Summer is the time for parties and barbeques so make sure your outdoor patio space is ready!
Summer is full of sunshine and fun, and most people can agree that it is the best season of the year. While you are filling your calendar with plans for getting together with friends and family, you might be running into a problem. What lighting should you use? Let us help you style your outdoor space with the best lighting design for you!
Patio Ceiling Lighting
A favorite fixture to use in outdoor ceiling applications is pendants. Easy to install and having the option to pair them with antique filament bulbs makes them attractive in many spaces! Hanging lanterns like our Howell Lantern are a popular choice because their rustic shape matches the outdoor setting. However, if you want a sleeker design then fixtures like the Aurelie Pendant would a beautiful option.
While you might not think of chandeliers for outdoor spaces, surprisingly many of them are rated for outdoor use. They bring a touch of elegance and when paired with candle-shaped bulbs can maintain the outdoor atmosphere. Chandeliers are especially useful if you have patio furniture because it can be centered above a table creating a dining room area. A favorite for this is our Stella Mira Chandelier with its sphere shape providing an airy touch.
Ceiling fans are of course a great option especially for states where it gets unbearably hot in the summertime. They are an excellent way to keep the air moving making it more comfortable to stay in one spot for a long time. Some outdoor fans, like the Lafayette Fan, even come with lighting kits so that they have the option of being used with or without light. They can usually be seen on porches but can also be used in patio or gazebo spaces.
String lights are especially gorgeous in overhead applications. For patios that do not have a ceiling, they can be used to create that illusion. They can often be seen strung along rafters which is an easy way to provide ambiance as well as keep with the symmetrical flow of the space. If you are lucky enough to have a tree close to or over your sitting area, string lights wound through the branches will give you the perfect blend of light and nature.
Patio Wall Lighting
Sconces are a great way to light up dark corners and their small size makes them perfect for smaller spaces. They can be positioned on either side of doors or windows, or they can be strategically placed around seating areas. If you are wanting a simple design, outdoor sconces like the Valley Forge Wall Lantern would be a perfect option. If your style is more decorative, then our Santa Fe Lantern is a beautiful fixture that would look amazing in any space.
String lights are also extremely popular for outdoor wall spaces. With their unlimited potential and vintage appeal, it is no wonder why people love them! They can be used for wall applications by draping them across a solid wall, which is especially attractive is it’s a brick wall. Or if you have fencing they can be wound around the posts which will surround the space in warm light. If you use fairy string lights hanging them in a curtain will turn a boring wall into the accent of the room.
Another great way to light up your fencing is post top lanterns. They can easily be installed to each corner of the fence creating the perfect atmosphere inside. They can even be placed on posts that can light up walkways! Outdoor post top lamps are a favorite way to bring the street lighting aesthetic to your home.
Patio Tabletop Lighting
Everyone knows that when in doubt use more candles! Whether they are arranged in a group of different sizes or paired with a decorative holder, candles are the best way to get the warm glow you want. We offer several styles of flameless candles and most of them come with a timer making sure you get the best use out of them.
A popular centerpiece design is lanterns paired with candles or even vintage light bulbs. Lanterns are great for spaces that need a little extra something. If steps are leading up to your outdoor area and you don’t want to install step lights, you can line the edges with lanterns of varying sizes.
Another easy way to light up your table is by using votive candles with glass holders. This idea is best for smaller dining tables as they won’t take up a lot of space. You can use the popular Mason jars, or you can use wine bottles for an Italian restaurant feel.
Patios are the best places to hold gatherings, so you want your lighting there to be warm and inviting. So, create your perfect outdoor space and start your summer off the right way!
