Brighten Your Outdoor Patio With These 4 Lighting Ideas
Fun after the sun.
The only thing that makes summer even better is getting to stay outside for as long as possible. While you're dusting off the patio furniture, it's a great time to look at some additional outdoor lighting so that you can maximise the hours you spend relaxing outside. Below we walk you through our top four ways to add a warm glow to your outdoor space.
1. Illuminate With Wall Lights
Wall lights are an essential part of our outdoor spaces. While these lights serve the practical purpose of lighting up our back gardens, patios and porches, wall lights also bring us safety and peace of mind by highlighting shadowy corners. This is because a wall light can be installed on any wall and you don't need overhead space for it, making it perfect for dark spots.
The type of wall light you use for your patio lighting ideas depends on the style you want to infuse into your outdoor space. A fisherman light will cast a defined downward glow and, because of its galvanized-metal appearance, it looks great in farmhouse and rustic homes. Choose an armed sconce light for a modern and contemporary detail; the seeded glass styles are trending now. If you're looking for a traditional outdoor light, opt for a bronze or metal wall lantern. These lanterns fit seamlessly into any style.
Wall lights can be placed on any outdoor wall area. If you plan to mount your wall light somewhere that gets direct water exposure, make sure to select a light with a wet location rating. If you're mounting the light on a covered patio or porch, it's okay to choose a light with a damp location rating.
Ceiling lights make a great addition to patios that come with low ceilings. These lights sit directly on the ceiling, so you won't have to worry about anyone having to duck out the way to avoid the light fixture. Ceiling lights provide the same amount of light as a hanging light; they just don't take up as much space. Ceiling lights also have a cool, contemporary-meets-minimalist style and come in a variety of finishes including bronze, brass, silver, copper and more.
Pendant lights are perfect for covered outdoor areas, patios and porches. A pendant light will define your space, whether you want to hang a large pendant over a seating area or place twin lanterns above the dining area. This patio lighting idea can guide your guests to where the fun is.
Choose a finish that will contrast well with the patio furniture nearest to your lights. We suggest a brass or bronze finish to pair with wood dining furniture. Or match the light fixture with a seating area for an elevated look. Pairing a woven pendant light with woven furniture will give your patio the right stylish aesthetic just in time for warm weather.
When choosing a hanging light, it's important to consider whether you want lantern style or pendant style. A lantern light will cast a larger ray of light, because their bulbs are fully on display. Lantern lights are great for seating areas, because they can highlight more of your outdoor space. With a pendant light, you will get a smaller ray but more concentrated light. Most pendants cast their light strictly downward; this makes pendants great for dining spaces because they can easily brighten up the tabletop.
Make sure to hang the hanging light at least 2m or higher above the patio floor and no lower than 75 – 90cm above a table.
Refresh your outdoor space with a few lanterns. Outdoor lanterns add a cosy and inviting glow wherever you place them. Set a few on your dining table to create a well-lit place to enjoy meals with your family or friends. After dinner, simply pick up the lanterns and bring them over to your outdoor sofa or chaise lounges to brighten up the area. Lanterns are one of the all-around best patio lighting ideas, as you can change up their placement throughout the year. Set lanterns around the fire pit during autumn, bring them inside as decoration for the festive season and then use them on your patio for spring and summer.
Tip: For more ways to add lighting to your home, take a look at these articles:
- Optimise Your Outdoor Lighting
- The Ultimate Guide to Installing Outdoor Lighting
- Your Go-To Guide for Everything Lighting
