If there’s one thing the past few years has taught us, it’s to embrace relaxing and entertaining in our backyards and front porches. As the days get longer and the temperatures warmer, you can enhance your enjoyment of your “outdoor living room” with some well-placed lighting fixtures.
First, Set the Scene
Check out your curb appeal. If you haven’t changed your outdoor lighting fixtures since you moved in – and it’s been on your to-do list for a while – now is the time to do it. Are your current lighting fixtures dated? Do they show signs of wear? Is the finish tarnished or pitted? If you answered yes to any of these questions, know that there are so many affordable lantern options today that combine fashion with function, so don’t settle for boring!
Make sure your street address is clearly visible in the evening so guests and delivery drivers can locate your house easily. You can do this with an illuminated address sign near the front door or by having a light shine on the house number.
Speaking of guests and deliveries, do you have an illuminated path leading to the front door to reduce the risk of trips or falls? There are many styles of decorative path lights on the market.
Is there enough light at the front door for guests to be seen easily before you open the door – and without them getting glare in their eyes?
There is usually not enough light in one (or more) of these important outdoor areas. Your goal is to have balanced, even light that combines style with safety.
Covered Porches
If you have a covered porch with room for seating, upgrade the comfort level with new furniture and lighting. Installing a ceiling fan will allow you to enjoy the outdoors with a perpetual soft breeze in the heat of summer. If you’d like the benefit of added illumination, consider a ceiling fan that has an integrated light kit.
Be sure to check for a “damp-“ or “wet”-location listing before selecting your fan. A ”damp” rating means the ceiling fan can be installed in covered areas, such as your covered porch or a bathroom. A “wet” rating means the fan can be installed in an area with direct exposure to rain, such as a pergola or a wood beam.
You cannot safely operate an indoor-rated fan in a damp or wet environment.
Raised Decks
Having a deck for outdoor entertaining offers a lot of lighting opportunities for extending the activity well into the evening.
There should be a lighting fixture next to the door to provide light at the threshold so you can step out confidently. Depending on the length of the deck, more wall lights may be needed to prevent shadows that will make the deck space look smaller.
If there are stairs leading from the ground to the deck, accent lighting fixtures – such as tape light under the railing or step lights along each stair – allow residents and guests to navigate steps safely. If you’d like to create mood lighting for ambiance, string lights can be hung over the deck for a café vibe.
When purchasing string lights, look for a wet-location label. As with ceiling fans, indoor-rated string lights are not safe to use outdoors.
On the Patio
By extending your roof over the patio, you can create an outdoor living space! With a ceiling, you can create an indoor living room aesthetic by installing outdoor-rated ceiling fans, Fan D’Liers and chandeliers. To complete the room effect, anchor the space with outdoor-rated rugs and stylish furniture.
Finish the look with candles on the table. Having light at various levels creates a warm ambiance and offers instant coziness — just what you’re looking for when casually entertaining or relaxing at the end of the day.
If you don’t have a ceiling over your patio, consider adding a pergola. It takes less commitment and money than extending the roof while still giving you the flexibility to install wet-rated lights.
If you have an open patio and a pergola isn’t in the cards, you can still create an outdoor living room look with an outdoor rug, luxurious furniture and portable lanterns or candles.
Whether your outdoor entertaining occurs on the front porch, a back deck or a patio, don’t forget the impact of landscape lighting! It’s a great way to highlight trees and shrubs or garden beds. Not only does it provide visual interest, but when placed close to the perimeter of a property, it makes the yard seem larger too.
Get everything you need to make your outdoor living bright and beautiful at LightsOnline.
