8 Great Shed Lighting Ideas That Uplift & Enhance the Experience

At Patiowell, we offer the finest metal and plastic sheds for all manner of outdoor purposes. Today, we're looking at ways to ensure you get the most out of them 24/7. What we mean by that is that we're going to examine some great shed lighting ideas that can uplift and enhance this useful outdoor space.

The great news is that there are plenty of outdoor shed lighting options to consider that don't have to cost the earth. However, before we get into specifics, let's first investigate the wisdom of adding a lighting solution to the shed in your yard.

Why Should You Consider These Shed Lighting Ideas?

So, why should you think about using any of the shed lighting ideas we're about to cover? Well, firstly, there's the important aspect of safety. Any kind of outdoor shed can be pretty dark inside - even during the day and this can make it very difficult to see anything at all.

Finding anything in complete or near darkness can be dangerous. You risk injuring yourself by tripping or falling, and there's no telling what sharp garden tools or other items you might fall on. The truth is that even in low-light conditions, there's a danger of harm.

Improved Functionality no Matter the Hour

Another big reason to seriously consider outdoor shed lighting ideas is that they allow you to enjoy the freedom and functionality sheds provide at any hour of the day. For instance, if you're lucky enough to have a spacious 10’ x 12’ metal shed you like to use for DIY woodwork, some good shed lighting will let you indulge your passion even after the sun has gone down.

Lastly, there's convenience. With the right lighting, you can find what you're looking for much more quickly, rather than having to rummage around. Whichever way you look at it, having shed lighting available offers a better shed-owning experience.

Shed Lighting Ideas for a Range of Activities

Now that we fully understand the reasons why getting some good shed illumination installed is beneficial, let's spend some time examining those shed lighting ideas that we promised you.

Option #1 - Natural Lighting

The first shed lighting option is to simply allow natural light to enter the structure and allow you to see what you’re doing during the day. Light can pour in through the windows of models like the Fit It 8 x 12 plastic storage shed or through skylights and translucent roof panels. Another option would be to position the entrance of your shed towards the sun to get the necessary illumination at certain times of the day.

However, you will find many sheds that don’t have any windows, such as the 10 x 10 Metal Shed Pro and modifying them to add them or skylights can be tricky. In this case, it might be better to choose one of the other seven lighting options.

Option #2 - LED Strip Lights

The next shed illumination option we look at the LED strip light, which is known to be much more energy-efficient than traditional light bulbs. Consisting of flexible strips with LED bulbs embedded within them, they’re very easy to stick to ceilings, shelves or walls thanks to the adhesive they have on the back.

One of the best features of this kind of shed lighting is that anyone can install it and there are virtually no tools needed. They also often run on batteries, are kind to the wallet and available in a range of colours and brightnesses, meaning you can create the setup you need for a relatively small investment.

Option #3 - Solar-Powered Shed Lights

Solar-powered shed lighting technologies need no power at all to work - except that which comes from the sun. This option is a little pricier than some due to the need for a solar battery, but any upfront cost is offset by the fact that you won’t have to use your home’s electricity or buy batteries to run it.

It's one of the most ecologically sound shed lighting ideas available, too, as sunlight gets stored in your solar battery for use later, and they’re easier than you might think to install. Just mount the solar panel in a sunny location and connect it to your shed lights. The only issue with this option is that the sun has to be out often enough to provide sufficient power.

Option #4 - Battery-Operated Puck Lights

Another really easy-to-install option to give you the light you need in your shed is the battery-operated puck light. As its name suggests, it’s shaped exactly like a hockey puck and is typically powered by either AA or AAA batteries. They’re great for enclosed spaces like sheds and attaching them is as easy as finding a suitable flat surface and peeling off the adhesive backing.

These puck lights usually contain 3-4 small white LED bulbs which focus light on a small area. That means you'll need between 6-10 puck lights for an average-sized shed if you intend to do work inside (as you'll need at least 300 lumens). The only downside is the number of batteries you might need to buy on a period basis, as standard alkaline batteries will last between 30-60 hours.

Option #5 - Motion Sensor Lights

Motion-detecting outside lights are nothing new for homeowners, and they’ve historically been used for security purposes. However, they can also be installed in your shed for a rather convenient way to give yourself illumination for short periods.

With systems like this installed, you simply walk into your shed, the light comes on, you get what you need, and you come out again. The great thing about this type of shed lighting (which can be regular or LED bulbs for extra efficiency) is that it only goes on when you need it to, saving you energy.

The sole drawback of this option compared to other outdoor shed lighting ideas is that it can be triggered falsely by insects and vibrations from the outside (such as when a car drives by). Also, if you set the time duration too low, the lights can go off while you’re still inside!

Option #6 - String Lights

Similar in nature to the decorative lights you get for Christmas trees, string lights can be hung around your shed with its flexible wire. The difference with outdoor string lights is that they're more durable and weather-resistant. They tend to come with just white LED bulbs inside, and installation can be as easy as attaching them with nails, hooks, or adhesive clips (depending on the shed you have).

Some types of string lights can give you enough ambient light to find items in your shed or to spend an hour or two on your workbench - depending on the product.

Option #7 - Lanterns and Candles

How about an option that blends the charm of traditional lanterns with modern LED technology? Offering a warm, ambiance glow that’s reminiscent of oil lamps of old, LED lanterns and candles can be switched on and carried wherever you need to go outside - including your shed. They create plenty of illumination and require zero installation or upkeep.

Unlike their olden-day versions, LED candle lanterns are cool to the touch and use very little power - meaning that the batteries inside will last for a very long time. This is an aesthetically pleasing option to think about, but it’s not terribly practical if you intend to do work in your shed over a long period, as they don’t typically provide enough light over a wide enough area for this kind of activity.

Option #8 - Clamp-On Work Lights

The last of our shed lighting ideas will be familiar to anyone who likes to work on their car in their garage. The clamp-on worklight is a practical, versatile, and portable option that allows you to position it exactly where it's needed. Again, no installation is needed, and they’re usually easily bright enough for most types of shed-based activity, but they are often mains-powered (so a power outlet is needed).

It’s a durable choice that also works with LED or energy-efficient bulbs and can be fixed in any desired position with its integrated grip. It's no surprise that clamp-on work lights are a popular choice for shed owners who like to spend hours working inside!

Enjoy the Best Shed Experiences With Patiowell

So, as we can see, there are many outdoor shed lighting ideas to choose from and the right one for you depends on what you use your shed for. If it’s just for storage and your lighting requirements are fairly limited, then perhaps a puck light or two or a candle lantern might be the best choice. However, if you’re a keen DIY-er who likes to work in your shed, strip lights or clamp-on work lights might be best.

Another important choice you need to make is the type of shed you have - as it can have a big influence on the experience. At Patiowell, you’ll find a great selection of top-quality metal and plastic sheds that can help you get the most from your yard. Take a quick look around, and you’ll see sheds that suit every need, as well as high-quality deck boxes and more.

Alternatively, to speak directly to our team about making a purchase, don't hesitate to get in touch with us by entering your details into our contact form. As soon as we receive your enquiry, we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 - What is the best lighting for a shed?

That very much depends on you and what you use your shed for. If you’re using your shed for storage only, then a puck light, motion sensor light or LED candle light might be the best option. On the other hand, if you like to work in your shed, a clamp-on work light, LED light strips, string lights or solar powered lights might be a better choice.

Q2 - How do you illuminate a shed?

You can either illuminate your shed with a battery powered or solar powered lighting system quite easily. When choosing mains-powered shed lighting, you’ll need to supply your shed with an external weatherproof power outlet.

Q3 - How do you get natural light in a shed?

You can get natural light into your shed when you have windows, skylights, or translucent roof panels installed. Options like the Kick-it 8x12 Plastic Shed Pro have windows that give you sufficient light to see what you’re doing when inside.

Q4 - How many lumens do I need to light a shed?

The answer depends on the activity. If you just need ambient lighting in order to find something, 50 lumens should be enough. However, if you’re working on a bench, you’ll need around 300 lumens to be provided.