with integrated wall lighting in a lush backyard setting. Soft landscape lighting enhances the surrounding greenery, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.
Fire & Lighting Should Work With Your Eyes, Not Against Them
Avoid the Glare
Ever sit around a fire pit only to be blinded by a nearby floodlight? Instant mood killer. The key is subtlety and placement.
Avoid:
Direct, bright lights near the fire (they’ll overpower the natural flicker).
Cold, blue-toned LEDs that clash with fire’s warm glow.
Overly bright path lighting—keep it low, diffused, and gentle.
Do This Instead:
Use spread and wash lighting for soft, even illumination that enhances, not competes.
Keep light levels low—think candlelight, not stadium floodlights.
Angle lights properly to prevent glare while still defining key areas.
Pro Tip: A well-lit fire feature should look effortless. If guests can’t pinpoint where the extra light is coming from, you’ve done it right.
Set the Mood & Elevate Your Experience
Light the Fire
Your backyard should be a place of connection, relaxation, and effortless entertaining. The right lighting doesn’t just complement fire—it completes the experience.
At NatureScape, we design outdoor lighting that enhances, not overpowers. Whether you have an existing fire feature or are planning a full backyard transformation, we make sure your space glows with warmth, balance, and style.
Schedule a complimentary design consultation today, and let’s build the fire-lit outdoor retreat you’ve been dreaming of.
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